USA Today via Reuters
Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) reacts after a loss to the Boston Celtics in game seven of the second round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) reacts after a loss to the Boston Celtics in game seven of the second round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Toronto Raptors face a serious dilemma entering the new NBA season. The COVID-19 pandemic has sent all sports into a conundrum with regards to planning and execution. For the NBA, their short-term solution to wrap up the 2019-2020 season birthed the Orlando Bubble. While the bubble initiative was a huge success, it is not a long-term option. Asking players to be away from their families for the duration of an entire season is asking too much of them.
The NBA is encountering several challenges in planning their next season. But perhaps none is greater than the issue of travel. With the COVID-19 pandemic, traveling across cities, and countries has become extremely complicated. The Toronto Raptors face the greatest challenge in these circumstances. Being a team from Canada, they cannot enter and exit the US with frequency, and therefore must look for alternatives.
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 5, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Toronto Raptors center Marc Gasol (33) dribbles the ball against Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III (44) during the first half of game four in the second round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Toronto Raptors to make Prudent(ial) move?
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The 2019 NBA Champions are the only team from Canada to play in the NBA. Given the travel restrictions between the United States and Canada, traveling for away games becomes severely complicated, especially considering the quarantine requirements. Therefore, it makes sense for Masai Ujiri and the Raptors’ front office to look for suitable options.
An NBA source has claimed that the Toronto Raptors have inquired about the availability of the Prudential Center in New Jersey. Stefan Bondy reported that the NBA wants the Raptors to make this move due to the close geographical proximity to their division teams. The source said that the Raptors have also inquired about Louisville and Tampa Bay.
The closeness of the Prudential Center from Barclays Center, Madison Square Garden, and the arenas in other cities will make traveling much easier for the Raptors. The New Jersey arena provides convenience that the other options simply do not. Bondy suggested that the Raptors moving to the former home of the Nets could facilitate mini-bubbles for the NBA Season.
It will be interesting to see what the Toronto Raptors decide. The impact of their decision will be felt across the entire NBA.
