New Orleans Pelicans: NBA’s Return to Play is Problematic
The New Orleans Pelicans sat around for months wondering if they would play again this season, now they have to wonder if they should.
When the NBA announced it was returning to play on July 30th, hoops fans rejoiced. This is especially true for fans of fringe teams like the New Orleans Pelicans, who will get a chance to finish their season on a high note.
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The question is whether the NBA should be finishing this season at all.
According to Howard Beck of Bleacher Report, there is “growing concern” among players about the NBA’s plan:
There's growing concern re NBA's bubble plan. Players want more freedom of movement while in Orlando. One agent estimates that 2/3 of the top 40 would refuse to play under the proposed restrictions. https://t.co/IrM5MHPu5e
— Howard Beck (@HowardBeck) June 12, 2020
This is on the heels of multiple reports by Shams Charania which detailed a players only meeting in which Kyrie Irving, among others, spoke passionately about racial injustice and the players’ responsibility to use their platform to speak out.
Irving has gotten most of the headlines after some strong statements:
Kyrie Irving on players call Friday, per sources: “I’m willing to give up everything I have (for social reform)."
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 13, 2020
There are a lot of moving pieces in the NBA’s return-to-play plan, which has some wondering if the NBA can pull this off, or even if they should.
I should state right away that I am as big a hoops fan as you will find on planet Earth. I write about the New Orleans Pelicans and would love nothing more than to watch meaningful games, write about all the interesting angles and debate with fellow fans.
But I am torn about it.
On one hand, I miss basketball. God, do I miss basketball.
On the other, I think of the players, the staff, the current societal changes and unrest that are unfolding in real time, and wonder if we just shouldn’t put basketball on the back burner for awhile.
The NBA’s return is problematic for several reasons, and they are going to have to sort these things out or risk a player walkout or worse.