General managers around the NBA have agreed that the best course of action would be to crown a champion and resume the 2019-20 season, but not without their share of skepticism.
A few NBA GMs have grown concerned about the restart, now a mere six weeks away from taking place at Walt Disney World in Orlando, a city that is part of a state that has seen a spike in coronavirus cases lately:
“Uncomfortable — how can anyone not be,” an GM speaking under anonimity told Sam Amick of The Athletic when asked how he felt about the surreal experience to come. “A lot of uncertainty. I know all the proper measures are being taken but (there) is still a lot (of) unknown. You know and I know why we are playing — for the money. If not that, do you really think we would be playing? I get it, and I’m in… but with hesitation.”
Deep down, most NBA players, agents, staff, and executives are keenly aware that the true underlying reason for the restart is all about the money.
“The money” isn’t necessarily a means to bring extra riches, but a conduit to keep the sport alive without having to tear down the NBA’s current collective bargaining agreement due to the unprecedented losses that are sure to come after the season.
NBA GMs know that salvaging any TV revenue possible is key to holding next season in some sort of fashion. The league already expected hundreds of millions in losses stemming from an October debacle with China, and now they’re looking at much bigger problems after halting the season on March 11.
The hope is that the restart, as risky as it may be, could cover up some of those losses. The recent spike in cases in Orange County, Florida have made a few NBA players think twice before hopping aboard, as once the ship sails there will be no going back until the respective team is eliminated.
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