Since the NBA Bubble ended last season, there has been an attempt to replicate the results in a more traditional season. That hasn’t worked very well. Just ask the Dallas Mavericks how COVID protocols are going in the league. With coaches and staff having to play halfcourt divider during warmups and after games the NBA has been trying everything to keep games from being postponed. So, this week there will be new mask protocols during games.
All players will be required to wear K95 or KNF94 masks on the bench and in other required situations. The league is currently working on sending each team a supply of masks. Beginning as early as Friday these rules could go into effect. These are strange times and leagues are still adapting on the fly. Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported the incoming rules on Tuesday.
The NBA has informed its 30 teams that the league on Friday will begin program of enhanced enforcement of face mask rules during games and will impose penalties on player or staff members who fail to comply, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 2, 2021
Players and staff will be expected to wear these masks on the bench at virtually all times. For players subbing out of games, there will be an isolated “cool-down” area on the sideline. Players can go to these areas to catch their breath but must put a mask on as they return to the bench. The NBA has had to postpone 23 games due to COVID health and safety protocols. To keep rules enforced and games going the NBA will also release new fines and other consequences for teams and players who do not follow the new rules.
The league is also in the process of getting the G-League bubble set up in Orlando. With teams traveling constantly and 100k new cases a day in the United States it will be difficult to get cases completely under control.
