NBA champion Raptors to open for solo workouts

TORONTO, Canada – Reigning NBA champion Toronto Raptors said Friday, May 8, they will reopen their practice facility on Monday for individual workouts under strict guidelines from league, local government, and public health authorities.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver shut down the season in March after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for the coronavirus.

The NBA permitted solo workouts under controlled conditions starting Friday at team facilities, the first small step toward resuming the season, although many teams did not take advantage of the opportunity.

In some cases, it was because state and local governments have not allowed it, but the Raptors have approval from local government officials.

“Strict protocols have been designed to ensure this initial level of access will take place in a safe, controlled, and healthy way,” the team said in a statement.

The access will focus upon on-court activities such as shooting drills, with locker rooms, weight rooms, medical facilities, offices, and other areas of the building still closed.

While the NBA allows as many as 4 players at one time in practice facilities, the Raptors said they will allow only one player at a time into their building.

All areas and equipment, including basketballs, will be cleaned before and after each player uses the facility.

Staff members, such as those who would rebound the ball for players, will wear gloves and masks at all times and players will wear masks except while on the court.

Temperature and symptom checks will be done by the Raptors medical staff before anyone enters the facility and security outside the building will ensure social distancing.

At 46-18, the Raptors owned the third-best record in the NBA when the league went on hiatus, trailing only the conference-leading Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers.

Pascal Siakam led the Raptors with 23.6 points a game when the season was stopped and also contributed 7.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists a contest. – Rappler.com