"We're going to Disney World!" NBA to resume season July 31 at WDW

DeJesus Built My Hotrod

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I can't operate in this space.

Instead, I am salivating at whatever competition comes next. Even if the NBA season is absolutely over, guys like Tatum, Luka, Ja, Zion, Mitchell (who had underrated improvement) and Bam all made leaps in their respective development. They each appear to make those around them better. There are also a bunch of other exciting young players who showed flashes too this year.

Imagine those types up against the stars and veterans, most of whom will be as well rested as they've been in years. I imagine all of these guys are ready to run through walls to play again.

The day the games start will be a joy for everyone. I bet Melo and Dwight and Rose - who all seem to love hooping - will be there for that too.
 

benhogan

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Endorsements aren't tied with a certain team though. If Nike told a guy, we'll pay you $20 million to wear our shoes and sign with a team I find it really hard to believe that would fly. I also feel like for campaign to even make any sense part of taking the 24m is that he'll sign with whatever team they choose for a far below market rate deal that's being subsidized by fans. If the fans say sign with a team that has no cap space, then he has to take whatever they can offer (plus the 24 million from fans).
see Patino. Louisville. Adidas
 

lovegtm

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I can't operate in this space.

Instead, I am salivating at whatever competition comes next. Even if the NBA season is absolutely over, guys like Tatum, Luka, Ja, Zion, Mitchell (who had underrated improvement) and Bam all made leaps in their respective development. They each appear to make those around them better. There are also a bunch of other exciting young players who showed flashes too this year.

Imagine those types up against the stars and veterans, most of whom will be as well rested as they've been in years. I imagine all of these guys are ready to run through walls to play again.

The day the games start will be a joy for everyone. I bet Melo and Dwight and Rose - who all seem to love hooping - will be there for that too.
I know the NBA is hell-bent on finishing this year's playoffs, and understandably so. It also looks like they'll have the testing capacity to do it.

If for SOME reason they couldn't, however, I'd kill to see the young stars divided up into a mini summer league and just go at each other.
 

johnmd20

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I know the NBA is hell-bent on finishing this year's playoffs, and understandably so. It also looks like they'll have the testing capacity to do it.

If for SOME reason they couldn't, however, I'd kill to see the young stars divided up into a mini summer league and just go at each other.
Why do a summer league, though? There won't be interest, thus there won't be much money. And how do you decide the contracts, anyway? It is not feasible.

And if they can play a summer league, they can do a normal league.
 

lovegtm

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Why do a summer league, though? There won't be interest, thus there won't be much money. And how do you decide the contracts, anyway? It is not feasible.

And if they can play a summer league, they can do a normal league.
I mean...there would definitely be massive interest if they had Luka/Tatum/Trey/Zion/Ja etc playing an intense tournament.

I mostly agree that if they could do a smaller tournament, they can do the normal playoffs. There are two caveats, however:

1. A non-normal tournament lets you sidestep the issue of "what the hell do you do if LeBron and AD both get sick." It's technically the same as an injury, but I can guarantee you it would feel weird/non-legitimate to have two likely asymptomatic superstars watching from the sidelines as Dwight, JaVale and co. get rolled out of the playoffs.

2. One of the biggest concerns currently isn't player health; it's the health of elderly coaches and staff. By doing things on a smaller and more voluntary basis, you can make some money and get fan interest while letting people with medical concerns fully opt out without pressure.

To be clear: I think we will have an NBA playoffs this year. My point is that, failing that, there are other permutations that would be within the bounds of normal safety expectations, generate significant revenue, and sidestep some thorny issues.
 

johnmd20

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I mean...there would definitely be massive interest if they had Luka/Tatum/Trey/Zion/Ja etc playing an intense tournament.

I mostly agree that if they could do a smaller tournament, they can do the normal playoffs. There are two caveats, however:

1. A non-normal tournament lets you sidestep the issue of "what the hell do you do if LeBron and AD both get sick." It's technically the same as an injury, but I can guarantee you it would feel weird/non-legitimate to have two likely asymptomatic superstars watching from the sidelines as Dwight, JaVale and co. get rolled out of the playoffs.

