NBA commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged during last week’s draft lottery telecast that a December 1 start date for the 2020/21 regular season no longer appears likely. However, there’s still hope that the ’20/21 campaign won’t be significantly delayed.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, start dates for next season ranging from December to March were discussed during last Friday’s Board of Governors call with the league office. There’s a “consensus hope” that the 2020/21 regular season can get underway in late December or January, sources tell Woj.
As we’ve relayed multiple times in recent weeks, the NBA is prioritizing getting fans back in arenas next season, since a significant portion of the league’s revenue is generated by ticket sales and in-arena purchases. That still doesn’t seem realistic for the time being, but a number of developments could change that, including the possibility of new therapeutic treatment options emerging for COVID-19 or a vaccine being introduced. Postponing the 2020/21 start date would buy the NBA more time to explore every avenue.
With the NBA apparently becoming more inclined to once again postpone the start of the ’20/21 regular season, the draft and free agency also seem increasingly likely to be pushed back. Wojnarowski reports that the league is “moving toward” delaying the October 16 and the October 18 opening of free agency.
Free agent and draft delay, but trades don’t
Warriors are listening to 5, 6, 7 , 8th pick
Not listening to Hornets and Bulls
Hope to get a young player and one of 5, 6, 7 , 8th picks
Silver is speaking to please his bosses, but the union will push it back, due to players being unwilling to show so soon. Maybe next August, since Silver will want the stars involved or no go.
But what are they going to do about the G league?
It’s going to be a long while before the league returns to normal after everything 2020 has been about.