On Tuesday, the NBA shared its detailed plan for the resumption of the 2019-20 season in Orlando, Florida.
Below are some of the biggest takeaways from the plan based on reports, including when teams will arrive in Orlando, where they will stay and what a normal game day will look like.
When will teams arrive in Florida?
The only team in the NBA based outside of the United States, the Raptors will arrive in Florida during Phase 1 (June 12-22) and use the Alico Arena at Florida Gulf Coast University as their practice facility.
Every other NBA team will arrive on a staggered basis on July 7, 8 or 9 as a part of Phase 4.A. Teams will ramp up workouts in their home markets ahead of their arrival.
Where will teams stay?
Teams will be staying at three different Disney hotels, split up based on their current positioning in their respective conference.
Gran Destino: Bucks, Lakers, Raptors, Clippers, Celtics, Nuggets, Jazz, Heat
Grand Floridian: Thunder, 76ers, Rockets, Pacers, Mavericks, Nets, Grizzlies, Magic
Yacht Club: Blazers, Kings, Pelicans, Spurs, Suns, Wizards
Here's a map of where each hotel is, as well as other amenities:
For those who like maps, here is a map of the NBA's proposed Disney set-up via the handbook sent to players today: pic.twitter.com/HTIYQOt5uK
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) June 16, 2020
What will there be for players to do?
There will be quite a few things, including:
- A players-only lounge with card tables, video games, arcade gaming, ping pong, movie screenings and DJ sets
- Virtual chaplain services, yoga and meditation, and mental health services
- Pools and trails
- Barbers, manicures, pedicures and hair braiders by appointment
- Team-sponsored outings — boating, bowling, fishing and golfing, as well as access to the NBA Experience and Disney's Animal Kingdom and Wild Africa Trek.
For safety, players will have to maintain six feet of physical distance when playing video games and sitting by the pool, aren't allowed to play doubles during ping pong and must dispose each deck of cards after use.
When playing golf, there will be no caddies and no sharing of clubs and balls.
Are guests allowed?
Only after the first round of the playoffs. For each team that does advance, they will be allowed to reserve a guest room for each player, the maximum being 17.
There will be a strict protocol for guests, which includes a period of self-quarantine and regular testing before they are allowed on the campus.
Where will teams play?
The Arena, HP Field House and Visa Athletic Center will be used to practice and play games.
Sources: NBA has sent teams a visual of court/workout arrangements in Orlando: pic.twitter.com/sT2rtFyKXK
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 16, 2020
There will be two rows on the bench during games.
The first row will be made up of players and coaches. Nobody in the first row will be required to wear masks, but the coaches are recommended to wear masks. The second row will feature other players and coaches. Masks will be required at all times unless the player is active.
Referees will not be required to wear masks.
What will a team's game day schedule look like?
Shams Charania of The Athletic shared the breakfast, shootaround, lunch, pre-game and post-game plan for a team on game day.
NBA players‘ game day schedule in the Orlando bubble for 2019-20 season resumption, as @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium has obtained: pic.twitter.com/6nHik0R9aN
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 16, 2020
Will fans be allowed to attend games?
No, but there will be people in stands, made up of players, media members, team executives and more.
How will players be tested?
In Phase 2 (June 23-30), teams will begin mandatory testing of all players and staff.
In Phase 4.A, which is when teams arrive in Florida, players and team staff will be tested upon arrival. They must stay isolated in their rooms until they return two negative tests 24 hours apart.
Testing will continue regularly from Phase 4.B onwards. There will also be daily temperature checks and symptom surveys.
What happens if a player tests positive?
If a player tests positive for COVID-19, they will enter "Isolation Housing," a specially designated house, hotel or other facility away from the NBA campus. The player must remain in isolation until they are asymptomatic and return at least two consecutive negative tests 24 hours apart.
They will then have to undergo a cardiac screening before returning to play.
Will the NBA season be cancelled if a player tests positive?
No. The NBA wrote that "a small or otherwise expected number of COVID-19 cases will not require a decision to suspend or cancel the resumption of the 2019-20 season."
What happens if a player leaves the bubble?
If a player leaves without approval, they will have to self-quarantine for 10-14 days and undergo deep nasal testing as opposed to shallow nasal or oral testing before reentering. Additionally, their pay will be reduced for the games they miss.
For more from the NBA's plan, check out The Athletic, ESPN and Associated Press.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA or its clubs.