2. One of the biggest concerns currently isn't player health; it's the health of elderly coaches and staff. By doing things on a smaller and more voluntary basis, you can make some money and get fan interest while letting people with medical concerns fully opt out without pressure.

To be clear: I think we will have an NBA playoffs this year. My point is that, failing that, there are other permutations that would be within the bounds of normal safety expectations, generate significant revenue, and sidestep some thorny issues.
The interest wouldn't be massive, in my opinion. NBA fans would have massive interest, but NBA fans would watch regardless of what the product was.

If you're not an NBA fan, Luka and Tatum and "Trey" and Ja are unknown. Zion might be the only one who is known even a little bit. So for all the risks, doing that would be a massive undertaking without the same kind of upside that doing a playoffs would have. An exhibition doesn't actually matter.

So if they can do a mini tournament, they can do a playoffs. Ergo, they will do a playoffs.

I will say, I love that idea, it would be cool to watch. But that isn't happening. Either they DO it all in, or they don't bother. Going halfway isn't worth it.
 

Bernie Carbohydrate

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The interest wouldn't be massive, in my opinion. NBA fans would have massive interest, but NBA fans would watch regardless of what the product was.

If you're not an NBA fan, Luka and Tatum and "Trey" and Ja are unknown. Zion might be the only one who is known even a little bit. So for all the risks, doing that would be a massive undertaking without the same kind of upside that doing a playoffs would have. An exhibition doesn't actually matter.

So if they can do a mini tournament, they can do a playoffs. Ergo, they will do a playoffs.

I will say, I love that idea, it would be cool to watch. But that isn't happening. Either they DO it all in, or they don't bother. Going halfway isn't worth it.

I like the idea too, but if I'm the Pelicans there is no way I want my franchise cornerstone, already coming off a major injury, going all out in a meaningless tournament.
 

DJnVa

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Maybe renaming this thread as we start to see more smoke about a season restart?


View: https://twitter.com/KeithSmithNBA/status/1263150156163276802


Sources from Walt Disney World tell me: "We are confident we'll be hosting the NBA in some fashion. It may not be the entire league, but we believe the NBA will be here to at least finish part of their season. Still hurdles to cross, but we are preparing as if that is the case."


View: https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1263149599415549952


The NBA has Orlando/Disney World as a clear frontrunner for return-to-play site for resuming 2019-20 season, sources tell me and @sam_amick. Orlando has gained significant seriousness among other cites such as Las Vegas.
 

nighthob

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It would be hilarious if this were a 12 team tournament (with a round robin to open and the top eight moving on) and the other 18 teams being in the lottery with the top eight teams being chosen by ping pong balls. And Memphis landing #6, of course.
 

Ale Xander

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Seems the Magic have a competitive advantage here, (even without fans). Will they not be allowed to live at home? How many of the players live in Orlando in the off-season?
 

Papelbon's Poutine

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Seems the Magic have a competitive advantage here, (even without fans). Will they not be allowed to live at home? How many of the players live in Orlando in the off-season?
How? No they won't be allowed to live at home and who cares where they live? They'll all be in hotels, quarantined and coming off a mini-training camp.
 

johnmd20

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How? No they won't be allowed to live at home and who cares where they live? They'll all be in hotels, quarantined and coming off a mini-training camp.
Agreed, agreed, and agreed. What a spectacularly stupid post that was. Watch out, HUGE advantage for the Magic, with their impressive and intimidating 30-35 record.
 

ElUno20

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They should actually finish the meaningless regular season. It'd give them a pseudo preseason and some practice for how this will work going forward (and into next season).
 

nighthob

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Finishing the regular season would take them into September. A summer tournament for the top teams on the other hand, allows them to start the next season in a more timely fashion.
 

Red Averages

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It'll be interesting to see how the one location model changes typical behavior like days off in between games. I'm not sure if that favors younger teams, who can presumably play back-backs easier than older teams, or some of the chess matches between coaches in the 7 game series playoffs with less down time for strategy implementation.
 

reggiecleveland

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I am conflicted, on one hand it looked like the Lakers were going to win, so I was glad it was cancelled. (Yes I would trade a Bruins cup to deny the Lakers, and regular season less predictive in hockey)bu it would be nice to see hoops again.

