SALT LAKE CITY — On Tuesday the league informed teams that it is targeting a date, no earlier than May 8, to begin modifying guidance on use of team practice facilities but noted that the target date could be pushed back.
During the hiatus, following the suspension of the season, team facilities have been closed to all athletes and personnel. As some states are beginning to ease restrictions on nonessential businesses, the league is hoping to give players a place where they can safely work out with strict limitations.
“The potential rules changes would allow teams to make their practice facilities available for use by the team’s players for workouts or treatment on a voluntary, individual basis if the team’s facility is in a city that is no longer subject to a government restriction,” read a press release from the NBA.
Once facilities are opened to players, it does not mean that teams will be able to practice and is not an indication that NBA play will resume.
Among the restrictions teams will have to follow is; allowing no more than four players at a facility at a time; no coach participation; no practices, scrimmages, or group activity of any kind; players are prohibited from using public gyms or health clubs even if state restrictions allow such establishments to reopen.
The release came after it was reported that the league was planning to reopen facilities on Friday, May 1. But, after some pushback and concern from multiple teams and players, the NBA moved the target date to May 8.
The Jazz have not said whether they plan to open their practice facility on May 8 and, like all teams, are working with state officials to decide the best course of action.
On Tuesday, Utah Gov. Gary Herbert announced that the state will allow some businesses to reopen on May 1.