While the whole world does measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the country where it first started, China, is already trying to get back on its feet. China started 2020 off on the wrong foot, but it appears the cases are now starting to go down. Hence, it appears that the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) is ready to resume, and the league has now called on foreign players to return to their mother teams.
But as a precaution, the league has set guidelines to ensure that the health and safety of personnel and players remain in place. There are requirements to be set, meaning it won't be a simple matter of reporting back for duty and playing games once everything has settled down, ESPN reported.
Around 40 players from the United States are playing in the CBA. Among the notable names include Jeremy Lin, Ty Lawson, Lance Stephenson, and Donatas Motiejunas. Once they return, they will first have to undergo a 14-day quarantine period for safety purposes. But the problem is that some unnamed players are reportedly wary of returning there due to safety concerns.
Further, the US Department of State has enforced a travel advisory to people who plan to go to China. This makes the whole thing complicated, but logical considering most are looking out for the welfare. But it appears the CBA is not completely fine with it and has issued a directive to players concerned. Lifetime bans will be handed out to players who refuse to play while their respective agents will see their license revoked.
Of the names mentioned, two were reportedly being eyed by NBA teams before the league decided to suspend the season. Lance Stephenson was rumored to be returning to the Indiana Pacers while Donatas Motiejunas as being wooed by the Phoenix Suns and the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Lithuanian's case might not hold up, considering that the Sun and the T-Wolves are already out of the playoff picture even if the NBA was still holding games.
It remains to be seen if the CBA would soften its stance on the return of foreign players. Those with live contracts need to honor their pact unless they have reason to stay out of China. In the case of Motiejunas, the 7-footer may want to heed the memo unless he agrees to settle something with the Shanghai Sharks. The same goes for other American cagers who may not be keen to return to China for now.
