Portland Trail Blazers

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CJ McCollum addressed his thoughts on returning to the Portland Trail Blazers practice facility on Friday, saying that at some point, the league has to decide whether it's safe to resume games. "I get the measures [the league is] taking, but you have to think at some point when there are drastic measures that need to be taken, 'Is it really worth it?' It's either safe or it's not. ... And let's just be honest, man, it's not like it will be the first time players got gym access outside of the team's facilities. Some people have been working out," McCollum told Chris Haynes of Yahoo! Sports. The Blazers are one of a handful of teams that will open up their facilities on Friday. The Lakers and Mavs are among teams that will hold off. McCollum also addressed various stipulations with the return, with coaches and players required to stand 12 feet apart. "You can't use certain stuff, can't do certain stuff. Now they're talking about you might have to be 12 feet away from your strength coach. How are you going to lift 12 feet away from somebody?"

The NBA has informed teams that they can re-open their practice facilities on May 8th if their city has loosened restrictions on social distancing. The Cavs, Nuggets, and Blazers are among teams who will re-open their facilities. J.B. Bickerstaff said that Cavs coaches will wear masks and gloves, with players and coaches required to stand 12 feet apart. The Mavs and Lakers, meanwhile, will hold off on re-opening their facilities. Los Angeles currently has a stay-at-home policy until May 15th. Frank Vogel did not have a firm date on when the Lakers would return, but said he was not concerned by certain teams returning early from a competitive standpoint. "There's a competitive balance element to this that I personally am not really all that concerned about. I think we're still a long way away from returning to play," said Vogel. Mark Cuban added that he was not comfortable with the Mavs returning without widespread testing, and that he has no immediate plans to re-open facilities.

Portland Trail Blazers video coordinator Zach Cooper has passed away at the age of 32. The cause of death is unknown at this time. "This is a heartbreaking loss for the entire Trail Blazers family," President of Basketball Operations Neil Olshey said. "Zach was a positive spirit, a tireless worker and an outstanding teacher. My prayers go out to his family and all who loved him." "I am devastated by the news of Zach's passing," coach Terry Stotts said. "He was a valued member of staff, but more importantly, he was an outstanding young man who everyone loved and appreciated. Words cannot adequately express my sadness for such a loss."