San Francisco OKs Warriors' return to practice — but they might not need it

Part of San Francisco’s new multiphase plan to reopen the city announced on Thursday means the Warriors could return to Chase Center to practice as soon as June 15.

But Phase 2B of Mayor London Breed’s strategy, which allows “sports with no fans” in San Francisco in two weeks, also could soon be rendered meaningless for the Warriors.

In the coming days, the NBA’s board of governors are expected to release the league’s own plan to restart its season in July or August, with games only being played in a bubble environment at Disney World in Orlando, Fla. There’s a strong sense the 2020 NBA season’s reboot won’t include the Warriors or any other team far out of the playoff chase, ESPN reported Wednesday.

Instead of preparing for games, Warriors players may just be at Chase Center to fine-tune their games while adhering to social-distancing protocols. Nonetheless, the Warriors said they will follow all steps to allow their players to get back on the court.

“Once we receive approval by the County Health Officer, we plan to open our practice facility for voluntary workouts with our players,” the team said in a statement released Thursday. “In doing so, we will follow all health and safety protocols and procedures implemented by the NBA, the City and County and our own additional Covid-19 measures.”