Shams: NBA-issued GM survey reveals competition formats that are in play
Shams Charania
The NBA has sent a survey to its 30 general managers regarding competition formats for the resumption of the 2019-20 season, sources told
The Athletic. This continues the NBA’s process of gathering information and input from its organizations prior to a restart amid the coronavirus pandemic.
GMs received the survey late Friday night, which included polling on whether the NBA should do a play-in tournament, the preferred number of teams to enter the playing site and the preferred number of scrimmages or regular-season games prior to the playoffs.
The feeling is that GMs across the NBA believe that this survey allows them to have input, but also believe the league’s ultimate decision-making power remains in the hands of commissioner Adam Silver and the Board of Governors, as well as the players. Further clarity is expected to come during the upcoming week.
There are still several questions remaining regarding format and testing on the playing site.
The Athletic reported on Wednesday that Orlando and the Walt Disney World resort are currently
the clear frontrunner to become the playing site.
According to multiple sources, the NBA, led by Silver, also held a conference call with GMs on Thursday in which several notable topics were discussed:
- A two-step approach to the start of games: Two-week training camp in a team’s market, then a two-week quarantined training camp in the playing location.
- Players are resistant to the full nasal swab coronavirus test: As a result, the league is working on acquiring more comfortable testing via saliva or via the tip of the nose.
- Once in the bubble site, teams could share support services: This includes doctors and security personnel, to lessen the number of people involved.
GMs then received the survey late Friday night, which included polling on whether the NBA should do a play-in tournament, the preferred number of teams to enter the playing site, the preferred number of scrimmage or regular-season games prior to the playoffs and considerations for expanded rosters, sources said.
GMs will be able to vote on a series of scenarios,
The Athletic has learned.
Season formats for consideration:
—
Advance directly to playoffs: (16 teams, four rounds, best-of-seven series) with postseason teams based on standings as of March 12
—
A “Playoffs Plus” option: Expanding the number of teams with the opportunity to play, either through holding a play-in tournament to determine the final seed(s) in playoffs, to be played by “bubble teams” or replacing the first round of the playoffs with a group stage.
—
If “Playoffs Plus” — how many teams should return to play: 18, 20, 22 or 24?
—
Resume regular season with all 30 teams: All teams plays same number of games.
—
“Playoffs Plus” play-in format options: Play-in tournament featuring bubble teams for 8th seed; play-in tournament for 7th and 8th seed; or group stage that replaces first round of playoffs and all participating in groups (each team plays two games against each group opponent and top two teams from each group advances to traditional second round).
Scrimmage games prior to any restart:
— 2, 3, 4, or 5
Total regular season games:
— 72 or 76
Playoff format:
— Traditional (East/West) or reseed all teams
Latest possible date for finish:
— Labor Day, Sept. 15, Oct. 1, Oct. 15 or Nov. 1
As evidenced by the GM survey and conversations to close the week, the NBA still must reach a point of feeling comfortable on a return to play. As Silver told players on a call this month, the NBA will be choosing from “a lot of bad options” and none that are risk-free.
The NBA will hold a Board of Governors call on Friday, May 29.
