As the NBA tries to figure out a way to resume its season, some have questioned if players actually want to get back on the court in such a risky environment.
NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski tweeted that the National Basketball Players Association regional representatives have started texting players to find out if they want to "try and play again this season."
The answers will be kept confidential since the union is hoping to figure out if players are generally interested in resuming the season.
National Basketball Players Association regional representatives started texting NBA players today with a 'yes or no' question it says will be kept confidential: Do you want to try and play again this season? The union's trying to gauge broader sentiment of its 400-plus players.— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 12, 2020
In an all-player call on Friday, commissioner Adam Silver answered players' questions regarding a variety of topics, including health and finances. According to ESPN, Silver told players that no decision would need to be made this month and that it if the season does happen, it is likely to take place in one or two locations, such as Orlando, Fla.
Lakers forward Jared Dudley replied to Wojnarowski's tweet with his support of the season starting up again. Dudley said player safety has to come first but there would be massive repercussions of the season being canceled, including losing out on TV money and the looming CBA deal.
Safety obviously 1st! No where will be as safe as the NBA compound site they determine but, I Don’t think players know the effects of NOT playing does too next year. This is bigger then My team isnt in the playoffs so who cares! No playoffs, no tv money, NEW CBA next year! https://t.co/jFb1dH89E4— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) May 12, 2020
Dudley is hardly the only player who has said he wants the NBA season to resume. Dudley's teammate, LeBron James, tweeted recently that the NBA should not be canceling its season.
But there have been reports that many players are wary of returning. This is presumably why the NBPA question is confidential as players might not want to publicly voice their reservations.
It will be interesting to see what the results of the survey will be and if that could give the NBA momentum to enact a plan for the the league to be started again.
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