The NBA announced on Wednesday that all 30 practice facilities for each team in the league can open up as early as May 8 according to local restrictions after the lengthy lockdown surrounding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While it would certainly be nice to get the NBA back in our lives, this move is likely premature. Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban seems to agree, according to comments he made to ESPN’s Tim McMahon:
The problem obviously is that because we can’t test people, then we can’t assure anybody’s safety whether they’re basketball players or anybody else. Even though we can try to take all different kinds of precautions, it’s just not worth it – particularly when our guys are staying in shape and they’re going outside and shooting on outdoor hoops and working out in various ways. So I just don’t think the risk is worth the reward.”
Certainly, the COVID-19 crisis continues to leave destruction in its wake around the world – despite the fact that many members of the public and plenty of politicians are clamoring for the reopening of the economy.
Preaching patience, which could be unpopular, is likely the most intelligent decision, and it’s good to see a major NBA voice speak up so quickly on the subject.
The Mavs were having a strong season before the lockdown began, as they were sitting pretty with a 40-27 record in the Western Conference – good for the No. 7 seed. Despite that place in the standings, the Mavs were only a handful of games out of the 4-spot in a wide-open conference.
Follow Us
Subscribe