As everyone waits to see what happens next, Adam Silver wrote a letter to NBA fans while the LA Clippers addressed ticket sales.
Adam Silver on NBA suspension
We now know a minimum amount of time we will be without the NBA after the league suspended play due to the coronavirus pandemic. In a letter to fans on March 12, commissioner Adam Silver stated that the hiatus will last at least 30 days at which time they will reassess the current climate.
Silver also notably said “we intend to resume the season”, implying that the games would pick up exactly where they left off as opposed to skipping right to the end of the season and beginning playoffs.
Adam Silver letter to NBA fans pic.twitter.com/F5GA2Yb0Ib
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 13, 2020
Resuming the season would have a lot of implications. Obviously the playoffs would be pushed, likely ending sometime in July. The league would also have to adjust the combine, the draft, and free agency accordingly. Because of all this movement, the 2020-21 season could be started late or even shortened. There’s also the question of players participating in the Olympics, assuming they even happen.
With this being such a fluid situation, the league has to prepare for every single possibility. As of now according to Shams Charania, the league has told all 30 teams the following:
- All players must remain in the market of the team
- Players should remain home as long as possible
- No group workouts nor practices
- Team doctors/trainers should speak to each player at least once a day
Some teams are still keeping their facilities open to allow players to get one-on-one workouts in but every franchise is able to decide how to operate around those policies at their discretion.
LA Clippers address ticket sales
When the season was suspended, many, including myself, wondered what would happen with tickets purchased to future games. The LA Clippers released a statement on Thursday via Twitter that said the following:
"Tickets purchased from the LA Clippers for postponed games will be honored if and when the games are rescheduled. If the games are not played or played without spectators in attendance, ticket buyers will be refunded.We remain committed to consistent and transparent communication. We also acknowledge the disruption and appreciate your patience."
This statement is in line with the letter from Commissioner Silver but it’s a nice extra step for the team to put out info so their specific fans are aware of the situation.
It’s rough that we will be without the LA Clippers or NBA basketball for a while but continue to check back here for all your Clippers’ news, rumors, and more! Stay safe Clipper Nation!