NBA plans to re-open team facilities no earlier than May 8

By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net

Last week, there were reports that the NBA was planning to re-open practice facilities in states like Georgia that had less strict social distancing/self-isolation guidelines by health authorities, or states that were not as severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, as ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Monday, the league received “significant pushback” from teams regarding that plan. On top of that, there is some expectation the NBA could move that re-opening date back from Friday, especially after the Atlanta Hawks have turned down re-opening their facility until they have a better sense of how the loosening of restrictions will impact the region.

The League confirmed later on that facilities will not be opening again earlier than May 8 and that it may push this timing back if developments warrant.

As mentioned in the press release:

“The potential rules change would allow teams to make their practice facilities available for use by the team’s players for workouts or treatment on a voluntary, individual basis if the team’s facility is in a city that is no longer subject to a government restriction.  For any team that, due to a government restriction, is prohibited from making its facility available for use by the team’s players, the league will work with the team to identify alternatives.

The following restrictions would apply:

  • No more than four players would be permitted at a facility at any one time.
  • No head or assistant coaches could participate.
  • Group activity remains prohibited, including practices or scrimmages.
  • Players remain prohibited from using non-team facilities such as public health clubs, fitness centers, or gyms.”
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