NBA’s latest moves indicate the coronavirus shutdown will last longer than expected

The NBA, which suspended operations last week, informed teams of a new set of operating procedures amid the coronavirus crisis, procedures that signal a return to basketball isn’t close.

The league extended the ban on team practices and meetings indefinitely and took steps to prepare for a lengthier shutdown than the original 30-day time frame, according to sources with knowledge of the plans but not authorized to speak publicly.

Three players — Utah All-Stars Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell and Detroit’s Christian Wood — tested positive for coronavirus.

Sunday, the Center for Disease Control recommended events of 50 people or more be suspended or canceled for the next eights weeks, making it impossible to resume the season before mid-May.

Additionally, after requiring players to remain in the market where their team plays, the NBA will allow players to return home provided the players continue to practice social distancing and provide their organizations with their whereabouts.

Sports

CDC recommends sporting events not be held for eight weeks due to coronavirus

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that sporting events be called off for the next eight weeks because of the coronavirus.

March 15, 2020

The NBA previously mandated daily check-ins between players and medical personnel.

Players still are allowed to conduct individual workouts in team facilities. Lakers star LeBron James posted a video of himself with his children shooting baskets on the team’s practice court. Teams, according to ESPN, have been advised to perform temperature checks on anyone entering the facilities.

If the NBA is able to salvage the season, changes are likely.

The NBA has signaled that it’s open-minded about games played without fans and, possibly, played inside of practice facilities instead of empty arenas.

The schedule could end up pushing the season deep into the summer, which would force the NBA to rearrange its annual calendar, including postponing things like the draft, the start of free agency and the opening of training camp.