The NBA is targeting May 8 as the earliest date for opening practice facilities in states where stay-at-home restrictions have been eased.
The league put out an official announcement on Monday:
The NBA has released a statement on allowing 'limited, individual workouts' in cities with loosened government restrictions, starting May 8 as of now.
– No more than 4 players working out at one time
– No head coaches or assistants
– No group workouts (practice, scrimmages) pic.twitter.com/foxvX1xZZM— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) April 27, 2020
Player and staff safety has been more of a concern for NBA owners compared to competitive balance, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The Atlanta Hawks announced they wouldn’t be reopening their offices on Friday even before the May 8 date was revealed, and other teams also pushed back on the initial May 1 target date:
NBA has received significant pushback from teams about idea of re-opening practice facilities in selected states and municipalities, team officials tell ESPN. Competive balance hasn't been issue — player/staff safety has. Teams are still awaiting a more detailed NBA plan today.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 27, 2020
There will be additional safety rules whenever these facilities do open back up:
Sources: When NBA’s facilities open as soon as May 8, players must wear facemasks at all times, except when in physical activity; staffers working with players must wear gloves; physical distancing of at least 12 feet.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 27, 2020
Sources: The NBA has informed each team to assign one senior executive to this position — Facility Hygiene Officer.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 27, 2020
The NBA also informed franchises that players must conduct a resting ECG and troponin test before they resume engaging in activities at facility. https://t.co/FiRXGVnGhD
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 27, 2020
The NBA was forced to suspend the season after Utah Jazz All-Star center Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19. A number of other players in the league contracted the virus as well, including two-time Finals MVP Kevin Durant.
The Golden State Warriors were the first team in the NBA to close their facilities down. The rest of the league followed suit just a few days later.
Throughout this whole process, NBA owners have been hopeful of restarting the season in the summer, most likely without fans. However, as each day passes, it feels like the 2019-20 season is going to be canceled altogether unless there’s a miracle in the near future.
Most NBA players don’t have access to hoops during this time. However, they are able to stay in shape at home since organizations sent weights and other things players can use to work out.
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