The courts in the NBA bubble at Disney World Orlando will be dusted off as the NBA G League is tentatively set to host its season there by February 8, 2021, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
A total of 18 teams have committed to playing a reported 12-15 game season in the virus-free bubble, including the new G League Ignite team that stars Filipino unicorn Kai Sotto and Fil-Am five-star prospect Jalen Green.
Meanwhile, 11 teams opted to not field a team for the new season per The Athletic’s report, as each franchise is required to set aside $400,000-500,000 (P19-24 million) for expenses that include lodging, and virus testing.
If all goes well, the NBA has reportedly set the following dates for preparation: January 19 for physical tests, January 26 for arrival on-site at Orlando, and February 8 for season tip-off.
The NBA bubble became a pioneering benchmark for mid-pandemic sports hosting after it successfully housed 22 teams, and recorded zero positive cases from the July tip-off to the NBA Finals in October, where the Los Angeles Lakers were crowned as champions.
The G League will aim for the same safety record as all eyes zero in on the Ignite team’s debut as an alternative path to college basketball.
Aside from Green and Sotto, other top Ignite stars coached by NBA champion Brian Shaw include prospects Jonathan Kuminga, Daishen Nix, Isaiah Todd, and Princepal Singh.
Veterans like Amir Johnson, Reggie Hearn, and Bobby Brown have also committed for much-needed NBA-level experience and mentorship. (READ: Kai Sotto likens his game to former Lakers star Pau Gasol)
– Rappler.com
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