The Phoenix Suns have a chance to return to play after all, as one of the proposals that would include them is gaining traction amongst owners.
Okay, it is probably not exactly a 50/50 chance, but according to ESPN, the league is debating between two scenarios to bring the NBA back. One would include the Phoenix Suns and one would not.
Luckily, the one that includes the Phoenix Suns is growing momentum.
The promising one would include 22 teams, the 16 teams currently in a playoff position, plus six teams within six games of a playoff birth. The Suns are exactly six games back, making them the last team eligible for this format.
I know, right? Luck might actually go the Phoenix Suns’ way on this one. Crazy.
The Phoenix Suns might play when the NBA returns after all.
This option would only give one team in the Eastern Conference, the Washington Wizards, an invitation to Disney World, as the rest of the teams on that side of America are horrible.
That means five teams from the Western Conference, the Portland Trail Blazers, New Orleans Pelicans, Sacramento Kings, and the San Antonio Spurs would also get the invite.
From there, this format gets a little murky, but it would include regular-season and play-in games to compete for playoff berths. Going straight to the playoffs isn’t an option because players need a handful of games to shake off the rust and get back into game shape.
Sounds, exciting, right? In the words of the great Larry David, curb your enthusiasm.
The other option that is being taken into serious consideration would only include 20 teams, of which the Phoenix Suns would not be involved. In this scenario, the Suns and the Wizards would be the teams cut from the previous list.
In a show of solidarity, owners seem to be on board with getting behind whichever proposal Adam Silver puts forth. Times like this are why gaining respect amongst the players and owners is so important for a major sports league commissioner, and Silver might be the most respected of any of the major four American sports.
The vote for which path the NBA will take will reportedly take place on Thursday, June 4th, at a board of governors meeting.
In order to pass, 23 owners (75%) need to approve the motion, and if teams continue to vote in their self-interest, that might point to the 22-team version passing.
Mark your calendars and turn your Woj tweet notifications on. Maybe wear your favorite Phoenix Suns hat rally-cap style til then. Do whatever you need to play your part in making this happen.