NBA teams to reopen when testing plan begins emerging

The NBA took tiny steps to resume to normalcy Friday when at least one team was permitted from the league to test staff and players for the COVID-19 and some practice facilities reopened for workouts.

Meanwhile, on Friday night, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver participated in a teleconference with members of the National Basketball Players Association. Silver told players that the NBA is still aiming to hold full best-of-seven playoff series as the season resumes and playing without fans is an obvious option.

Silver also told about the famous notion of having the season to return in a centralized location, although cautioned that no decisions might be made for another some weeks, according to the person who spoke on condition of anonymity since details of the call were not released publicly.

Portland and Cleveland were open for players who wanted to get workouts in, with Cavaliers forward Cedi Osman one of the first to be back on an NBA practice court after the NBA ordered those facilities closed 7 weeks ago.

Osman wrote on Instagram, “Great to be back,” when he took a photo standing in what seemed to be an otherwise-empty practice gym.

Another good sign is that the Orlando Magic revealed they have been authorized by health officials in Orange County of Florida to test players and staff for the COVID-19. Orange County told the Magic that it has more than enough testing resources for asymptomatic individuals and health-care workers.

The Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers are expected to be able to test players and staff with the approval of local officials, too. Lakers players were tested some weeks ago with two players positive. Last week, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said that all residents of Los Angeles County are now eligible for free testing.

Like other major U.S. leagues, the NBA is also trying to avoid any situation jumping the testing line by getting players and staff tested in cities where necessary resources are scarce.