The Connecticut Sun are getting ready to tip-off the WNBA season. The league was scheduled to begin play in May, but that was delayed due to COVID-19.
League officials this week announced plans to play a shortened regular season and traditional playoff format, all in Bradenton, Florida.
"There's going to be constant discussions, as we finalize everything as we get to Florida," Sun head coach Curt Miller said. "How we maximize the ability to keep everybody healthy, and at the same time, allowing it still to be a great opportunity for these amazing players?"
Miller also said the recent police killing of George Floyd, and the Black Lives Matter movement, have placed a bigger emphasis this season on social justice issues.
"We all started to get back with our teams, pausing and not talking basketball, but listening, learning, really talking as a team and hearing our players and letting them be the leaders through this movement," Miller said.
Last season the Sun, led by All-Star Forward Jonquel Jones, made their first WNBA Finals appearance since 2005, but came up short against the Washington Mystics in a thrilling five-game series.
Miller said getting back to the Finals this season will be a challenge.
"It is a deep, deep league, and so, I think, as we move towards September and towards the playoffs, it should be a lot of fun for our fans," he said.
The Sun will report for training camp in Florida early next month, before the regular season begins a few weeks later.
Because of the pandemic, all games will be played without fans in attendance.
