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The NBA has given the green light to re-open practice facilities in certain areas to allow individuals to start getting back into shape and working on their games in anticipation they can resume the 2019-20 season.
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported that “getting players safely into gyms” was a priority for the NBA as some states slowly begin opening back up.
NBA's decision on opening practice facilities to players in markets where governments may be loosening stay-at-home orders doesn't mean a resumption of season is imminent. The NBA is still unsure on if/when it can play again. But getting players safely into gyms was a priority.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 25, 2020
Florida is one of those states that has attempted to proceed towards normalcy. Governor Ron DeSantis issued a “safer at home” order, but some beaches throughout the state have opened.
Naturally, this might make Florida one of the target areas for the NBA as they hope to open practice facilities.
Miami-Dade County responded to the NBA's plan, saying that while the American Airlines Arena (where the Miami Heat play) is closed, they will issue a verdict on Friday to determine the feasibility of individual workouts.
Miami-Dade County statement on NBA facilities possibly reopening: “From what we have heard so far, the NBA's intention is to begin allowing INDIVIDUAL player workouts at team facilities. As of right now, under current orders, the American Airlines Arena is closed. (1/2)
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) April 26, 2020
Remainder of statement (2/2)…
“But, we have until Friday to gather information on what the NBA plans are and to work with the Miami Heat on what could be possible, safe and acceptable.”
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) April 26, 2020
The County's ruling could provide a critical first step for the NBA in exploring this market for other teams around the country.
Although Wojnarowski clearly indicated this would not be an indicator of the NBA's readiness to resume play, it nonetheless might cut down on the amount of preparation time needed before the league issues a full restart.
There might be some other loopholes. Typically, states have been operating under the pretenses that only “essential” businesses would remain open. Local legislators might have to determine whether basketball constitutes an essential business, though it certainly might consider the potential economic incentives attached to the NBA's hypothetical return.
In any case, this should be a situation to watch as the sporting world desperately clings to any glimmer of hope.
