Several NBA teams left out of this season's regular-season resumption in Orlando have "proposed ideas for regional mini summer leagues, training camps and organized team activities," as they are fearful of "significant setbacks in the development of young players over months of inactivity," according to sources cited by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.com. Sources said that most of the eight teams whose seasons have ended are "pushing to engage in joint practices as ramp-ups for regional summer leagues in August," adding that the Pistons and Cavaliers, for example, have "discussed the possibility of joint practices as a prelude to a mini-pod of games." Wojnarowski reported the Orlando non-participants also are "pushing the NBA for televised coverage of the proposed mini-summer-league event." Sources said that without participation in the Orlando resumption, "part of the hope for coverage includes some teams' belief that organizations are losing valuable opportunities in this trying time for team communities and the country." Hawks Owner Tony Ressler said, "Nine months is too long without organized basketball." Wojnarowski noted the NBA "would need to negotiate these activities and camps" with the NBPA, "because they fall outside of the collective bargaining agreement" (ESPN.com, 6/5). On Long Island, Steve Popper reported "not all teams are in favor of this and the Knicks are believed to be one that was OK with ending this season and working on their own to prepare for next season" (NEWSDAY, 6/7).
