It’s been over two and a half months since the NBA last played a game. But finally, it seems that NBA fans will be able to officially start their countdown towards the target return date of July.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver and the league office informed Board of Governors that July 31 is a target date for return of season, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 29, 2020
The Athletic’s Shams Charania also reported on the surveys handed out to the league’s general managers, which focused on the varying aspects of what resuming the season means. They answered on topics including advancing to the playoffs immediately, introducing group stage play, abbreviating the season, and more.
Sources: NBA has sent GMs the results from GM survey:
– 53% of GMs chose advancing directly to playoffs; 27% for resuming abbreviated season with play-in
– 60% voted for 72-game season
– "Playoffs Plus": 83% voted 20 or more teams
– Non-playoff teams split on resuming season— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 29, 2020
Per Shams, most of the general managers also preferred the season not extending into October, having a larger roster with more flexibility, and they were nearly split down the middle with keeping the current seeding or reseeding regardless of conference.
However, not all NBA teams will get to see the floor again this year.
Hornets owner Michael Jordan advocated on the call for player safety, and not simply having players return for meaningless games, sources said. Given the NBA is prioritizing health and safety first and foremost, 30 team return is unlikely. https://t.co/03pAvpDPi7
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 29, 2020
Regardless of how, when, or where exactly Commissioner Adam Silver and the NBPA decide to restart the season, rest assured that sooner or later, basketball will be back.
