Despite earlier reports that the NBA is “angling” to cancel the entire 2019-20 campaign entirely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, league officials are reportedly still going the extra mile to make sure the action pushes through.
NBA and NBPA representatives are now lobbying for the viability of multiple blood-testing devices for the coronavirus. This is in order to test players and assess their health for the possible continuation of the suspended season.
Per Baxter Holmes of ESPN, the group is looking into test kits that produce results in a matter of minutes. Officials are reportedly already verifying a “diabetes-like” blood testing, which produces results in 15 minutes with just a prick on a finger.
“Rapid-testing results are key to return to work, return to sports, everything,” an anonymous NBA GM said in the report. “Whatever job you have and environment you work in, if you're interacting with people, we're all going to have to feel safe doing that. Sports isn't any different.”
League spokesman Mike Bass also echoed the same sentiments and clarified that players' and fans' health and well-being still remain the top priority throughout the process.
“Any decision on a date to restart the season is likely weeks away and will be made in consultation with public health experts and in line with governmental directives and guidance,” he implied.
Another GM who requested anonymity also pointed out that NBA action will not return until it's “socially acceptable” to do so.
Furthermore, team officials are looking to conduct the testing for players and team staffers before entering the arena. However, one GM pointed out that the plan still has some possible pitfalls to consider.
“The thing that most people are worried about right now is the inevitability — not even likelihood, the absolute inevitability — of a false negative,” the unnamed GM said.
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