It’s looking more and more like an NBA return is closer than we think.
The NHL was the first of the U.S.’s major four sports leagues to release a return-to-play format. The NBA is about to vote on one. And MLB, well, they’re still talking.
While we’re all adjusting to a new normal, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s a strong chance basketball fans will have games to watch this summer.
Here are three NBA storylines to watch for when they tip off this restart:
1. Will Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving be ready to play?
June 4 will mark one year since Durant ruptured his Achilles in the 2019 NBA Finals. The timetable to rehab an Achilles rupture is 9 to 12 months.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said, on his podcast three weeks ago, Durant would be held out for the entire year, regardless of when the season restarts or how many games are played.
“Kevin Durant’s not coming back to the Nets this year,” Wojnarowski said. “That’s not happening…they’re not playing him.”
Durant’s manager, Rich Kleiman, said it was unlikely he’s returning for the stretch run.
But that was then, and this is now.
If the NBA resumes by the end of July, it would be over four months since the league suspended their season. That’s a lot of time for Durant, Kleinman, and Nets general manager Sean Marks to seriously consider a return to the court from one of the world’s best.
Irving, after only playing in 20 games for Brooklyn, underwent successful surgery on his right shoulder on March 3. Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News writes “an arthroscopic surgeon told the News that four months is the minimum length of time recommended for athletes recovering from said surgery. July 31 would mark closer to five months”.
The Nets are currently sitting in the 7th seed in the Eastern Conference. Interim head coach Jacque Vaughn replaced Kenny Atkinson. Vaughn will have his work cut out for him with Orlando and Washington, right behind them in the standings, also vying for a playoff spot.
Without Irving and Durant, it’s difficult to envision Brooklyn making a deep playoff run. With them both in the mix, the narrative for the NBA postseason changes.
The timetables for both players recovering from their respective injuries indicate this question will take up prime real estate in Brooklyn when plans to restart the season are finalized.
2. Will the Philadelphia 76ers have their act together in time?
Expectations for the 76ers were high, but they’ve underachieved. The seventh-highest payroll in the NBA has only been good enough to get Philly a sixth seed in the East.
They’ll make the playoffs, but how far can they go remains to be seen. The optimistic side of the room can point to a healthy Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons getting the Sixers on a roll heading into the playoffs. Al Horford has not been a good signing, but maybe his offensive production catches up to his defense. Shake Milton maximized his opportunity before the season was suspended. He looks ready for prime time.
And then there’s the other side of the room. That’s where one will point to head coach Brett Brown and his ability, or inability, to get the most out of his players. Then there’ll be one looking over at Simmons and asking if this is the moment where he decides to shoot the basketball?
The lack of shooting is a problem for the Sixers. But there better than a six seed. An early exit from the playoffs could mean changes at head coach.
3. The Wild West
We know LeBron will be ready, we know this. But do the Lakers have enough to finish what they started?
The Clippers spent most of the season managing minutes for Kawhi Leonard and Paul George so they can be ready for the postseason. Nearly four months off for load management is as good as it’s going to get.
The West is stacked, and we also know this to be true. There’s very little separation between seeds 3 through 7 (Denver, Utah, Oklahoma City, Houston, and Dallas).
And then there’s the race for the 8th seed. Memphis will need to fight off Portland, New Orleans, Sacramento, San Antonio, and Phoenix.
The NBA wants any opportunity at having Zion Williamson in the playoffs. But that’s not the only scenario in play here.
Damian Lillard said he won’t suit up for “meaningless” games. Well, Portland has a chance at the playoffs with this format.
And, about Memphis – they’re young, fun to watch, and ahead of schedule.
Important part of the NBA’s proposed plan, as it pertains, to the No. 8 seed:
If the No. 9 seed is within four or fewer games of the No. 8 seed after those eight additional games, a play-in scenario will commence. The No. 9 seed would have to beat the No. 8 seed twice, while the No. 8 seed would have to win only once.
So, can Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson and the Grizzlies hold on to their spot?
That’s plenty of intrigue to keep an eye on.
