2019-20 Mavs News

[Dahlsim]

I think this will be a lot of fun for Mav's fans.
... 

Yes, but not only for Mavs fans, but for NBA fans all the way around. 

Shaq and others have pointed out right so that there will be a big "*" on the winner of this season, and that is certainly true.  At the same time, the championship from this year will forever get special attention, whether its positive or negative reference.  

1) The players will be playing under RISK of a very serious infection.  The risk at that point they hope and we all hope if very low, but chances are very high despite all precautions, the risk will not be ZERO.  

2) The players will be playing with possible increased increased injury risk starting with the 8 game run coming off a long layoff and without ??? how much real basketball contact before the season?  

3) Some teams will actually be healthier than they normally would have been going into the special 8 games and the playoffs!  That's sort of exciting on a whole different level.  The Mavs and other teams will be considerably less banged up than they would have been if the season had continued as normal. 

4) Neutral location for games that actually count toward a championship?  That's totally unprecedented and will be surreal to watch! 

5) The country (and the world) will be starved for sporting entertainment at that point.  Its late for the NBA but beats the NFL out of the gate. 

I could go on, but my point is, there a ton of potential intrigue and talking points associated with this unique chapter in the history of the NBA and of sports.

I certainly agree with the "*" comments, but another championship will still be sweet.

Regarding "3)", this certainly takes some of the health issues off the board, doesn't it. Excepting those unfortunates who are out long term with big injuries like DP. I hope Luka has had time to recover from his ankle issues. 

Regarding "4)", for years I have heard talk in all sports about one team's performance relative to another team "on a neutral field/court" this will really put this qualifier to the test. Because, in a normal world, nothing is really played on a neutral field.

Re: #4 Good point.  The neutral location discussion also includes not only being neutral but the whole idea of no-live-audience games.   The NCAA tournament with crowds often has an advantage by proximity to certain teams, but here if they truly are without live audiences at all, it will be entirely different test. 

I'm reminded of YMCA type games or playground basketball, which often (not always) is relatively without audience.  Interestingly enough though, even a few people in an audience can make a difference. Lebron didn't want to play without a crowd, but that seems like an eternity ago now.    Now that its a reality, players will be looking for the inspirational edge anywhere they can find it.   

I can recall handfuls of people at some very intense playground games I was in or was at.   The production crew will be there, but will there be authorized reporters, maybe limited family or VIP there?   Family could definitely inspire some players. 

It will also to be interesting to see how they use the arena scoreboard.  Obviously a crowd will be online. They could do some things with that ...