Having visited WDW it had the facilities and space, but it is still in Florida, with all the craziness that entails. A few thousand people at least will have to be traveling in and out of the bubble froma less than stable environment that has not taken the virus very seriously. I expect, if this goes ahead there will be somebody getting infected.
 

Kliq

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Simmons read a listener's email on his podcast with Russillo that the NBA should sell 25-50 tickets to the known NBA rich guy super fans for $10 million each, to give them exclusive access to the playoff games and let them be in the hotels with the players, giving them the ultimate rich guy experience. The tickets would raise $250-$500 million in revenue that would hopefully stabilize the CBA.
 

DJnVa

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A few thousand people at least will have to be traveling in and out of the bubble froma less than stable environment that has not taken the virus very seriously. I expect, if this goes ahead there will be somebody getting infected.
The NBA seems, above all the leagues, super careful and smart about what it does. If they are willing to do this, then I think your concerns about Florida "not taking the virus seriously" are overblown. I'm sure the NBA has a lot more info than we do.

Secondly, of course someone will get infected. If you're thinking anything other than 0 infections is a failure then there's no way any place will work.
 

Ale Xander

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NBA Board of Governors conference call on restarting will take place next Friday, per Marc Lasry (Bucks co-owner)
 

FanRoy

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I am conflicted, on one hand it looked like the Lakers were going to win, so I was glad it was cancelled. (Yes I would trade a Bruins cup to deny the Lakers, and regular season less predictive in hockey)bu it would be nice to see hoops again.

Having visited WDW it had the facilities and space, but it is still in Florida, with all the craziness that entails. A few thousand people at least will have to be traveling in and out of the bubble froma less than stable environment that has not taken the virus very seriously. I expect, if this goes ahead there will be somebody getting infected.
I sense a tone of derision.

Out of curiosity, when you talk down to us here in Central Florida from your high perch, saying we don't take this threat seriously, is it because...... we've done a much better job than most of the rest of the country "containing" this virus? 10x lower rate than average in this country and in a fairly major metropolitan area with millions and millions of international visitors each year. Maybe it's not up to your standards, but that's pretty good by all accounts. Amongst my friends are doctors, hospital program administrators, and ICU nurses, and none of them have seen anything to refute the numbers being reported in this particular area.

But, if you know better...
 

Smokey Joe

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I sense a tone of derision.

Out of curiosity, when you talk down to us here in Central Florida from your high perch, saying we don't take this threat seriously, is it because...... we've done a much better job than most of the rest of the country "containing" this virus? 10x lower rate than average in this country and in a fairly major metropolitan area with millions and millions of international visitors each year. Maybe it's not up to your standards, but that's pretty good by all accounts. Amongst my friends are doctors, hospital program administrators, and ICU nurses, and none of them have seen anything to refute the numbers being reported in this particular area.

But, if you know better...
It's not Orlando, it's Florida.

https://www.tampabay.com/news/health/2020/05/19/florida-health-department-officials-told-manager-to-delete-coronavirus-data-before-reassigning-her-emails-show/
https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/danvergano/florida-arizona-georgia-coronavirus-data-censorship
https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/20/opinions/florida-confusing-covid-19-sepkowitz/index.html
 

DJnVa

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The first story you posted was already debunked.

Can we take the politics of Florida's COVID response elsewhere?
 

