NBA Rumors: Chinese League Recalling American Players, Penalties Await Those Who Refuse

The NBA suspended its season for now with the rising number of coronavirus cases. Curiously, the Chinese Basketball Association is doing the opposite. It plans to restart the CBA in April and is now recalling all players to return. Most were sent home back in January due to the Lunar New Year Holiday and went on extended leave because of the novel coronavirus.

It appears that things are slowly getting back to normal and CBA teams are now preparing for the resumption of play. A memo was sent to teams regarding the restart of the league, ESPN reported.

“All clubs and teams are requested to prepare for the restart of CBA League as early as April 2. At the same time, all teams should comply with the relevant requirements of the national and local epidemic prevention and control departments, continue to strengthen the epidemic prevention and control work, do a good job in making detailed and solid security measures such as epidemic prevention and control, and ensure the health and safety of club and team members. Details of the restart will be notified separately,” the statement read.

There are about 40 American players who see action across 22 teams in the CBA. Among the notable names include Jeremy Lin, Ty Lawson, Lance Stephenson, and Donatas Motiejunas. Stephenson is reportedly drawing interest from the Indiana Pacers although nothing has been finalized.

Motiejunas, on the other hand, reportedly drew interest from the Phoenix Suns and the Minnesota Timberwolves per a previous report. But with the two teams out of the NBA playoffs, it made no sense for the Lithuanian unless it was in part of their preparation for next season. If this is the intent, both teams would best check back on the 7-footer in the summer.

But all this was before the NBA suspended the season. Rudy Gobert and Emmanuel Mudiay of the Utah Jazz were reportedly among the players infected by the coronavirus and the league deemed it fit to hold off games, for now, NBA.com reported.

As for the CBA, this could be a problem. Some are wary of traveling and there is a travel advisory from the U.S. Department of State not to travel to the country. Now things are getting a bit complicated with players who refuse to return to their CBA teams possibly facing lifetime bans. Player agents could lose their licenses as well, making it even a bigger mess. It will be interesting if the CBA will relax its stance.