Ian Begley, SNY.tv | Twitter |

No one can predict how the coronavirus will impact the United States - and the world - in the coming weeks and months.

So it's way too soon to make any predictions or assertions about when the NBA might resume its season.

People with several teams reached this week by SNY said they are still hopeful that a small portion of the regular season and an augmented playoff can be scheduled.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said earlier this month that many different scenarios are under consideration. Reportedly among the options is playing games in a single city in an arena without fans.

Silver has made it clear that the safety of players and others involved in any competition will be paramount, as it should be.

If you're looking for an indication of if/when the NBA may return, keep an eye on the Chinese Basketball Association.

The CBA had hoped to return to play in April. But that has reportedly been pushed back amid concerns about created an environment safe enough to compete in.

As ESPN detailed recently, the CBA is seen as a test case of sorts for the NBA because China was impacted by the coronavirus several months ahead of the United States.

If the CBA can resume play in May, perhaps there's hope for the NBA re-starting over the summer?

Obviously, no one knows if conditions in the United States and Canada will allow for games to be played three or four months from now - even on neutral sites.

For what it's worth, several agents said recently that they are planning for scenarios where the season doesn't resume. You can be sure that all teams are planning for the same scenario.

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If/when and how the season resumes will be relevant to both the Knicks and the Nets.

With the season currently in limbo, Nets GM Sean Marks told reporters on Wednesday that the organization isn't actively searching for its next head coach. Jacque Vaughn is currently the Nets' interim head coach.

That approach makes sense because there is a chance the regular season can resume. If it does, Vaughn deserves the chance to coach the team. And even if the NBA canceled the rest of the regular season, the Nets would be among the teams in any augmented playoff.

It's fair to assume that the Knicks' coaching search is also on hold. If the NBA resumes the regular season, Mike Miller would coach the team. Until and unless the regular season is canceled, it doesn't make sense for the Knicks to look in earnest for a new coach. That would be disrespectful to Miller and the staff.

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