Many conversations have been held over the last week over how, or even if, the NBA finishes out its regular season and playoffs, little has been discussed about the other aspects of the NBA season that have been pushed back. Both free agency and the NBA Draft will be pushed back and their status is just as uncertain as the rest of the league.
The situation is particularly unique because all of the draft prospects will not only be in limbo with the rest of the league but will also be out of work until the league holds the draft.
During an interview with Rachel Nichols on his podcast The Lowe Post, ESPN’s Zach Lowe noted the questions surrounding the draft but, like with everything else going on, was unable to provide much clarity.
“Most people I talk to think they won’t have a draft until the season is over, whenever that is. I don’t know if that’s true. That’s just what people think. That’s just what they’ve heard. No one knows.”
For a player like LaMelo Ball, it could be a substantially long break. Ball’s last game played came in late November. Given how far the NBA schedule could be pushed back this season and how it may affect the start of the 2020-21 season, it could be more than a year between competitive games for Ball.
And he’s not the only one in that boat. James Wiseman last played for Memphis in mid-November and will also almost certainly go a year between games. RJ Hampton joined Ball in the NBL last season and also suffered a season-ending injury in mid-January. His delay may not be as long but will still be significant.
It’s all very unchartered waters for the league and the players in it or entering it. It’s also a no-win situation for all parties involved. Having players not playing games for more than a year isn’t great but it’s small potatoes compared to what else is going on in the world.
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