If you’re speculating about the 2020-21 NBA season despite the fact that the 2019-20 league year is still ongoing, this is for you.
In a conversation with Bob Costas, NBA commissioner Adam Silver told him that his “best guess” at when next season will start is in January, with the goal being a full 82-game season.
There’s a lot of focus on Twitter from NBA fans bemoaning the fact that it could mean no hoops on Christmas Day, a date that has been thrown around as a possible Opening Day like it was in 2011 during the lockout-shortened season.
But take a step back. This makes the most sense instead of rushing players back.
no NBA on Christmas is going to HURT this year 😭
— trey phills (@tphillss) September 22, 2020
No NBA games on Christmas Day: https://t.co/9mKBKhlPuR pic.twitter.com/jrgPw5ceGU
— Eliott Brennan (@ibrennan99) September 22, 2020
When the year ends in October, many playoff teams would have ended up with a two-month offseason had the 2020-21 season kicked off in late December. That’s certainly not enough time to recuperate for a full slate of games. Add in the fact that most of the league spent weeks — some, months — inside the bubble at Disney World, for long stretches away from their families and their homes. A delayed start to get everyone healthy mentally and physically is absolutely necessary.
This does raise some questions, though. Given the cycle of the year that would start in January, would these changes to the schedule be permanent? And what about participation in the Olympics in 2021 that are still, as of now, set for July?
Adam Silver told CNN a few minutes ago that he does not anticipate the 2020-21 season beginning until at least January (so is it really a 2020-21 season?) and said the league wants 82 games, with playoffs.
At what point do they just say NBA players aren't going to the Olympics?
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) September 22, 2020
Nothing is set in stone yet, but if we’re heading toward a 2021-only season, it’s the right call.
