It appears the NBA will be ready to get their season re-started by the end of July, with all games being played in a controlled atmosphere in Orlando.
The NBA hasn’t officially announced all the key details of their re-start, including schedules and other key logistics for running a sports league during the coronavirus pandemic. However, Bucks Senior Vice President Alex Lasry tells WTMJ’s Steve Scaffidi that they are close.
“I’d imagine in the next week or so, all that’s going to get finalized,” Lasry predicts.
“The NBA needs to make sure they’ve thought through all the different scenarios, all the different safety precautions.”
No league has ever had to create such precautionary measures to protect the health of players an staff. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is leading that effort.
“The challenges are many. Luckily, we’ve got, in Adam Silver, one of the best commissioners in sports history. With him at the top leading this and figuring everything out, I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather have,” Lasry said.
“You have to figure out all the hotel rooms. What are the safety precautions? What happens if someone does test positive? Sports is an inherently contact thing, especially basketball. This virus transmits through contact. A ton of logistics and safety precautions are going to have to be thought of.”
Lasry also understands the need to have the 22 teams still in playoff contention each play eight regular season games before beginning the playoffs.
“We need to be able to have some games to get back in the flow,” Lasry says.
“What they’re going to do is make sure some games are played so that the standings are (set) and teams can make the playoffs, and give guys just a little bit of a warmup.”