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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 15: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks to the media during a press conference at the United Center on February 15, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 15: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks to the media during a press conference at the United Center on February 15, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Adam Silver Discusses NBA Restart Safety: No Options Are Risk-Free amid Pandemic

Blake Schuster
Jun 26, 2020

The NBA is moving ahead with plans to resume the season at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, despite the recent surge in positive cases of COVID-19.

On a call with media members Friday afternoon, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver admitted the plan isn't perfect, but it's the best strategy moving forward.Ā 

The league is expected to resume play on July 30, with teams traveling to Orlando beginning July 7.Ā 

According to theĀ New York Times, Florida has recorded more than 3,200 positive cases over each of the last three days, including a record high of 5,511 cases on June 24 that was topped again on Friday with the state announcingĀ 8,942 cases. Orlando, in particular, has remained a hot spot in the state with one out of every 168 people testing positive there.Ā 

The surge led to FloridaĀ suspendingĀ alcohol services in all bars effective Friday morning.

In the NBA alone, the leagueĀ announcedĀ 16 of 302 players have contracted the virus, including three members of the Sacramento Kings, who are set to participate in the restart.Ā 

Silver said the league is still discussing what it would take to shut games down again should infections increase across the NBA.Ā 

"We're working closely on what that line should be," SilverĀ said. "It hasn't been precisely designed."

The 58-year-old also noted players will not be forced to remain on the Disney campus but would be subject toĀ quarantineĀ should they attempt to return. Additionally, players will be tested for COVID-19 daily upon arriving in Orlando.Ā 

Teams will also be allowed to replace staff members who test positive and are unable to work, according toĀ Tim BontempsĀ of ESPN.Ā 

"My ultimate conclusion is we can't outrun the virus," SilverĀ said. "And we are going to be living with this for the foreseeable future."

Within the bubble, the NBA is prepping to create a fan-friendly environment despite the fact no spectators will be allowed in.Ā The league plans on using new camera angles, more audio of coaches and players as well has virtual halftime concerts and performances.

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