The 2020 NBA Bubble was considered by many to be the best reaction in sports to the CoVid-19 virus that put the world on pause. Continuous tests and cautious procedures were put in place and worked to perfection, as the NBA saw 2 positive tests among thousands. The less than 1% positive rate holds well compared to both the 11% in the Orlando, the area surrounding the bubble and the 9% positive rate coming from the initial round of testing in the 2021 season. That’s where we see an issue. Adam Silver, the commissioner of the NBA, decided the 2020-2021 NBA season would not take place in a “bubble” format, attempting a comeback to normalcy. With that has come consequences though. 23 games have been postponed through just 39 days on regular season play.

By rule, both teams playing in a scheduled game must have 8 players eligible to play that night. Keep in mind the maximum roster size for the NBA regular season is 15. That means that there have been 23 instances where over half of a given team has either tested positive for the virus or has been contact traced into isolation. This is a vast difference from 2 positive tests in 100 days, something many took for granted last year. With the virus proving it’s here to stay for at least a little longer, what will the NBA do? Adam Silver, someone who was constantly praised for his plan of action previously, has a big decision on his hands in the near future.