Silver: NBA could play exhibition game during hiatus

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said the league has discussed putting on an exhibition game for charity while regular scheduling remains suspended during the coronavirus pandemic.

"One of the things we’ve been talking about - are there conditions in which a group of players could compete? Maybe it’s for a giant fundraiser or just for the collective good of the people," Silver said during a televised interview with ESPN's Rachel Nichols.

Silver noted the league would need to make sure necessary protocol is in place that ensures any participating players are tested for COVID-19 and isolated or quarantined beforehand.

The commissioner added that he's hoping to give NBA fans a boost during trying times.

"People are stuck at home and I think they need a diversion, they need to be entertained," Silver said.

Meanwhile, NBA players are understandably eager to get back on the hardwood.

"I know I've heard from a lot of our players," Silver said. "It's actually been less than a week. They're going stir-crazy. They want to play, they want to compete. ... Every player is fighting something that's unwinnable and that's the aging process."

The NBA has been suspended since March 11 when Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for the coronavirus. Six other players have since tested positive.

When asked whether the current hiatus could result in the NBA calendar being reshaped permanently (including starting the regular season around Christmas), Silver acknowledged that could be the case.

"Possibly," he said. "Those are things we're always talking about."