NBA Takes First Step Towards Return to Action by Allowing Some Teams to Open Practice Facilities on May 1

The fate of the current NBA season remains unknown after play was suspended in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fans have been waiting for any sort of news and the NBA has provided us all with some hope. That comes in the form of an announcement that some practice facilities will be allowed to open once again.

Beginning on May 1, the NBA is allowing teams to open their practice facilities to players in cities and states where local governments have eased stay-at-home orders, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 25, 2020

The important note is that facilities can open in areas where stay-at-home orders are not strict. That would complicate things for teams in New York, California, Ohio, Michigan, and other states where the orders remain in place. Yet even where the facilities are open, there won't be any large gatherings at this point in time.

Sources: Teams will be allowed to make facilities open to players on a voluntary basis for individual work, but larger group workouts will still be prohibited. In NBA markets that aren't loosening restrictions, league plans to work w/ teams on other arrangements for players. https://t.co/yZSKsXedW1
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 25, 2020

This is not a sign that the season is about to resume in May. However, it is the first step in a long process to even have a chance at finishing the season. We are in a spot now where zero facilities are open. Players being able to get back to a somewhat normal training regimen would provide some optimism not just for sports fans, but for society as a whole.