NBA eases restrictions, opens practice facilities

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The NBA is slowly making its return to normalcy.

Easing its restrictions, the NBA informed teams that they will be allowed access to practice facilities starting May 8.

This is the league’s first step as they try to get back to business after shutting down the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the decision will still rely on the teams’ respective local governments if they will be given access to facilities.

Also, the NBA imposed strict rules inside the training facilities which will have to be observed by all the teams.

First, training done inside will be done individually while group workouts are prohibited, may it be in the weights room or on the basketball court.

Second, players and personnel who will arrive in the facility will get their temperatures checked and those who will assist the players working out will be required to wear masks and gloves.

Players will also have to wear masks if not engaged in any physical activity and are not allowed to practice at a different facility, only in their respective home NBA teams.

“We’re going to ramp up systematically. The biggest goal is to have the confidence of the players and the staff that they can enter our facility safely,” Utah Jazz executive vice president of basketball operations Dennis Lindsey shared.