Wednesday, March 11, at 9:27 p.m., Utah Jazz star center Rudy Gobert tested positive for the coronavirus. The NBA subsequently suspended the season. The Utah Jazz were set to play the Oklahoma Thunder that night. The next day the rest of the sports world canceled and postponed the rest of their seasons as well. This decision by the NBA was shocking.
Through the months of April, May and June, the NBA tried to ensure that if the season did continue, it could do so safely. The idea of this “bubble” was born.
The options were Orlando or Las Vegas.
“We know that COVID-19 will be with us for the foreseeable future,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said on a conference call with several league officials. “And we are left with no choice but to learn to live with this virus. No options are risk-free right now.”
On June 4, the NBA’s Board of Governors approved the format for the resumption of the season. Orlando was chosen. Games would be played at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in the Walt Disney World Resort, no fans allowed.
Players, staff and coaches were quarantined for fourteen days, and had to test negative before participating in team activity. If an individual was forced to leave and come back, he or she had to quarantine for ten days and test negative for the coronavirus. Players, coaches and staff were tested frequently during their time in the bubble.
Twenty-two teams were allowed in, nine teams from the eastern conference and thirteen teams from the western conference. There were eight scrimmage games followed by the remainder of the regular season. The playoffs began Aug. 17.
As the season continues, players are still dealing with a list of challenges. Not having their families with them every day. Not playing in front of their fanbase on a nightly basis.
This bubble is here today and for the time being. It has been a sacrifice for the players. But if it serves to bring fans together during a time of division, it will have been worth it.
