Lately, there has been much discussion about whether or not to resume the 2019-20 NBA season once the COVID-19 is contained.
But, the latest news from the NBA is that a potential vote would occur to crown an NBA Champion without resuming the NBA season.
According to Bleacher Report, Marc Stien of the New York Times said, ”there is nothing in the NBA bylaws to name a champion without the playoffs taking place,” adding that the league is open to ideas, including the possibility of a vote.
And on April 6th, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said,”we’re in listening mode,”
Prior to the NBA season’s suspension, the 52-12 Milwaukee Bucks, along with their reigning NBA MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo, were in favor to win the Eastern Conference and play in the NBA Finals.
LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Los Angeles Lakers lead the Western Conference with 49-14 record. Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and the Los Angeles Clippers were holding on to second with a 44-20 record.
The season was suspended in March when Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19.
With no clear view of when the stay-at-home orders will be lifted or when the restriction on large gathering will be eased, there is no guarantee that the NBA 2019-20 season will resume. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported Monday that even if the season does resume, the league would need a minimum of 25 days to get everything in order.
If the restrictions of large gatherings head into the summer, the NBA may not have the luxury of the 25-day restart, since it would impact the off-season, free agency, and the NBA draft.
There have been shortened seasons due to NBA lockouts, but an NBA team has always lifted the Larry O’Brien trophy every year since the first NBA Final game in 1947, which saw the Philadelphia Warriors beat the Chicago Stags.
