Poll of NBA players shows desire to play, if safe

A person familiar with results of poll of NBA players taken by ir union says re would be “overwhelming” support for any plan that has this season resuming in a safe way amid coronavirus pandemic. poll conducted by National Basketball Players Association was informal but gave a clear sense that players would like to t only get to playoffs but also resume at least some of regular season, according to person who shared details with Associated Press on Tuesday on condition of anymity because it was t to be detailed publicly. exact results of poll were unkwn, and methodology behind poll — including how many players participated — was unclear.

NBPA sent a letter to nts Tuesday discussing, among or things, results of player polling and some details of call union and its membership had late last week with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. In that call, Silver talked about possibility of resuming a season without fans and potentially playing at a centralized site — tions that have been discussed for some time.  NBA suspended its season on March 11 with 259 regular-season games remaining. Players have been paid in full on each of four paydays that have followed, though that will change Friday when most of league sees a 25% reduction in ir paycheck. 

Players stand to lose roughly $850 million in gross salary if regular season is t resumed and NBA exercises its right to withhold roughly 1.08% of each player’s salary for any game that is ultimately canceled. games have been officially canceled yet; 25% reduction starting with Friday’s check was negotiated between league and union with expectation that season will eventually be shortened. A handful of teams have opened ir facilities for voluntary workouts; Miami and Orlando are expected to be next two teams to do so on Wednesday.