Report: Pelicans eyeing May 18 as date to reopen practice facilities

While the NBA will begin opening up practice facilities on Friday in various spots across the league, the New Orleans Pelicans don’t plan on being one of the teams to do so.

Friday will likely be the first of multiple landmark days as the league looks to resume the 2019-20 season. A small handful of teams plan on opening up their practice facilities. Also on Friday, league commissioner Adam Silver and Player’s Association Executive Director Michele Roberts will hold a league-wide conference call for players.

But the Pelicans won’t be moving forward like others in the NBA on Friday, instead opting for a timeline more in accordance with the state of Louisiana’s and governor John Bel Edwards’ plan.

From ESPN’s Andrew Lopez:

Pelicans won't be opening up this Friday and possibly not even next week. Source says the Pelicans may not open facility until May 18.

Last week, Gentry said team was looking at May 15 – in line with what @LouisianaGov wants for the state, but could be the following Monday. https://t.co/qSKlC83hGW

— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) May 6, 2020

The Athletic’s Shams Charania also revealed on Wednesday that teams will be able to have up to six assistant or player development coaches. He also noted that the NBA informed all 30 teams that practice facilities could begin opening up on Friday, May 8.

For now, though, that is the extent of the NBA’s plan for reopening and resuming the season as their approach continues to be more of a wait-and-see one.