Eight teams will not participate in the NBA resumption plan in Orlando. Those teams will play again in “real” basketball conditions in December, if everything goes according to the league’s plan.
Per a report from The Athletic’s Sam Amick, several NBA team are pushing the league to issue a second campus, which will start on July to train, compete and perhaps play televised games.
According to Amick, the Hawks, the Cavs and the Timberwolves are the most vocal teams trying to process the idea to the league’s and players’ representatives.
NBPA head Michelle Roberts wasn’t enthusiastic about the idea, Amick wrote per SB Nation:
“We’ve spent … a tremendous amount of time and energy coming up with a protocol that each of us is able to sleep at night knowing it’s the best we can do to mitigate the risk of an infection on our players and our teams and our staffs,” Roberts said. “If I didn’t feel that way, I would be recommending to Chris [Paul] and to the players to stay home. I feel that way, and so I can sleep at night.
Candidly, while I appreciate (concerns) that there will be a bit of a layoff, I think there are some things these teams can do to get the guys that are not playing some (benefit) by their not being involved in Orlando. But unless we could replicate in every way the protocol that’s been established for Orlando, I’d be — I’m being tame now — suspicious. I think there are conversations that could be had if there’s anything we can do with the other eight teams. I know there are some players, particularly young players, that seem concerned they’re not getting enough [opportunities],” she continued.
“I think our teams are incredibly smart and creative and can come up with ways to get their guys engaged, if not now, before the season starts. But I am very concerned and frankly, my concern aside, our players, our teams are very concerned about any — in terms of play that doesn’t have the same guarantees of safety and health that we’ve provided for the teams in Orlando. So yeah, never say never, but there’s a standard. It’s a standard that’s got to be met, and if it’s not met, next question, as far as I’m concerned.”
According to the report, the NBA is not expected to make any decision, as Orlando comes first. No decision about the eliminated eight teams will occur until after that starts.
