Skip to content

Report: NBA clubs not in 22-team restart eyeing options for player development

Nathaniel S. Butler / National Basketball Association / Getty

Several teams that won't be making the trip to Orlando for the NBA's 22-team restart to the 2019-20 season are considering other options to help in the development of their younger players, sources told Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

Proposed ideas reportedly include a mix of mandatory and voluntary workouts in July, regional mini-camps in August that could feature joint practices between teams, organized team activities in September, and an early training camp for the 2020-21 season.

Among the teams discussing alternatives were the Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, Charlotte Hornets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and New York Knicks.

"Nine months is too long without organized basketball," Hawks owner Tony Ressler told ESPN's Ramona Shelburne. "We just can't risk that. I think the league has heard loud and clear. We are pushing to remain competitive. That's what our players want. We were desperate to have something that helps us stay competitive."

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox