Question of the Day - 17 May 2020

We've heard a little, but as with everything, the situation is very fluid and the NBA, via Commissioner Adam Silver, has said that a decision doesn't have to -- and therefore probably won't -- be made until June. 

But here's what we know.

First, if the season resumes, there won't be any fans in the arenas. For the season to resume, players would probably need to be tested daily; players who test positive could be immediately isolated so that everything wouldn't have to be shut down again. Three weeks of training camps would be necessary before games could be played. Depending on when the season might resume, it's possible the standings when the shutdown occurred would be used to determine who makes the playoffs.

If the playoffs do occur, the league is considering two cities: Orlando (east) and Las Vegas (west). It matters a lot less where the teams meet with no fans in the stands than it does with, so they might as well play where it's most convenient and least risky (from the a travel-logistics perspective). 

Which brings us to the Las Vegas details. 

Sports Illustrated reported that MGM Resorts has proposed the NBA finish its basketball season in Las Vegas in a "bubble city" on the Strip. Mandalay Bay would serve as the "bubble"; it has three hotels (MBay, Delano, and Four Seasons), with all the accompanying hospitality amenities, to host the players and their families and whatever media is permitted. And the games could be played at the MBay Events Center, home of the WNBA Aces, where, the proposal suggests, up to 24 temporary basketball courts could be constructed, five to telecast games, the others for practice. 

In addition, the bubble could be expanded if necessary: Games could also be hosted by the MGM Grand Garden or even the Thomas & Mack Center, both within easy traveling distance. And all have facilities for team representatives to meet with the media -- in particular, at a distance deemed safe. 

Similar arrangements could be made in Orlando and the east-west scenario makes sense to limit travel for all the people involved. Also, Disney owns ABC in its entirety and 80% of ESPN, both of which televise NBA games.