Marciano490

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Simmons read a listener's email on his podcast with Russillo that the NBA should sell 25-50 tickets to the known NBA rich guy super fans for $10 million each, to give them exclusive access to the playoff games and let them be in the hotels with the players, giving them the ultimate rich guy experience. The tickets would raise $250-$500 million in revenue that would hopefully stabilize the CBA.
That’d be a horrible look, but it’s a lot of money. I’d assume you’d also have to vet the fans selected before linking their names to the NBA’s.
 

bankshot1

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Simmons read a listener's email on his podcast with Russillo that the NBA should sell 25-50 tickets to the known NBA rich guy super fans for $10 million each, to give them exclusive access to the playoff games and let them be in the hotels with the players, giving them the ultimate rich guy experience. The tickets would raise $250-$500 million in revenue that would hopefully stabilize the CBA.
I'm not sure thats a great look as depression level unemployment and kids are going hungry all over the country. But its entirely possible that once fans are allowed back to all sporting events, "social distancing pricing" will eventually prevail, ( a sellout might be 5,000 for the Celts/Bruins, 12,000 for the Sox, 20,000 for the Pats) and tickets will only be affordable for the affluent.
 

Ale Xander

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A lot of these rich superfans are old. Nicholson is 83. Cannon is 83. Spike is 63. Celtics guy whose name escapes me is in his 60's. Not sure above is a good idea.
 

Kliq

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That’d be a horrible look, but it’s a lot of money. I’d assume you’d also have to vet the fans selected before linking their names to the NBA’s.
It was mentioned as a half-serious idea, but Simmons elaborates that there are these guys that are big NBA fans that fly to every Finals games, and that they would really want this bragging right that they were invited to be apart of this super exclusive event. I don't think we are talking about Jack Nicholson and Spike Lee here, I think we are talking about these quiet billionaires that you have to be kind of connected in the NBA to know.

You could donate a portion of the funds to COVID-19 relief to avoid some of the PR hit. In theory it doesn't have to be a big public announcement, just send the invites out to the guys and see who takes the bait. I
 

Red Averages

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Has it leaked out how the broadcasts will deal with the optics of zero fans? Green screens? Pumped in noise? I have to think the solution will either be VERY cool (mimics the real set you) or VERY awful (so fake) with little middle ground.
 

bankshot1

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there are these guys that are big NBA fans that fly to every Finals games, and that they would really want this bragging right that they were invited to be apart of this super exclusive event

The first and last Marie Antoinette "Let them eat cake" NBA Finals.

The blowback would be massive.

I could see the team owners inviting a select group of guests to attend the event, but the optics of a multi-million dollar auction of tickets to the uber-wealthy is these times, are XXX-rated obscene.

A much better look is giving the doctors and nurses and first responders who put their lives on the line to make Amercia safe for basketball again, free tickets.
 

nighthob

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At this point the general public is so starved for professional sports that they’re just not going to give a shit how the NBA pays for the games just so long as they’re played. The only people pitching fits will be the denizens of the Twitter Sewerverse and the sorts of people that say that their favorite player is LeBron Durant.
 

DeJesus Built My Hotrod

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Adam Silver doesn't strike me as the type of person who wants any of the blowback that might come from letting wealthy fans attend games in the midst of a pandemic as well as a recession. Regardless of how much money it might make, the optics are horrible and I suspect people will care, even if even casual fans are desperate for sports.

Also, the logistics mean the league almost certainly has to assign more bodies to manage the superfans. What happens if any of the extra staff get sick? Do you force them to quarantine prior to the games too and then stay at the facilities? This is not to mention the normal stuff that might cause issues for the league if a fan got hurt or did something stupid etc.

IMO, Sprtsguy33 is talking his book here and I don't blame him for the sentiment.
 

ElUno20

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Has it leaked out how the broadcasts will deal with the optics of zero fans? Green screens? Pumped in noise? I have to think the solution will either be VERY cool (mimics the real set you) or VERY awful (so fake) with little middle ground.
I know most dont watch futbol but it's not really an issue not having fans. It's not odd and you get hear a lot of the talk between players. Adds some grit and authenticity to the product.


Rumors on the web today, the rest of the regular season would be all day events, summer league style. Burning through the schedule as much as possible. This is what i was referring to upthread. Use the rest of the season as a preseason/warmup.

All the talk of going straight to the playoffs or a special tournament are just madness to me. These dudes wouldnt have played in like 4 months when they come back.
 
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DeJesus Built My Hotrod

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I know most dont watch futbol but it's not really an issue not having fans. It's not odd and you get hear a lot of the talk between players. Adds some grit and authenticity to the product.


