Adam Silver Says It’s Unlikely NBA Would Pause Next Season For Players To Play In Tokyo Olympics

NBA commissioner Adam Silver is insisting that the NBA is unlikely to delay the start of next season to accommodate for the Tokyo Olympics. Players are expected to end August 8, 2021 in Tokyo and the issue is reportedly more about training camp. Participation from NBA stars might now be in jeopardy without early accommodation.

Adam Silver says it’s “unlikely” the NBA would pause next season for players to compete in the Tokyo Olympics https://t.co/Khro8G591u pic.twitter.com/LmcMZphKnk

— SLAM Newswire (@SLAMnewswire) October 3, 2020

“It’s not just a function of stopping for the period in which they are competing over in Tokyo,” Silver said. “But they require training camp, and then they require rest afterward.”

If the NBA starts in January, the way Silver has introduced before, the olympics would start around game 1 of the playoffs. Players usually have a downtime period, so Silver estimates at least a month of the season will need to be delayed.

Basketball will be life for some of these Olympic participants and injury risk now becomes a major factor. How likely is a Kevin Durant or a James Harden to tire themselves before the playoffs? Obviously not an ideal situation, but sacrifices will need to be made to play for the country.

A new star could be born

Possible that risking NBA playoff performance for your country in Tokyo births a hero. David Wright was known for being “Captain America” after his tenure as captain for team U.S.A, so maybe that could happen here?

Fans are turning off the NBA at increasing rates in large part because of a lack of patriotism from players. Stars have a rare opportunity to prove they care more about their country than personal gain.

Adam Silver is known for his player flexibility, so we’re anticipating something to be done to accommodate all parties somehow. Stay tuned.