The NBA is making plans for a second “bubble” for the eight teams not involved in the restart in Orlando. But the New York Knicks do not appear keen on the idea.
Marc Berman of the New York Post reported the Knicks were the only team “not on call” with respect to the proposal for the Chicago bubble. Berman said the Knicks have no interest in playing additional games, instead hoping for an earlier training camp immediately after the draft in October.
Knicks reportedly were only one of 8 teams not on call regarding proposal to have Chicago bubble in September for mini-camps, games. Told Knicks don’t care for games and would want just their young players. Their preference is to start training camp early after draft.
— Marc Berman (@NYPost_Berman) July 2, 2020
There was always likely to be dissent in any plan involving the other eight squads. None of the teams have anything to play for, and health and safety concerns still loom large.
However, Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers indicated the Dubs were interested. Though star players might be absent, one GM also told ESPN's Jackie MacMullan he would not be surprised if veteran players chose to partake:
“You probably won't see Blake Griffin and guys like that,” one GM said, “but I bet some veterans will show. These guys miss basketball. They're itching to play.”
But the Knicks would prefer to skip playing in September and instead have the opportunity to give incoming rookies some reps and exposure immediately after the draft.
It seems unlikely the NBA would press any team into playing. MacMullan already reported participation in Chicago would be voluntary.
Still, it will be interesting to see how the league configures the bubble in the event other teams join the Knicks in skipping out on the second “bubble.”