Shams Charania recently released details regarding NBA teams accomodation in Orlando, and informal scrimmages for the Portland Trail Blazers.
There is a lot to unpack at the moment with the NBA’s return in Orlando in July. News at the start of June that a group of Portland Trail Blazers players were on a call with other senior players and the players association with concerns around the return. Then another group of players saying that this call was blown out of proportion, and that most of the players on the call wanted to play.
This may mean that Carmelo Anthony doesn’t end up playing in the end of season return – more details here.
NBA Insiders Shams Charania, Adrian Wojnarowski and Chris Haynes have then dropped a bunch of details on the travel arrangements, Charania recently released details regarding NBA teams accomodation in Orlando, and informal scrimmages for the Portland Trail Blazers. And then details on in-house scrimmages for teams when they arrive in Orlando.
This is obviously a unique situation for teams and the league, but teams staying in a different grade of hotel dependent on their record does seem strange.
Sources: NBA teams Disney hotels based on seeding:
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 16, 2020
-Grand Destino: Bucks, Lakers, Raptors, Clippers, Celtics, Nuggets, Jazz, Heat
-Grand Floridian: Thunder, 76ers, Rockets, Pacers, Mavericks, Nets, Grizzlies, Magic
-Yacht Club: Blazers, Kings, Pelicans, Spurs, Suns, Wizards
The Yacht Club does have all the teams that are on the edge of the playoffs, so this does make sense in a way. Making a massive deal out of the different hotel arrangements doesn’t, as they are all luxury places to stay.
Shams did also tweet though, that teams will play three scrimmage games against other teams who are staying in the same hotel. This will be a great hit-out for the Blazers as the teams they are competing with for the eight-seed will provide a stiff test as they all warm up for real NBA games.
Shams and Haynes also touched on meals, and amenities available to players in Orlando. The red carpet has been rolled out, as there will be personal chefs for teams, barbers, 24-hour concierge, and then round the clock entertainment.
Players will also be allowed to attend other games when not playing themselves.
On a more serious note – the game day schedule was released, with only virtual media availability allowed prior to games. Pre-game introductions will be pre-recorded also. Post-game there will be an in-person media availability with teams in locker rooms – all social distanced.
Teams will also only be allowed to bring a maximum of 35 players and team personnel to Orlando, with guidelines around which type of personnel were compulsory. Players aren’t allowed in each others rooms, and they may not leave the NBA ‘ campus. ‘
Players will have until June the 24th to inform their teams if they don’t wish to play as well.
With the threat of COVID-19 still very real, especially when looking at the case spike in Florida recently, the NBA’s precautions are valid. Teams need to be protected to make sure they are safe for the longterm.
We all want to see NBA basketball go ahead, but the people involved need to be safe.