|
| NBA is back. |
Another key step to getting the ball rolling once again in the sports world
took place on Wednesday, with the NBA Board of Governors approving the format
for the resumption of the 2019-20 NBA season.
League commissioner Adam Silver shares, "The Board’s approval of the restart
format is a necessary step toward resuming the NBA season. While the COVID-19
pandemic presents formidable challenges, we are hopeful of finishing the
season in a safe and responsible manner based on strict protocols now being
finalized with public health officials and medical experts. We also recognize
that as we prepare to resume play, our society is reeling from recent
tragedies of racial violence and injustice, and we will continue to work
closely with our teams and players to use our collective resources and
influence to address these issues in very real and concrete ways."
July 31 is the tentative start date for play to resume, with 22 teams
involved. There will be eight "seeding games" that will count in the regular
season standings. The format also incorporates the "twice-to-beat" advantage
for the eighth seed, but will only be invoked if the gap between the eighth
and ninth seed in each conference is four games or fewer.
The playoffs this season remains the traditional format, with best-of-seven
matches in the first round, conference semifinals, conference finals, and the
NBA Finals. If things go on as scheduled, the last possible date for the NBA
Finals is October 12 (13 in Manila).
With regards to specific events, the NBA Draft Lottery will take place on
August 25, the NBA Draft on October 15, and the start of the 2020-21 NBA
regular season likely on December 1.
Those who miss the playoffs will be participating in the Draft Lottery, and
their odds assignment will be based on their records as of March 11.
Securing the affirmative vote is merely the first of many steps that are
necessary in order for the league to resume play. Deal necessitates approval
with the National Basketball Players Association, with both groups working
with infections disease specialists, public health experts, and government
officials to establish a rigorous program that will prevent and mitigate the
spread of COVID-19. Said program is expected to include regular testing
protocol as well as stringent safety practices. In addition, it also includes
a separate agreement with The Walt Disney Company to utilize facilities within
the Walt Disney World Resort as a single site for the NBA's operations for the
remainder of the season, which is not limited to just games, practices, and
housing for the players and staff.
No comments:
Post a Comment