Like most NBA players, CJ McCollum of the Portland Trail Blazers isn't too pumped about the league's short offseason. The guard even pointed out that the NBA hasn't released a set of health protocols with three weeks to go before opening night.
The NBA 2020-21 season will kick off on Dec. 22. While some teams got an ample amount of rest, McCollum pointed out that it's just a 70-day offseason for the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat instead of the four-months finalists usually get.
“They played us, we were not supposed to start (the season) this fast… 70 days for Bron & the Heat,” McCollum said in an interview with Complex Sports.
On top of this, some players are still recovering from various injuries. McCollum himself broke his back and needs ample time to fully recover with the Blazers.
"They played us, we were not supposed to start (the season) this fast… 70 days for Bron & the Heat."
– @CJMcCollum on the restart.
He says the NBA still hasn't shared a plan on COVID-19 protocol with the season starting in THREE weeks. 😳
EPISODE: https://t.co/VY1Lph1612 pic.twitter.com/Z6GhiXGiWl
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) November 24, 2020
During the 2020 NBA playoffs, there were already whispers regarding the 2020-21 NBA season affecting the Blazers and every other team. There was a belief among players that it'll start sometime in January of February. This seems like the ideal timeline to allow the players — especially those who made it all the way to the NBA Finals — to rest and recuperate.
However, financial matters took precedence, as Blazers fans know. Reports reveal that the NBA would incur losses if they started in January of February. And given that the bubble in Orlando wasn't exactly that profitable, the initial timeline was scratched and was moved to December.
For NBA fans, this is certainly a treat. With most countries enforcing strict lockdown rules, some basketball action is much needed. But for McCollum and several NBA players, on the Blazers and other teams, they are being asked to suit up and play ball.
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