The NBA is considering using Walt Disney World Resorts as a possible location to play games if the league decides it’s safe to resume play.
We haven’t gotten a decision yet if the NBA will resume but it seems like the league is keen to make it happen. A report by Shams Charania said the league is exploring using Walt Disney World as a possible location to play games if play is to resume. This would mean the LA Clippers and other teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers would have a shot at completing their championship runs.
The Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida has several basketball arenas and already hosts a college basketball tournament, the AdvoCare Invitational, each year. The league could have team stay at nearby hotels and resorts owned by Disney, keeping them completely isolated from the outside world.
Supporting this report by Shams is a report from April 17 by Tim Reynolds stating that the NBA had been on the phone with Disney chairman Bob Iger to discuss how they were handling the COVID-19 situation. Perhaps they chatted about the logistics of having teams all come together in Orlando.
The NBA front office has been exploring options to allow play to resume without fans. One option involved teams congregating in Las Vegas and staying in the same hotel. It is unclear whether this would mean all 30 teams, just the current 16 playoff teams or some other amount.
Of course, this all comes with the caveat that they find a way to guarantee player and staff safety. While the teams would be isolated, there would still need to be staff or at the very least deliveries of food and supplies. The league will not jeopardize their players’ safety so they would have to feel confident in resuming the season.
Still, there is hope Clipper Nation. If the league resumes play, the Clippers are poised to make a championship run. The team has been hosting group workouts and there is a sense that Kawhi Leonard will be in championship form.
As the league continues to evaluate their options, make sure to check back here for any and all updates!