By John Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The NBA Board of Governors held a call on Tuesday with ex-surgeon general Vivek Murthy confirming the initial hope for the 2019-20 season to resume before July, per ESPN. The plan based on health safety being secured was already set for a potential mid-to-late June return and stretching the playoffs deep into the summer.
The season was temporarily suspended one week ago when Rudy Gobert was tested positive for coronavirus. Since six more NBA players were found positive. Also, USA authorities have taken measures against gatherings of over 50 people to prevent further COVID-19 spread.
Murthy left the owners with the hope to resume the 2019-20 season before July. This potential timeframe will force scheduling adjustments, presumably realigning the competition format to finish the season in August. The possible effect on other summer tournaments including the basketball tournament of the Olympic Games and the Olympic Games Qualifiers is apparent.
“We want to play games in a way that’s safe”
NBPA executive director Michele Roberts told Mark Medina of USA Today that the players’ union is aligned with the NBA in the attempt to save the season. “We want to play games and we want to do it in a way that’s safe” she noted.
The NBA is planning to raise its credit line from $650 million to $1.2 billion, adds ESPN’s report on the developing situation. This decision would help the league teams cope with expenses through the shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“If you look at our CBA, there is some troubling language if you are a player,” said Roberts regarding players’ contracts, “I’m a lawyer by training and the concept of a ‘force majeure’ is common in any contract.”
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