By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
The National Basketball Coaches Association added on the concerns towards resuming the 2019-20 NBA season. The NBCA issued a statement to ESPN highlighting the potential negative impact of the protocols expected to be implemented.
Three head coaches, Gregg Popovich, Mike D’Antoni, and Alvin Gentry could be restricted from making the trip to Orlando for the final stage of the tournament. The same goes for several assistants.
“The health and safety of all NBA coaches is our main concern,” the statement notes, “However, we are also concerned with a coach’s opportunity to work and to not have their ability to secure future jobs be severely jeopardized. The league assured us that a coach will not be excluded solely because of age.”
Nevertheless, new league standards and guidelines can prevent numerous staffers in high-risk categories for the coronavirus from traveling to Orlando. All coaches will fill out a questionnaire regarding individual risk factors. Upon doctor reviews, they will be either cleared to attend the season conclusion or not.
“We feel the medical review process is designed to flag only those individuals who pose significant threats of substantial harm to themselves that cannot be reduced or eliminated by the NBA’s considerable steps to create a healthy and safe atmosphere in Orlando,” adds NBCA.
“Adam (Silver) and the NBA have created a situation in Orlando that is likely far safer than in our coaches’ home markets. Absent a significant threat, we believe a coach should be able to understand and assume their individual risks, waive liability, and coach in Orlando.”
The 2019-20 season suspended since March 11 is expected to resume in late July featuring 22 teams playing eight additional regular season games before 16 sides move on to the playoffs.
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