The Raptor Report: The Lost Season

A Basketball Jones

A Global Impact

Cancellations and empty stadiums are the new norm for the immediate future. Champions League is one of the most watched global sporting events annually, and it was being played behind closed doors. Subsequently, soccer fans globally are even more enthusiastic about their teams then the fans in the leading sport in North America, which is the NFL.

Sports is only a miniscule aspect in terms of the global impact that COVID-19 is affecting. From businesses, to the stock market, to different economic classes, to different countries, the fear of getting sick has no bounds and impacts all aspects of life.

Current Impact on the NBA

The basketball community is shocked finding out the NBA season has been suspended. There were rumors of games being moved to unaffected areas, games being played behind closed doors, but not many were anticipating a league wide suspension. We hope it doesn’t lead to a lost season.

It is unclear how the suspension of the season will impact the rest of this season, the off-season, and beyond in the NBA and the rest of the major sports leagues in North America.

Fallout?

The possibility of the NBA season returning for the rest of the year is highly unlikely and this will cause several unintended consequences. This will be dealt with by the CBA, players, owners, and the commissioners office. It will be hard for the NBA to extended the season due to the CBA. The CBA is a written contract that is a guide for how the season and off-season is suppose to play out.

For instance, if the NBA is shutdown for 2-3 weeks due to quarantine, because of the collective bargaining agreement it will be difficult to simply extend the NBA season by 2-3 weeks. It will have an impact on free agency, revenue, cap space, and attending the Olympics.

In Regards to Olympic Participation

Firstly, the Olympics may be canceled. If they aren’t canceled the fear of getting sick will deter players from representing their country, especially if they are on a contract year.

Revenue & Cap Space

Secondly, if the season is canceled, revenue & cap space will drop. This will impact the amount of money teams will be able to offer free agents. Players who have the ability to opt-out of their current contracts will think twice. Their earnings potential may not be the same and could affect their short term decision making. Players will have to decide if they are willing to take less money for a different team or stay with their current team and wait for the next year.

Free Agents Next Year

Thirdly, free agents next year have two options:

• 1. Signing a short term deal (2-3 years) to ensure financial security
• 2. They sign a one year deal. Meanwhile, trying to get a better contract in the following off-season, when competing with a larger free agency pool.

The Last Time the NBA Didn’t Have a Champion

In conclusion, since 1947, there has always been an NBA Champion crowned at the end of the NBA Season. Global events like the Great Depression, Vietnam War, and the fall of the Berlin Wall did not create enough fear to cancel a season like COVID-19. That is to say, COVID-19 shouldn’t warrant the fear that the media creates and should be held accountable for it.
Check out what Dr.Drew has to say: CLICK HERE

Unfortunately, the reality is we are in uncharted territories, when it comes to a lost season.

The NBA season is in jeopardy. A takeaway for the Toronto Raptors is that they will remain the NBA Champions.

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