Nine months without basketball activities seem like a death sentence for an NBA franchise. The eight teams left out from the league’s new 22-team format certainly think so, as they expressed their concerns over the extended hiatus.

Per a report from ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the Orlando non-participants are pushing for a number of ideas to somewhat stay active, despite being excluded from the squads who will play at Disney World starting July 31.

The NBA teams in question are the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks, and the Atlanta Hawks.

Tony Ressler, the owner of the Hawks, pleaded that the 8 NBA teams should also be given the same privileges as the other 22 qualified franchises.

“Nine months is too long without organized basketball,” he said, per Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.  “We just can’t risk that. I think the league has heard that loud and clear. We are pushing to remain competitive. That’s what our players want. We were desperate to have something that helps us to stay competitive.”

Among their reported requests include a combination of voluntary and mandatory workouts for two weeks in July and organized team activities (OTAs) for mid-September.

The NBA teams also wish to hold regional minicamps in August that include joint practices for a period of days and approximately three televised games. Furthermore, they also want an opportunity to begin training camps 7-to-10 days earlier for the 2020-21 season.

Training camps for the 2020-21 season are scheduled in November, while the new season will begin on December 1.

Several NBA teams were also willing to work hand-in-hand for this to happen, as the Pistons and Cavs have reportedly agreed to joint practices as a prelude to a mini-pod of games. Earlier, Dubs head coach Steve Kerr also bared his desire to be allowed to host mini-camps during the break.