The NBA schedule for the restarting season has been released to teams and players. The target start will be on July 30.
The 2019-2020 NBA season is hanging in the balance. Many players have aired out their concern about the “bubble” that the restarted season will make. They feel that restarting the season will take away focus on the pressing issue in the U.S.
Nonetheless, the NBA still released the schedule for the teams and players to factor in their plans to join the games.
NBA schedule factors in heavy health guidelines
The main focus of the restarted NBA season will be strict health guidelines. In line with this protocol, NBA teams will have to follow a strict moving-in schedule within the Disney World compound.
Not only that, but staff working within the compound will also have to follow stringent health safety rules. All working staff will have to wear masks all the time, and daily regular temperature checks.
Additionally, their contacts with the players and coaching staff will also be limited. Housekeeping and food service will even have stricter guidelines according to an insider who spoke with The Associated Press.
Tight NBA schedule
All participating teams will be required to have individual workouts within their practice gym. After the workouts, each team will have to fly in Disney World according to their set schedule of either July 6,7 or 8.
July 9 will mark the teams’ official start of the training camps. The camps will last until July 29 in time for the July 30 seeding games at Disney.
Between July 9 and July 29, July 22 will be a very crucial day for the restart of the NBA season. Here, all players will undergo the coronavirus testing 14 days after they arrive within the facility.
The seeding games will be held until August 14. After which, the traditional format of the Playoffs and the finals will follow beginning August 17 until October 13. Only a limited number of family and guests will be allowed to enter the compound starting August 30, which will be the season’s semi-finals.
Kyrie Irving, NBPA against restart
Kyrie Irving has been vocal about his stand against restarting the season. Also, many players have voiced their support against playing within the “bubble.”
Dwight Howard has also been vocal as of late. He said “I agree with Kyrie. Basketball, or entertainment period, isn’t needed at this moment, and will only be a distraction.”
The NBA promises that talks between the NBA and the NBPA will continue until such time that the issues are sorted out.
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