The NBA, like the rest of the country and the world, is dealing with a COVID-19 problem right now.
Over 100 players have entered health and safety protocols this season and games are starting to be postponed with more regularity.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver appeared on ESPN and was asked about the idea of an NBA shutdown.
He made it clear that is not even being considered as an option.
Commissioner Adam Silver joined NBA Today to talk about COVID in the league as Christmas Day approaches.
Silver said there are currently no plans to pause the season. pic.twitter.com/LFIPCCejnQ
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) December 21, 2021
Silver mentions he doesn’t see the logic behind such a move.
Thus, the NBA season will continue on and postponements may just become the norm throughout the winter and into spring.
NBA Not Planning A Shutdown
One thing the NBA may do is update its protocols, like the NFL has done recently.
That could allow asymptomatic, vaccinated players to avoid constant testing.
However, Silver had not indicated that will take place.
A shutdown would not need to be an indefinite thing.
Even one week off could allow players to pass the virus and for every roster to get in order.
Currently, replacement players are traveling all over the country just so teams have enough bodies to play a game.
Yet the NBA already went through a major shutdown in 2020 and as long as games can still be played, they are going to do just that.
They are even reportedly prepared to adjust the Christmas Day schedule if COVID remains a major factor.
The NBA told Christmas Day teams to be prepared for game times to shift as late as Dec. 24 with a priority on filling the ABC windows of 2:30 PM ET, 5 PM and 8 PM, according to memo shared with the 10 teams playing on Saturday.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 21, 2021
Having a game switch times the day before Christmas is not great for fans planning to attend.
This is clearly a move to please the networks and make sure the best teams with a full enough roster are in the spotlight on the holiday.
A shutdown is not going to happen before Christmas, but the league may want to check back in on the possibility if every single team is dealing with a list of absences.
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