OKC Thunder: Could spiking COVID-19 cases in Florida spell trouble?
Moving forward one key problem exists:
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis downplays statistics citing increased testing and says mask-wearing should be voluntary or based on local government direction (Orange County has made wearing masks mandatory).
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One major factor the association can’t control is Disney staff who won’t be subjected to the same level of testing (if any) and will come and go from the bubble. In the ESPN article by Baxter Holmes and Zach Lowe NBPA executive director, Michelle Roberts cites potentially needing further restrictions for staffers based on Florida now being a national hot spot.
Again, this will be difficult to control given many of the WDW are unionized. One option the league may want to discuss with the powers that be at Disney is the potential to offer staffers to live on-site as well.
With the Raptors already in Florida, it could serve as an early indication of what is to come or offer insight on what specifically will need further tweaks.
In the interim, the OKC Thunder and 21 opponents are set to arrive in Florida at the beginning of July. Players have until tomorrow (June 24) to confirm their intent to participate. Later today, we dive into the four Thunder players who this decision could have the greatest impact on.