The NBA and Their Current Covid Hardships
Over the past month the NBA, NHL and NFL have been hit hard by Covid-19 and the new omicron variant. But the NBA in particular has been struggling arguably the hardest. Many of their star players have been sidelined, such as Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Trae Young, Luka Doncic and most recently Jason Tatum, who has now gotten the virus twice.
Due to this influx of players testing positive, many teams have had to go out and sign 10 day hardship contracts to G-League players. Although, this isn't all bad as it gives these players ample opportunity to prove themselves in the league. Not to mention these deals are worth upwards of 60,000 dollars, as opposed to the base G-League salary of 37,000 dollars, meaning many underpaid players will get a chance of seeing a salary boost.
Stanley Johnson in his Laker debut
Players such as Stanley Johnson are playing extremely well, and are expected to be extended. But that isn't the case with many other players, such as Isaiah Thomas who will not be offered a second ten day contract by the Lakers. But that doesn't mean he won't get another chance, as right now there are 40+ active 10 day contracts around the NBA.
With all of this going on, it leaves the question of whether or not this puts an asterisk on this season. But, commissioner Adam Silver stated last week that he has no intention of postponing the season. Only time will tell how the rest of this season will go, and lets hope everyone stays healthy and teams are able to get back into the swing of things.
