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Yes, this is definitely a promising headline, but we must tread with caution when discussing the return of sports at any level in the foreseeable future.
The Athletic’s Sam Amick states that “optimism abounds” among owners, players, agents and the NBA league office that this season will be played out in some form.
Sports have always been something that brings people together. While times are definitely uncertain at the moment, it would be great to see sports biggest stars preform at a high-level while we are all at home.
One thing that this report does make clear is that games will more than likely be played without fans. No one is sure when fans would be allowed back in the stadium, but we do not that it won’t be any time soon.
There are tons of different scenarios and outcomes that are being discussed right now, so it’s great news to hear that there is some optimism around the subject.
One scenario that is noted from a team owner is to give players time to “warm up” in June, finish the regular season in July, and then close out the playoffs/Finals some time in October.
Another one, drafted up by Yahoo Sports’ Keith Smith, is to finish the regular season and post season play at Disney World. Yes, you read that right!
“Disney has an abundance of hotel rooms on their 39 square-mile property near Orlando, Florida,” says Smith. “Two hotels would work particularly well for this type of venture: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort. While neither are necessarily the high-end hotels that NBA players are used to staying in, they come with a key perk: Both are located just down the road from the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.”
He says that EWWS would be the hub for all basketball activity. The players would stay in the two hotels listed above, along with all of the media members and essential personnel for the league.
EWWS has two main complexes: The HP Field House and The Arena. Both would offer plenty of space for the NBA to finish out its season and playoffs.
“EWWS also has more than ample space to set up temporary workout and weight rooms and treatment facilities. There is enough space to set up a schedule for all 30 teams to have their time in the facilities. In total, EWWS can offer more than 12 courts, broadcast-ready facilities and everything else the NBA would need.”
While all of this does sound very promising, there is a lot of work that needs to be done in order to achieve any of this.
So, the best thing to do is stay optimistic, continue to practice social distancing, and trust that our leaders (sports and world) are doing everything they can to get things back on track.
Hopefully, we’ll all see basketball back very soon!