The sounds of sneakers squeaking and balls bouncing might be coming back to NBA practice facilities in the coming weeks.
The league is working on plans to allow players back into the gym, although on a modified system that would include limited numbers of players and heightened sanitizing measures in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
That would be a welcomed sign for players around the league. At last we spoke to Richaun Holmes, he was waiting for a hoop to arrive in the mail. Same with Bogdan Bogdanovic, who had been getting up a few shots on his neighbors' hoop while waiting for a large box to get dropped off.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
On the latest episode of the "Purple Talk" podcast, Harrison Barnes said that not only does he not have a hoop at home, but he hasn’t even got up a shot since the league went on hiatus.
“I think the biggest thing would be just getting used to playing basketball again,” Barnes said. “Whenever facilities open up, I’m sure there will be a window for that before a training camp starts. Just putting up shots -- I haven’t shot since the New Orleans game.”
Barnes is working out at home, but you can’t truly simulate the speed, pace and physicality of an NBA game, especially without basic equipment needs.
The first focus of any return is to make sure the players are healthy and safe. The second focus will be to get the players back in game shape to avoid a rash of injuries.
NBA
“Really having time to get back in the gym and get your legs underneath you, that’s going to be the biggest thing,” Barnes added.
[PURPLE TALK PODCAST: Listen to the latest episode]
NBA players have become increasingly dependent on their team practice facilities. Not only do they go in to get up shots at all hours, but they have full gyms, hands-on trainers and -- in most places -- a chef working a full kitchen.
Some players are lucky enough to have a court at their home, but that isn’t everyone. There is also an issue with some teams playing in states that have yet to loosen restrictions, including California, where shelter-in-place orders were extended through May.
The Kings, Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers are working behind the scenes to get their facilities open in the next stage of reopening for California.
“Sources say all four of the league’s California teams are hoping to convince [Gov.] Gavin Newsom to include them in 'Stage 2' of his reopening plan, perhaps with the help of the mayors in their respective cities,” the tandem of Sam Amick and Joe Vardon wrote.
The California teams hope they'll be allowed to get back to work by the third week of May. That might be optimistic at this point.
California is currently in Stage 1 of their four-stage return to normalcy. According to Newsom's plan, Stage 2 includes “Gradually re-opening some lower-risk workplaces with adaptations.”
Stage 3 is where we see higher risk gatherings reopening, including live sporting events without audiences. The final stage includes the return of concerts, convention centers and live-audience sports, but this will not happen until “therapeutics have been developed.”
The Kings released the following statement Monday on the potential reopening of their practice facility.
“Health and safety is our top priority," the statement read. "In accordance with the Sacramento County and California Department of Public Health stay-at-home orders that are currently in place, the team’s practice facility remains closed until further notice. We will continue to follow governmental directives from local and state health officials, and guidelines set forth by the league, to maintain the health and wellbeing of our team and community.”
[RELATED: How Kings legend Richmond, MJ would adapt to modern NBA rules]
The coronavirus has the world in uncharted waters. Even if players are allowed back in the practice facilities, they won’t be able to share the court with their teammates initially.
Barring any major setbacks, this will be a long process to get the NBA restarted and there are no guarantees that this season can be salvaged.