Rumors on the web today, the rest of the regular season would be all day events, summer league style. Burning through the schedule as much as possible. This is what i was referring to upthread. Use the rest of the season as a preseason/warmup.

All the talk of going straight to the playoffs or a special tournament are just madness to me. These dudes wouldnt have played in like 4 months when they come back.
I am prefacing this post to straight up inform you that I am giving you a hard time. However this post reads like its from the fan of a contending team who will likely look much different next year given chemistry issues likely stemming from the rumors that the top two stars never attend practice.

I would hate it too if the Grizzlies or Blazers eliminated my top three team in an NBA tournament.

What are the incentives for teams who are already eliminated from post season play? What happens if one of those guys gets sick or blows out an ACL playing out the string so that Keto Harden can pad his numbers? So many questions...
 

JCizzle

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I am prefacing this post to straight up inform you that I am giving you a hard time. However this post reads like its from the fan of a contending team who will likely look much different next year given chemistry issues likely stemming from the rumors that the top two stars never attend practice.

I would hate it too if the Grizzlies or Blazers eliminated my top three team in an NBA tournament.

What are the incentives for teams who are already eliminated from post season play? What happens if one of those guys gets sick or blows out an ACL playing out the string so that Keto Harden can pad his numbers? So many questions...
In one word: Money!
 

ElUno20

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I am prefacing this post to straight up inform you that I am giving you a hard time. However this post reads like its from the fan of a contending team who will likely look much different next year given chemistry issues likely stemming from the rumors that the top two stars never attend practice.

I would hate it too if the Grizzlies or Blazers eliminated my top three team in an NBA tournament.

What are the incentives for teams who are already eliminated from post season play? What happens if one of those guys gets sick or blows out an ACL playing out the string so that Keto Harden can pad his numbers? So many questions...
Dude. 1) The lakers are winning title. 2) ive already stated, while im anxious to watch and gamble on the NBA's return, i have no emotional interest in this sham of a summer league title. Like zero. I could 2 shits about who wins it. My view is based on operational and what it'd take to get something resembling quality basketball.

You bring up meaningless games and teams out of contention but what would be more meaningless than starting the playoffs or a tournament right on the return of a 4 month layoff? You want meaningless? Try some team getting "upset" working out preseason reps after a 4 month layoff. That's a bigger sham and joke than using the last bits of the season as a warmup.

Just my opinion.
 

DeJesus Built My Hotrod

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That's entirely fair. The only thing is that I actually see the Clippers coming out of the west. They and the Lakers are so close statistically across just about any category including Adjusted Margin Of Victory as well as Adjusted Offensive and Defensive Ratings.

To me, the Clippers are so versatile defensively that they can match up with any team and grind them down in a playoff series. They also have better scoring depth that can take pressure off of Leonard and George to go all out on defense.

This isn't to throw shade on the Lakers. Davis and James makes them a formidable foe so it won't be easy.

That Western Conference bracket though...I would watch it all.
 
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lovegtm

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...
What are the incentives for teams who are already eliminated from post season play? What happens if one of those guys gets sick or blows out an ACL playing out the string so that Keto Harden can pad his numbers? So many questions...
A lot of the regional sports network contracts have a 70-game threshold. It's a big deal for everyone, no matter the team's contention status, both for this year and for future cap implications.
 

JCizzle

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A lot of the regional sports network contracts have a 70-game threshold. It's a big deal for everyone, no matter the team's contention status, both for this year and for future cap implications.
It seems like the players are on that page as well:

View: https://twitter.com/jareddudley619/status/1259551059376107520?s=21

Players don’t understand the ramifications if we don’t play this year.. It effects next season as well. No games, no tv money , billions lost in revenue.. There will be no vaccine coming next year also so IF we can be Safe which I have faith in the NBA we can l, we should play.
 

mauf

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It seems like the players are on that page as well:

View: https://twitter.com/jareddudley619/status/1259551059376107520?s=21

Players don’t understand the ramifications if we don’t play this year.. It effects next season as well. No games, no tv money , billions lost in revenue.. There will be no vaccine coming next year also so IF we can be Safe which I have faith in the NBA we can l, we should play.
The initial quote reported in the NYDN was from Shaq. It’s understandable why he feels that way. A 400-pound, 50-year old guy is at significantly higher risk than just about any active NBA player; that has to inform his thinking.

