Timeline for Suns, NBA’s return officially unveiled

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, we have an official timeline in place for the NBA’s return to action in Orlando, Florida at Walt Disney World’s sports complex. With the Phoenix Suns officially being invited to participate, here’s how the 2019-20 NBA season will finish out heading into a wild offseason right afterwards:

Training Camp = July 9-11

Beginning in just over a month, the 22 teams invited to Orlando will have a three-day ramp-up period to prepare for games less than three weeks later.

2019-20 Season Officially Resumes = July 31 - October 12

At the end of July, 20 days after the training camps complete, regular season games will resume for all involved. Eight regular season games will then lead into a play-in tournament for the West and Eastern Conference’s No. 8 seed.

This is where the Suns will be right in thick of this. Between Phoenix, Memphis, San Antonio, New Orleans, Sacramento, and Portland, all will be vying for the final spot in the playoffs. The Grizzlies have the advantage already having created separation before COVID-19 put the season on hold, but this will bring plenty of entertainment and drama.

If the Suns get hot, there’s no reason to not believe they could make some noise in this scenario.

Draft Lottery = August 25

In the middle of the playoffs going on, the eight teams not invited to Orlando plus those who didn’t win the play-in tournament will be involved in the 2020 draft lottery.

Will the Suns not have to worry about this for the first time in a decade, or hope the ping pong balls pay off once more?

NBA Draft = October 15

Less than two months after the lottery concludes, and three days after Game 7 of the NBA Finals, the draft will finally kick off.

It’s four months off schedule, but having this happen in the middle of October will be a lot of fun. NBA Draft along with football? Can’t ask for a more fun combination, honestly.

Free Agency = October 18

This is where it gets crazy, as far as how condensed it is. Instead of a week-plus after the draft, a quick turnaround less than 72 hours later as free agency begins.

Phoenix will have flexibility to add depth and maybe a big name onboard. We will see what happens on Oct. 18.

2020-21 Training Camp = November 10

Three weeks after free agency begins, the 2020-21 season will begin to take shape. Nov. 10 is the official pegged start date for training camps.

Talk about a quick turnaround, right?

2020-21 Season Starts = December 1

Less than six months from now, the 2020-21 NBA season kicks off. So, this is going to be a crazy time to follow the NBA. Lots of important sections stacked up on top of each other to fit into this timeline.

Suns fans, buckle up. Basketball is officially back!