NBA news: League comes up with social distancing during timeouts

To practice social distancing during timeouts, the NBA has introduced a new protocol that involves "timeout chairs" during games.

To practice social distancing during timeouts, the NBA has introduced a new protocol that involves “timeout chairs” during games.

Per Shams Charania of The Athletic, NBA players and coaches must practice social distancing rules during timeouts using movable chairs. After the timeout, the staff will sanitize these aforementioned chairs.

Sources: The NBA has informed teams that they are installing “Timeout Chairs” during games:

– Movable chairs to court so players and coaches can huddle, but players must stand/sit around chairs apart from bench
– Chairs cleaned by team staff at end of each timeout

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 22, 2020

This is the latest protocol that the NBA has introduced in the Orlando bubble. Reports reveal that the hotel where the players are staying at is sanitized every day. The players, too, get tested for the coronavirus every day. During scrimmages, players are also seated several feet apart. Trainers and coaches, meanwhile, are donning masks.

Fans have reacted to this latest precautionary measure. One believes that it’s a little bit too extreme considering that basketball is a contact sport. Social distancing rules won’t apply once the game is on.

I’d say this is a bit excessive if the players are playing a full contact sport.

— JustAnotherNBAFan™ (@AnotherNBAFan) July 22, 2020

One expressed his confusion, noting that no one in the NBA bubble has tested positive. As such, these measures may be unnecessary. This was met by a quick rebuttal, which pointed out that this is a necessary precaution since a lot is at risk if the coronavirus spreads inside the bubble.

https://twitter.com/matt2002ca/status/1285788707514007552?s=20

From the looks of it, the NBA is completely ironing out every detail in accordance with protecting its personnel. Several weeks ago, Richaun Holmes of the Sacramento Kings was required to quarantine for 10 days after breaking the rules while picking up a food delivery. Holmes has returned to the team. But this serves as a stern warning to players and personnel to abide by the guidelines that the league has set.