The biggest change, though, is the masks,
a decision made with safety in mind as the
coronavirus pandemic rages on and NBA teams
prepare to play in arenas again for the first time
since last season was suspended on March 11
when Utah center Rudy Gobert tested positive.
“The NBA has always been a dynamic business
and the challenges we face in society right now
with COVID, it only amplifies the dynamic nature
of our business,” Dallas coach Rick Carlisle, the
president of the National Basketball Coaches
Association, told AP on Tuesday night. “You have
to be able to adapt, you have to be looking for
solutions ... and we’re going to make it work.”
The NBA preseason begins Friday and the regular
season starts Dec. 22. The NBCA discussed
the changes in a call with the league Tuesday
night, and some teams will begin traveling for
preseason games Thursday.
“Wear a mask at all times,” Carlisle said when
asked how he’s preparing for the challenges that
will come with traveling again for games. “That’s
your No. 1 shield. And No. 2, be alert and follow
the protocols. It’s an incredible amount of work
to not get COVID. You’ve got to work extremely
hard to try to stay out of harm’s way and there
are never any guarantees. But if you work at it
you have a chance.”
San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich wore masks
for games in the bubble this past summer, as did
former Houston coach Mike D’Antoni and former
New Orleans coach Alvin Gentry. They are all 65
or older, and at more risk of contracting the virus
based on guidelines established by the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention.
Now, masks are a mandate for all coaches,
regardless of age.