Denver Nuggets Closing Facility Shows Potential Risks to NBA Season
The Denver Nuggets have closed the team’s practice facility after team members tested positive for the coronavirus, per Adrian Wojnarowski. This is not the first time members of the Nuggets caught the virus. Nikola Jokic and head coach Mike Malone tested positive for the coronavirus at earlier points during the league’s postponement.
After positive tests for the coronavirus within the traveling party headed to Orlando, the Denver Nuggets have closed team's practice facility for several days, sources tell ESPN. Facility was locked to players and staff starting Saturday, and could open again later this week.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2020
It would be nice if this is just a one-time thing, but it could be the first of future obstacles the NBA will face if the league wants to finish its 2019-20 season. With teams starting to come together in preparation to restart, and coronavirus cases rising rapidly across the country, it could increase chances of league members coming down with the virus. Some players have already opted out of returning to play due to personal reasons.
There are ways to limit the risk of this happening, such as the NBA’s protocols creating a “bubble” in Orlando, but it is still possible to contract coronavirus while trying to be careful. It also does not help that the state of Florida is currently the worst-hit spot for the pandemic in the country.
The NBA should be prepared for the risk of league members getting the virus. If people do contract it, hopefully they can be isolated, fully recover and it will not have an impact on the games. However, if it is caught too late and gets to a player that plays significant minutes, in a contact sport, it could lead to more problems.
For example, what if the majority of a team’s players tests positive for the virus around the same time? The NBA would most likely not be able to expand the season for the team, so would they have to forfeit games? Or, what if some of a team’s best players test positive during a playoff series and get eliminated because of it?
Obviously, we are all wishing for the best that this does not happen. It would be great if the bubble works and the season is able to finish, but the NBA needs to be prepared for worst-case scenarios if they want to be able to name a champion in October – and more importantly, keep their workers safe.
