The National Basketball Association (NBA) Rookie Draft was virtually held the other day and today while negotiations with about 100 free agents will start, with signings allowed by 12:01 a.m. on Monday. Michael Jordan was shown happy on TV when the Charlotte Hornets picked LaMelo Ball at No. 3. Let’s see how long MJ’s ecstacy would last when Lavar Ball does his thing.
With the pandemic still an issue and the United States breaching 10.5 million cases, the NBA last week sent a memo regarding COVID-19 health guidelines to 30 teams who wish to have fans inside their arenas.
According to The Athletic reporter Shams Charania, the league gave a directive to teams “with protocols for eligible markets to host fans, requiring people within 30 of court to register negative corona virus test two days prior to game or rapid test on day of the game.”
Charania also reported that fans will be required to wear masks while inside the playing venue, go through symptom surveys and observe social distancing. Food and drinks will not be allowed within 30 feet of the court. Teams will have the option to install plexiglass shields behind their benches.
Fans inside arena suites won’t have to go through COVID testing if they are occupied at 25 percent or less. A 50 percent capacity on the suites will be allowed if all will test negative and if the city’s positivity rate is three percent or below. This means new cases per 100,000 residents is 10 or lower. No pro sports league in the US had a 50 percent arena capacity since the pandemic began, and it looks like it won’t be happening soon.
Reports said the LA Lakers won’t be having any fans inside the Staples Center for the first few months of the new season. The Clippers would probably do the same as they share the same arena.
Last week, Golden State submitted COVID plans to California officials to allow 50 percent capacity of the Chase Center. Owner Joe Lacob will reportedly spend at least $30 million to have fans during home games.
The attempt was blocked by the San Francisco Department of Public Health saying, “In the present circumstances, bringing in thousands of individuals and households together – many of whom would travel to and from other counties – creates too much risk of widespread transmission in transit while visiting San Francisco.”
Maybe the PBA can follow the guidelines given by the NBA for the next conference. It would be a welcome break for Filipino basketball fans who had been cooped for several months. As long as proper protocols are implemented and followed, perhaps a limited number of fans returning to watch PBA games will be possible.
Like what is done at the Clark PBA bubble, afternoon games could only be held at the Mall of Asia Arena to ensure social distancing./PN
