NBA return to play: Players already beginning to test positive for COVID-19
NBA players have already begun to test positive for COVID-19
The NBA is hoping to resume the 2019-20 season in late-July, but there are some growing concerns that could stand in the way from meaningful basketball being played again next month.
Among the biggest being, predictably, positive COVID-19 results. Over the course of the last few weeks, one Western Conference playoff team had four players test positive. Now, according to the Arizona Republic, two Phoenix Suns have tested positive as well.
"Two Phoenix Suns players have tested positive for coronavirus, sources have informed The Arizona Republic."
As coronavirus testing for players heading to Orlando starts today, teams are bracing for significant numbers of positive tests. One Western Conference playoff team had four positives in past few weeks, per sources. Full training camps start on July 11 at Disney.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 23, 2020
Whether we agree with the concept or not, it sounds more and more like the NBA is prepared – and expecting – to deal with multiple positive COVID-19 results throughout its plan to resume play in late-July. One of the reasons for testing so early is so players could theoretically isolate and recover before team training camps officially open in Orlando in two and a half weeks.
All of this, of course, is hoping that those players testing positive experience little, if no, symptoms. While statistics are on the side of healthy, young NBA players not becoming seriously ill because of the coronavirus, there are no guarantees.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 23, 2020
Even though this sounds like a plan that is set up to fail, it appears that the NBA is at least willing to give this a shot. Will it work out? Hopefully, for the sake of all the coaches, players, and team personnel that will be in the “bubble” and for the fans.
Though, there continue to be signs of concern – and that was even before players even started testing positive for COVID-19. Testing was set to begin this week and it’s only a matter of time until more players emerge with positive results. It sounds like the key for the NBA revolves around the league
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The NBA’s transaction wire is opened today and through the week. There should be at least some signings over the course of the next few days as the league and teams inch closer to resuming the 2019-20 campaign.