The NBA’s “Bubble” System
When the COVID-19 pandemic surfaced the United States in mid-March, it caused many interruptions to many peoples’ lives, including the NBA’s 2020 season. The NBA was inching towards the start of their postseason until the virus took over. Unfortunately, the leagues commissioner Adam Silver had to formulate an idea of how they can finish the 2020 season. COVID-19 has brought many struggles and difficulties to our daily lives resulting in changes being made. The NBA was faced with a tough decision on how they can continue, and ultimately they made a smart choice.
Shared below is an article published by SPORTING NEWS:
Adam Silver and NBA officials proposed the idea of keeping players, coaches, team officials, and media enclosed in Orlando, FL at Walt Disney Resorts. The interesting point here is that Walt Disney has gymnasiums for the athletes to compete in. Rules were placed for all individuals involved with the seasons continuation process. Some of the rules include all players, officials, and essential personnel MUST NOT leave Walt Disney Resorts unless it is a critical family emergency, or personal injury. Here is an important rule to remember: if one has to leave and is planning on a return, he or she must self-quarantine themselves for 10–14 days as cited by federal CDC guidelines. This ensures that no one shall be contaminated with the virus if they do or do not have COVID-19. Also, all players, officials, and personnel are COVID tested daily. Each and every day there will be regular testing being administered to ensure that everyone is safe and healthy. It is important to note that no fans will be allowed inside of the “bubble”.
The photo above shows one of courts that the NBA is using for their season in Orlando. An interesting feature that the NBA decided to implement was adding “virtual fans” to attend live games. Yeah, virtual fans can attend live NBA games! If you look closely at the picture above, the fans are shown on the screen court-side behind the benches and baskets. Approximately 300 fans, including family members will be invited by teams to attend the games through their computer or phone via Microsoft Team. The Microsoft Team feature “Together Mode” will allow fans to interact virtually between one another as the game goes on. The feature is great for fans to high-five one another, hold signs, or even react to what is currently happening on the court.
Linked below is an article published by USA TODAY:
Adam Silver and the NBA proposed a brilliant idea for the leagues success towards continuing and finishing their 2020 season. While it may have costed a good fortune of money, it will be worth while for the long run by ensuring that everyone involved is safe and healthy. Though it created a lot of stress, time, and effort towards pushing for this protocol, it has been running smooth and is gaining great feedback from many. The NBA looks to conclude their 2020 season in the next coming weeks as many see the bubble system to be a valiant success. COVID-19 has made some uneasy changes to our lives, but if there is a will there is always a way.
“To lose patience is to lose the battle.” — Mahatma Ghandi
Sources:
Medina, M. (2020, August 07). NBA bubble: What do teams think of playing in front of virtual fans? Retrieved September 27, 2020, from https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2020/07/25/nba-disney-bubble-players-team-reaction-virtual-fans/5511468002/
Written By Tadd Haislop @taddhaislop, Written By Tadd Haislop, By, W., & Haislop, T. (2020, August 26). NBA bubble, explained: A complete guide to the rules, teams, schedule & more for Orlando games. Retrieved September 27, 2020, from https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/nba-bubble-rules-teams-schedule-orlando/zhap66a9hcwq1khmcex3ggabo
