Scott Vaughan used his basketball acumen and ability to work his way from a high school athlete at Picayune Memorial High School to gain a job as a scout for the NBA’s Golden State Warriors.

Vaughan was in the midst of his normal season routines when the NBA suspended play indefinitely.

The suspension of play took place after a player on the Utah Jazz tested positive for COVID-19.

Vaughan’s job with the Warriors is that of an advance scout, meaning Vaughan attends a matchup including a soon to be opponent of the Warriors.

Vaughan’s job is to watch the game and detail every intricacy of the opponent’s game plan, and then relay all the information he gathered to the Warriors.

Vaughan’s information is then used to allow the Warriors put strategies in place to best the opponent.

Now that there are no upcoming opponents to scout, Vaughan has turned his attention inward.

“I watch (free agents) on tape and watch our young guys on tape to see their strengths and weaknesses in case I get asked about bringing them back,” Vaughan said.

The NBA is a business so while the season is suspended the league is losing money.

However, Vaughan said the league is aware safety comes before anything else when determining the resumption of play.

“I think the NBA has done a really good job of trying to look at both sides. The NBA has been really good about communication and trying to give everybody an advantage,” Vaughan said.

Right now the NBA draft is set for June 25, but if the outbreak is not under control by then, the NBA will possibly replicate the NFL’s draft formula of not allowing draft personnel to be in the same room implemented as a precaution during the pandemic.

“I think they’ll see where this thing goes in the next couple of weeks and if they can do draft workouts they will. If not they’ll do what they can via film,” Vaughan said.

Discussions have indicated that when the NBA resumes play, the first couple weeks of games may take place without fans in the stands.

It’s not set in stone, but it is a possibility.

Since Vaughan’s job necessitates him seeing an upcoming opponent’s game in person, there is uncertainty regarding what his job will look like following the restart.

Vaughan said there are many details that’ll be missed if he isn’t allowed to attend games, so he’s hoping personnel like himself are allowed to attend the matchups.

“I think it helps us to be able to see things in person because we can hear more and see more than we can following a camera on film. I think it’ll still be important to be at games and see things live,” Vaughan said.

Right now uncertainty abounds as the NBA awaits word from medical professionals and the government on when public events can resume.

Until then it’ll be a game of wait and see for Vaughan, the Warriors and the rest of the league.

“I think most teams are waiting on the NBA to make a decision and we can’t do anything quickly. We’re being patient,” Vaughan said.