Not surprisingly, the younger guys who would actually be playing the games feel differently. The money is part of it, but frankly, it’s rational for those guys to assess the risk and conclude, apart from the money, that they simply aren’t willing to sacrifice a chance to achieve a life goal (win a championship) to avoid the remote risk associated with playing hoops in a highly controlled setting.

It will probably be a bigger issue in the NFL, but I wonder if some players will refuse to play for medical reasons. I’d certainly think the NBA would need to accommodate players who have underlying medical conditions that would place them at heightened risk, but I’m not sure how many guys are in that position.
 
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Montana Fan

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I'd like to see a 2 week "training camp" followed by a weighted 16 game schedule. The weighting would be based on record to date and if possible, I'd have the West only play West teams and the East only play East teams. Then have normal playoff series and have the 2 conference champs face off. As someone who preferred MLB before inter-league play, this method could give a little more weight and credibility to the eventual champ. Best of the East versus Best of the West solved over say, a 90 day period.
 

lovegtm

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The initial quote reported in the NYDN was from Shaq. It’s understandable why he feels that way. A 400-pound, 50-year old guy is at significantly higher risk than just about any active NBA player; that has to inform his thinking.

Not surprisingly, the younger guys who would actually be playing the games feel differently. The money is part of it, but frankly, it’s rational for those guys to assess the risk and conclude, apart from the money, that they simply aren’t willing to sacrifice a chance to achieve a life goal (win a championship) to avoid the remote risk associated with playing hoops in a highly controlled setting.

It will probably be a bigger issue in the NFL, but I wonder if some players will refuse to play for medical reasons. I’d certainly think the NBA would need to accommodate players who have underlying medical conditions that would place them at heightened risk, but I’m not sure how many guys are in that position.
Yeah, for players who feel there’s too much risk, there are existing processes in place that could be adapted. It’s somewhere roughly at the intersection of Hayward’s leg and Bosh’s medical retirement. (In terms of the implications for competition.)
 

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Assuming this plan goes thru, which teams/players are helped the most? Presumably injured players who had tons of time to rest will be helped.
But what, if any, impact will no fans have? Does this hurt the top seeds more as they lose any home-court advantage?
Has there been any discussion, either for NBA or any other league, of the impact on referees with no fans? I seem to recall a study that showed that refs were significantly impacted by home crowds.
 

ifmanis5

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Assuming this plan goes thru, which teams/players are helped the most? Presumably injured players who had tons of time to rest will be helped.
But what, if any, impact will no fans have? Does this hurt the top seeds more as they lose any home-court advantage?
Has there been any discussion, either for NBA or any other league, of the impact on referees with no fans? I seem to recall a study that showed that refs were significantly impacted by home crowds.
All good questions but this is so totally uncharted territory that it's hard to know.
We can guess that refs will continue to bend over backwards to protect the stars and that teams with a good coach and a healthy culture will have a slight advantage. But in the end, if your team has a healthy LeBron and AD, that's still what it comes down to.
 

ifmanis5

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Things are moving along...
View: https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1264236550864371713

The NBA’s plans to resume the 2019-2020 season are taking shape. https://twitter.com/ramonashelburne/status/1264236160831811585 …
NBA in talks to resume play at Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29213517/nba-talks-resume-play-disney-espn-wide-world-sports-complex
The NBA has entered into exploratory conversations with the Walt Disney Company about restarting the remainder of its season at Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida, in late July, NBA spokesperson Mike Bass said Saturday.
It remains unclear whether the NBA will play the remainder of its regular season or proceed directly to the playoffs. But the 220-acre ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, with its three arenas and ample hotel accommodations, would allow the league to restart play while limiting outside exposures.
If they start in late July not sure how much of a regular season they can do.