With the NBA implementing stricter health and safety guidelines amid an outbreak of positive coronavirus tests and close contacts, Oklahoma City Thunder guard George Hill questioned some of the logic behind the protocols following a 112 loss. -102 against the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday.
“We want to play … but I don’t understand some of the rules,” Hill said. “We can sweat for 48 minutes with a guy by our side, but we can’t talk to him afterward. It doesn’t make sense.”
Within the improved rules, pre and post game interactions with opposing players are limited to elbow or punch strikes, and “prolonged socialization” should be avoided. Which means no post-game catching up with a former teammate or friend – standard post-game practice.
Also in the new guidelines: hotel rooms are now closed to non-visiting team guests. Along with that, player and staff movement is limited, and both are now prohibited from leaving the hotel for off-team activities. Previously, players were allowed two guests in their rooms, including family and personal friends.
“I’m a grown man. I’m going to do what I want to do. If I want to go see my family, I’m going to go see my family,” Hill said. “They can’t tell me I have to stay in a room 24/7. If it’s that serious, then maybe we shouldn’t be playing games. But it’s life, no one can cancel their entire life for this game. “
The NBA postponed four games this week due to COVID-19 issues, including three that involved the Boston Celtics. Along with them, the Miami Heat, the Philadelphia 76ers, the Dallas Mavericks, the Washington Wizards and the Chicago Bulls are grappling with major issues placing the required eight players due to positive testing and contact tracing.
Players must now also wear a mask at all times that they are not playing. There is a brief “cool down” period for when they have just exited the game in a designated area, but masks are required on the bench and in the locker room.
“It’s what it takes and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get rid of this COVID thing,” Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said. “If that means I have to wear a mask on the bench all the time, it is what it is and I will. I want to get back to normal life, and whatever it takes to get back, I’m going to do it.
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