Report: Stars Would Play In G League Bubble
Dec 11, 2020, 12:08 PM | Updated: 12:12 pm
Austin Spurs guard Quinndary Weatherspoon (15) is chased by Salt Lake City Stars forward Jarrell Brantley (5) during an NBA G-League game between the Salt Lake City Stars and the Austin Spurs on November 24, 2019 at the HEB Center in Cedar Park, TX. (Photo by John Rivera/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Photo by John Rivera/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Utah Jazz season begins Saturday with a preseason matchup against the Phoenix Suns, meanwhile, the Salt Lake City Stars await guidance on their future from the NBA G League.
Now, it appears there may be some sense of direction for the Jazz minor league affiliate. According to Ridiculous Upside sources, the Stars may be headed to the rumored G League bubble in Atlanta.
Last month, New York Times NBA writer Marc Stein reported on Twitter that the idea for a G League bubble was gaining steam.
“One option for the forthcoming NBA G League season that has gained some traction, sources say, is a bubble concept in the Atlanta area that would cost NBA teams an entry fee in the $500,000 range,” Stein tweeted. “Not all 28 G League teams, under that proposal, would be expected to participate.”
One option for the forthcoming NBA G League season that has gained some traction, sources say, is a bubble concept in the Atlanta area that would cost NBA teams an entry fee in the $500,000 range
Not all 28 G League teams, under that proposal, would be expected to participate
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) November 27, 2020
The Athletic’s Shams Charania had previously reported that a bubble style tournament was being considered during the November and December months, though plans were never finalized.
The Jazz have made a big investment in the Stars in recent seasons, allowing draft picks like Rudy Gobert and Georges Niang to develop in the G League before joining the main roster.
Sources close to the Jazz have told KSL Sports the organization has had exploratory conversations about building a dedicated arena for the minor league team.
For @ridicupside: Which Teams Are Reportedly In and Out of the Proposed G League Bubble in Atlanta https://t.co/MA2zJpqXVS
— Dakota Schmidt (@Dakota_Schmidt) December 11, 2020
The proposed bubble doesn’t come without potential hiccups, however.
“One of the major challenges for the viability of any G League proposal, of course, is the likelihood that players on two-way contracts might be needed by their NBA teams for much or perhaps even all of the NBA season as teams brace for the impact of COVID-19 cases on rosters,” according to Stein.
The Stars had the best record (30-12) in the G League Western Conference before play was suspended last March.
