Report: Sixers to travel to Orlando on July 9, and other NBA return updates

As the NBA’s targeted return date of July 30 approaches, we’re continuing to receive updates on the league’s plans...

The NBA’s security plan

ESPN’s Tim Bontemps has reported details of the NBA’s briefing to players about its security plan. Here are some of the key points:

• The NBA will use local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, and “experienced venue and contracted security professionals and team security staffs.” However, all law enforcement will be kept outside of the campus at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, and will only be used to keep the campus secure.
• NBA security will keep all venues and team hotels off limits to non-credentialed individuals. “There will be secure checkpoints, credential control and roving security inside and outside the perimeter of every location in use,” Bontemps noted.
• Anything individuals want to do off campus will be limited to preapproved emergencies and planned activities supported by NBA security.
• Since teams began individual workouts at their own facilities this week, they are now required to test players for coronavirus every other day.

I’d suggest reading Bontemps’ full article if you’re interested in all the details.

When the Sixers are heading to Orlando

The Athletic’s Shams Charania has reported the travel dates for all of the 22 teams heading to Orlando.

The Sixers will be one of the final teams to go, making their trip on July 9.

When the Sixers arrive, they’ll be staying at the Grand Floridian hotel.

Trey Burke’s return to play

In theory, Trey Burke should have been a useful, spark plug role player for the Sixers this season. They need ball handling and any shooting off the dribble they can find. The idea of Burke’s peak skillset was certainly better than the results, though. And with low, inconsistent minutes, he never panned out in Philly and was waived in February.

Even still, as roster sizes have increased to 17 players (including guys on two-way deals) for when teams head to Orlando, Burke made some sense as a potential cheap signing for the Sixers — simply because he could provide extra depth if others aren’t available, and he’s already familiar with the team. Familiarity could be important for teams, as their time to practice and get guys accustomed to their system and teammates will be limited.

Now, according to Shams Charania, Burke has agreed to a deal with the Dallas Mavericks for the rest of the season (Burke spent 25 games with Dallas in 2018-19).

Several players, such as Davis Bertans and Avery Bradley, have already said they won’t be playing when the NBA returns. It’s a personal decision with many important factors for players to consider, and whatever they decide should be fully supported by teams and fans alike.

Meanwhile, it’s concerning that an increasing number of players are testing positive for coronavirus. This includes big names like Nikola Jokic and Malcolm Brogdon, as well as three members of the Sacramento Kings (Jabari Parker, Alex Len, and Buddy Hield) over the last day alone.

For now, there hasn’t been any news on the status of any of the Sixers’ players or their plans to play/sit out the remainder of the season.