While the NBA is implementing stricter health and safety guidelines amid a breakthrough of positive coronavirus tests and close contacts, George Hill, Oklahoma City Thunder guard, has questioned the logic behind the protocols after a 112-102 home loss against the San Antonio Spurs Tuesday night.
“We want to play the game … but I do not understand some rules,” Hill said. “We can sweat for 48 minutes with a guy next to us for 48 minutes, but we can’t talk to them after that. It makes no sense.”
Within the improved rules, the interaction between the foreplay and the post-match with opponents is limited to only elbow or fist blows, and ‘extended socialization’ should be avoided. Which means no post game catches up with a former teammate or friend, which used to be a standard practice following games.
Also in the new guidelines: hotel rooms are now closed for non-team guests on the road. In addition, the movement of players and staff on the road is restricted, and both are now prohibited from leaving the hotel for non-team activities. Previously, players allowed two guests into their rooms, including family and longtime personal friends.
“I’m a grown man. I’m going to do what I want to do. If I want to go to my family, I’m going to go to my family,” Hill said. “They can ‘t tell me to stay in a room 24/7. If it’s that serious, maybe we should not play. But that’s life; no one can cancel their whole life for this game.”
The NBA has postponed four games this week due to COVID-19 issues, including three involving the Boston Celtics. Along with the Celtics, the Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks, Washington Wizards and Chicago Bulls all face the key issues in recruiting the eight players due to positive tests and contact detection.
Players should also always wear a mask when not playing. There is a short “cooling off period” in a designated area for when they have just come out of the game, but there are masks on the couch and in the locker room.
“This is what is needed, and I am prepared to do whatever it takes to get rid of this COVID thing,” said Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, thunder guard. “If it means I have to wear a mask on the couch all the time, that’s who I am and I’m going to do it. Going to do it.”