Along with the plan to restart the season, the NBA included a 113-page health and safety manual distributed to teams and players, which featured protocols such as keeping 6 feet apart on each stage outside of practices and games. That means that while players can screen each other and fight for a loose ball, simple things like ping pong doubles won’t be allowed.
“The ping-pong thing is ridiculous, to be honest,” San Antonio Spurs guard DeMar DeRozan said Thursday. “Guys can’t do this, but can we do this and fight each other? That part just doesn’t make sense to me. I got 10 lines from the manual and just quit because it got very frustrating and overwhelming at times, because you never thought you would be in a situation like this. So sometimes it’s difficult to process it. “
According to the NBA, the manual was based on the guidance of public health authorities and even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Despite the quirks, another rule is that each deck of cards must be discarded after use, outside medical professionals have praised the NBA’s reset protocols and attention to detail.
“In fact, I’ve seen that plan, and it’s really creative what they’re really trying to do,” said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. “I think they could be successful with it, to create a situation where it is as safe as possible for the players to create this bubble.”
With isolation and other frustrating elements that players will have to deal with, one area of concern is their mental well-being. DeRozan is a vocal advocate for mental health, noting it’s an area he focuses on for both himself and other players.
“Definitely, something at stake that is being discussed is mental well-being for everyone,” he said. “It will definitely be an option for the guys, to be able to have resources there to stay on top of that. Because it will definitely be a new challenge for all of us.”
“It is difficult. You are taking boys who have been with their families every day for the last few months and suddenly, separating everyone in this confined space and taking away many happy things that we do outside of basketball.” “It will be something for every player when it comes to mental health.”
Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard on Wednesday expressed doubts about players sticking to bubble protocols. There will be recreational activities and other things to try to occupy free time, but isolation and confinement will be an obstacle, DeRozan said. As for him, he doesn’t plan on spending time playing video games and watching movies.
“I haven’t played video games since I was 16 years old,” he said. “You definitely have an opportunity to educate yourself on any new subject you want to learn, so for me it’s always about finding some way to self-educate myself with something, whether it’s choosing five new books, finding something new to study.” of going through a hustle and bustle at school, self-education to keep yourself busy. “
Brooklyn Nets center Jarrett Allen was asked Thursday if he was concerned about the NBA’s ability to keep players safe in the bubble.
“I think for everyone, including myself, there is a little bit of concern,” he said. “We are all entering the unknown. But at the end of the day I have no doubts that the two powers, Disney and the NBA, are looking for the best solution for us. Obviously, I have a little doubt in my mind. We are all human. But I am confident in them “.
Indiana Pacers big man Domantas Sabonis, a member of the Lithuanian Olympic national team during the 2016 Olympics, likened the NBA bubble in Orlando to that of an Olympic village.
“At the Olympic location, it’s the same. They just call it the Olympic Village,” said Sabonis. “Basically with every athlete, in that town, it sucks. If you want, you can go out, but it’s really not recommended. Everyone is going to eat in the same place, everyone is going to live in the same place and it definitely has that kind of feeling
“I’m used to it. I’ve been at it many times growing up, although [with] European and world championships is the same. You’re in an area and you’re locked up. “
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is from Greece, shared a similar perspective on the bubble on Wednesday.
“I’ve done it in Europe. Obviously, it’s kind of a European style, like a FIBA tournament, going to a hotel, staying there, not two weeks, three weeks, staying there a little longer, that’s the goal.” Antetokounmpo said. “But at the end of the day, I think the most important thing I asked: will it be safe?
“And I know that the NBA and the NBPA worked together to make this place as safe as possible. And I trust them. At the end of the day, we have to do our job; and I know that the NBA will do its job, and the NBPA They will also do their job: keep us as safe as possible to make this transition as easy as possible for us. “
ESPN’s Nick Friedell and Eric Woodyard contributed to this report.
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