It’s undetermined how many asterisks will be needed when (if?) a new NBA champion is crowned in an empty gym in October. But the march for a ring – not an Oura ring — begins Thursday with the opening of training camps in Disney World.
Orlando’s Mickey Mouse Tournament already has seen its share of defections and a growing number of COVID-19 positives, including 26 players.
A handful of the 22 teams, including what’s left of the Nets, arrived in the Orlando bubble Tuesday. The rest are flying in Wednesday and Thursday.
Members of each club will quarantine in their hotel rooms for 36 to 48 hours upon arriving at the bubble, four months after the league shut down March 11.
Here are 10 storylines as the NBA restarts its season July 30 with eight regular-season games followed by a 16-team playoff – if the league makes it that far.
“We hope it works as we designed it,’’ commissioner Adam Silver said.
Rules, rules and more rules beyond flagrant fouls
Seven of the 22 NBA teams closed their practice facilities from individual workouts because of positive tests among players or staff. Upon arriving in Orlando, each player must pass two coronavirus tests before being allowed to practice. There is a 113-page document with reams of protocols regarding hand-washing and social distancing. Players will also receive their Oura Smart Rings to detect coronavirus symptoms, though they are optional. The virus can live on a basketball and other surfaces, so within the document are several ways for equipment managers to disinfect the rock. All of these rules are why sports psychologists believe mental health in the bubble is as vital as physical – with one telling The Post that living in the bubble without seeing family “could be a miserable experience.’’
Will players continue to defect?
There are various reasons, but fear of the virus is the major one for some players opting out. Washington’s Davis Bertans had the most questionable excuse – wanting to protect himself for free agency. Bertans should realize these games would fund a salary cap raise and therefore a raise for his potential new contract. Victor Oladipo, Wilson Chandler, Trevor Ariza, Thabo Sefolosha, Bradley Beal, Willie Cauley Stein, Justise Winslow and Avery Bradley also have decided to sit out. Chandler is worried about the virus. Bradley, part of the coterie that believes the games would hinder progress to the Black Lives Matter movement, ultimately pulled out because of his son’s health. More players will likely abandon ship once in Orlando. Sources believe players on teams out of playoff position will lose interest if their teams lose early games.
Will LeBron lead his Lakers to a chip and move closer to Jordan?
Michael Jordan dominated the pandemic with “The Last Dance’’ documentary, but James’ quest is the most compelling basketball storyline in the restart. The James and Anthony Davis-led Lakers finished 49-14 at the shutdown but the Lake Show’s chances of a 17th title may rest on a talented Kyle Kuzma, who is making his playoff debut, and new signee J.R. Smith adding throwback 3-pointers and defense. James is seeking his fourth title and – amazingly – 10th appearance in The Finals.
The reuniting of Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell
The shutdown occurred after Gobert tested positive, with Mitchell following suit. Mitchell was enraged Gobert was not careful leading up to the crisis and reportedly felt their relationship was “irreparable.’’ But the trade deadline has long passed, so here they are. “Right now, we’re good,’’ Mitchell said. “We’re going out there ready to hoop.”
A Sixers Soap Opera
If the Sixers flame out, coach Brett Brown might be out of a job with the club needing a new voice. Sources believe Knicks candidate Ime Udoka, a Sixers assistant, will be considered. The team’s journey is fascinating since there’s no longer homecourt advantage. Philly was 29-2 at home and couldn’t win on the road (10-24). Disney World is a long way from Philly. The Sixers will also need Long Island’s Tobias Harris to perform up to his max-level contract to aid recently injured Ben Simmons, quirky Joel Embiid and aging Al Horford.
The Buck Stops Here
NBA insiders agree the stoppage hurt Milwaukee the most as Mike Budenholzer’s club was sailing at 53-12 with homecourt advantage all but sealed through the playoffs. Disney World is the great momentum equalizer. Giannis Antetokounmpo will never get to experience the mania that would’ve invaded Milwaukee amid a deep playoff run. “The Greek Freak” is a free agent in 2021 and all bets are off if the Bucks stumble.
Blame Zion Williamson for the format
There are 22 teams involved because the NBA wanted 2019 No. 1 pick Williamson here. And the Pelicans aren’t too shabby despite their 28-36 record. In just 19 games, Williamson averaged 23.5 points and spent the pandemic sculpting his body. He can get up to 27 games, but please don’t vote him Rookie of the Year.
Nothing but Nets
The Nets are a shell of themselves, with Taurean Prince on Tuesday becoming the seventh player to opt out of the restart after he tested positive. Three Nets have tested positive since late June, while four Nets tested positive for the virus around the time of the league-wide shutdown. If the Wizards had Beal, the Nets would be strong candidates to fall out of the playoffs. It won’t be the worst thing. They’d get back their lottery-protected pick from Minnesota and have two first-rounders if that were to happen.
Social justice surging in Orlando
Give Kyrie Irving an assist on something. His bid for players to protest the games in respect to the Black Lives Matter movement prompted the NBA to step up. The BLM logo will be painted on the court. Players can choose a social-justice phrase such as “I Can’t Breathe’�� on the back of their jersey.
Old Coaches waitin’
Silver put his foot in his mouth when he said elderly head coaches may not be allowed on the bench for safety reasons. He’s since backtracked after angry reactions from 60-plus Mike D’Antoni, Rick Carlisle and Alvin Gentry, but they may be forced to wear masks.