Report: Many players believe that NBA season starting on Dec. 22 is ‘inevitable’

The 2020-21 NBA season may be starting in December after all.

It was reported that the season would see a reduced number of games, specifically 50, and reduced salaries if it began in January.

However, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, a Dec. 22 start date may be “inevitable.”

“The NBPA, led by executive director Michele Roberts, started formal conference calls with players from all 30 teams this week,” Charania wrote. “Players have been holding calls with the NBPA beginning Monday and will go through Thursday morning. Players coming out of several meetings believe a Dec. 22 start is inevitable, sources said.”

A December start date would likely lead to a 72-game season and will be more favorable for players in terms of their salaries.

With the NBA playoffs concluding in October of this year, the turnaround for the 2020-21 season is rather quick.

However, if the NBA wants to remain on its normal calendar come the 2021-22 campaign, the sooner the 2020-21 season starts, the better.