Disney World, here comes the NBA. This is the case after commissioner Adam Silver unveiled the plan for 22 teams to make the trip down to Orlando for the NBA’s return to the court. Under the proposal, 13 teams from the Western Conference and nine teams from the Eastern Conference will finish out the regular season by playing eight games before beginning playoffs.
Joining the top eight teams from both conferences will be the teams currently within six games of the final playoff spot in both conferences. Those teams are the New Orleans Pelicans, Portland Trailblazers, San Antonio Spurs, Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns, and Washington Wizards. The most important point of this proposal is that if the ninth seed finishes within four games of the final playoff spot, a tournament for the final spot in the playoffs will be held.
Five Winners From The NBA’s Return To The Court
The tentative date for the return of basketball is July 31st, with teams beginning preparation at the beginning of July. While safety protocols are still in the process of being finalized, according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelbourne, players and coaches will be allowed to eat at outdoor restaurants and play golf as long as they adhere to the social distancing guidelines. Along with this, the league is planning to have regular daily testing within the environment. So, who are the winners of the NBA’s return to the court?
5. Fringe Playoff Teams
All that six teams on the outside looking in could ask for is a chance, and that’s what the NBA provided them. Under the current proposal, if the ninth seed is within four games of the eighth seed, a tournament will be held for the final seed in the conference. With eight regular-season games left, the opportunity is there for teams on the outside to earn the final spot.
4. Eastern Conference Contenders
The Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat, and Boston Celtics all come away significant winners of the return to play proposal. The Milwaukee Bucks remain the odds-on favorites to reach the NBA finals, led by MVP forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, in past seasons, the Bucks have endured playoff disappointment after failing to reach the NBA finals. With a three month layoff, the advantage goes to other contenders in the conference hoping to knock off the Bucks.
3. Lebron James
Currently, in his 18th season in the league, time is tic
king on the career of Lebron James. Playing as well as ever, this season provides Lebron as good an opportunity as ever to win his fourth championship. This makes the return to play a major win for him and the Los Angeles Lakers.
2. Major TV Networks
After months of showing old games and various documentaries, the major tv networks of the NBA are finally going to have live games to air on television. The main draw for fans has always been stars, and under this proposal, fans will be able to watch players such as Lebron James, Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and many more. A bonus is that Pelican’s rookie Zion Williamson will make the trip to Orlando to finish out the regular season. This creates a bonus for tv networks as he is one of the biggest stars in the league.
1. NBA Fans
The fans of the NBA are the major winners of this return to play announcement after seeing the season end so abruptly back in March. Playoff basketball is the best part of the NBA season, and the fans will be able to witness it. This makes it a major victory for fans of basketball.
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