By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Resuming NBA action through four groups with five teams each is a considered option, according to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer. This format would look similar to FIBA international competitions.
All 30 teams returning is losing ground. However, the NBA is exploring other possibilities involving fewer teams. Teams seeded based on the current standings and afterward drawn into groups fall into the “Regular Season + Play-in” option recently presented through the GM survey. Proceeding directly into the playoffs or a play-in tournament before the playoffs seem to still be on the table.
Teams either eliminated from the playoffs or without a real chance to progress are leaning towards a premature ending of their 2019-20 runs. Teams in the clinching bubble prefer some form of a play-in format. Higher-ranked sides are looking towards resuming action as well.
The group stage format coming into play seems to worry contenders due to the strong possibility of upsets. In this case, the top four teams of each group after an equal amount of games would advance into the playoffs, which would eventually determine the season champion.
Recent reports expect the league’s advisory/finance committee to further evaluate the options on Wednesday during a conference call. A call with the general managers will take place on Thursday and a Board of Governors call on Friday. Resuming action before the end of July remains the target.
The NBA previously acknowledged exploratory talks with the Walt Disney Corporation to gather all teams in Orlando for a single-site season-ending tournament. Meanwhile, most teams are either hosting or set to host voluntary workouts at their training facilities. The plan regarding players not yet back with their teams is to recall them around June 1.
The 2019-20 season was suspended back on March 11, due to the coronavirus pandemic. The NBA has since been exploring various ways to get the players back on the court and attempting to minimize the health risks for everyone involved.
Potentially pushing the 2019-20 season conclusion deep into the summer would likely impact the 2020-21 schedule and possibly in the long run NBA players being able to participate in the Olympic Games moved to the summer of 2021.
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