Report: Players’ union suspends search for Michele Roberts’ replacement amid coronavirus crisis

Report of Michele Roberts’ demise within the National Basketball Players Association were exaggerated.

But only somewhat.

Shortly after refuting a report that Roberts was out as executive director, the union acknowledged it was seeking her replacement.

Then, coronavirus rocked the NBA.

Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports:

The National Basketball Players Association has temporarily suspended its search for a successor to executive director Michele Roberts until there is more certainty on the future of the NBA season, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

The union had spent the last few weeks interviewing candidates, with Detroit Pistons assistant GM Pat Garrity among those who were interviewed for the position, sources said.

Players generally trust NBA commissioner Adam Silver. But he still primarily works for the owners. The players need their own representation amid this crisis.

Already, players are relinquishing salary. There will be more lost money ahead. It must be negotiated how that will be structured.

Players also must protect their health as the NBA considers resuming its season. Travel to and quality of life within a bubble are major concerns.

Of course, players disagree with each other on how to proceed. There will never be unanimity in a group so large. The right balance must be struck.

Amid all that turbulence, players will at least have Roberts’ steady leadership.