A week ago, the NBA looked to be all set for the 2019/20 season resume. Things, however, changed in recent days as a growing number of players started questioning the league’s plan to restart the competition in a “bubble” environment at Disneyworld in Orlando.
Some, like veteran Carmelo Anthony, stated that they need more information before making the final decision, while others, like All-Star guard Kyrie Irving and LA Lakers’ center Dwight Howard, openly advocate for players to reject the NBA’s idea in the wake of coronavirus pandemic and current social unrest in the United States.
Popular Inside the NBA host and Hall of Famer Charles Barkley recently decided to weigh in on the matter and sent a strong message to players who are in favor of season cancellation.
According to Barkley, not continuing the season would make the players less prominent in the eyes of the public.
“I think it would be stupid to not play for two reasons. Number one, if they don’t play they’re going to be out of sight, out of mind for the rest of the year,” said Barkley during his appearance on ESPN’s GetUp. “There won’t be no cameras following. LeBron [James] is probably the most famous athlete in the United States. He won’t be visible anywhere. So, out of sight, out of mind.”
Also, Barkley argues that players would leave a lot of money on the table, money that could serve well in helping their communities. Overall, he believes it would be a “catastrophic mistake” if the NBA doesn’t return.
“So it’s not good on any front. I have no idea what Kyrie and Dwight [Howard] are talking about. But it would be a catastrophic mistake not to play,” he added.
NBA and the NBA Players Association previously agreed to a plan that would see 22 teams head to Disney World and finish out the 2019/20 season there. The training camp was scheduled to kick off in late July, while NBA Finals are expected to wrap up in early October. It remains to be seen whether this plan pans out or not.
