NBA GMs worried about health of older team personnel if play resumes

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Multiple NBA general managers are concerned that the resumption of the 2019-20 season amid the coronavirus pandemic would put older team personnel, and those with underlying health issues, at risk.

"Based on all the information that we have today, probably people over 60 with preexisting conditions can't go, for sure, no matter what their titles are," one GM told ESPN's Baxter Holmes. "Whether it's a father of the star player or whether it's the general manager of the team, they can't go there."

Another GM told Holmes he'd be particularly concerned by his team's head coach and other members of the coaching staff being present for games given their age.

There are three NBA head coaches aged 65 years or older. People who are at least 65 years of age, and individuals with underlying health conditions, are the most likely to develop a severe illness from COVID-19, according to the CDC.

The NBA is weighing multiple scenarios regarding a potential return, including playing in quarantine. Finishing the season at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando has reportedly been discussed. Another reported option involves playing games at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas.

Determining who would be considered essential personnel in a team's traveling party is an ongoing process, although GMs believe health and age should be factored into the decision, according to Holmes. Several executives said their teams typically travel with around 40-50 people.

More than 1.1 million people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the United States as of Saturday, according to Johns Hopkins University.