The NBA is trying to stay ahead of the coronavirus outbreak
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CORONA UPDATE: As a response to the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S., the NBA has banned what they deem to be nonessential personnel from locker rooms, and that has included the media. What's more, in other settings where the media will still be allowed to meet with players and coaches, the league is forcing teams to create a space of six-to-eight feet between players and media members, so as to limit the risk of infection, which already began to take effect last night.
The NBA didn't come up with these solutions on its own, as they were actually based on recommendations from infectious disease and public health experts, and they came just days ahead of Wednesday's big planned conference call between the Association and team owners to discuss the virus. Today is the deadline for teams to tell the NBA what their infectious disease contacts are, as well as report about their coronavirus testing-capable facility they are in contact with.
We'll see how coronavirus continues to affect the NBA, as team owners are reportedly concerned we could be headed to games being played without fans in arenas, and the latest reports indicate that the league is considering moving games to neutral or opponent arenas in areas that haven't suffered outbreaks. There's even talk of potentially suspending operations, though that's probably an absolute worst-case scenario.
LAST NIGHT IN THE ASSOCIATION: LeBron James missed a wide-open layup, Anthony Davis missed an even more wide-open three-point look and the Lakers dropped a 104-102 result — at home — to the Nets, who just fired their head coach. Weird letdown game for L.A. after such an impressive weekend.
The other L.A. team, the Clippers, responded to their disappointing loss against the Lakers by obliterating the Warriors 131-107 behind 23 points and two steals from Kawhi Leonard.
GIANNIS TALK: The Bucks reportedly have some confidence they'll be able to extend Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer and avoid having him hit free agency in 2021. That might depend on how well Milwaukee does in the playoffs, though.
INCOMING SHOWDOWN: Atlanta might reportedly have some hesitancy in giving John Collins significant money this summer when he's up for an extension, and Collins says not only does he deserve it, but he'll have his "antennas up" if he doesn't get it.
PLAN IN PLACE: The Cavs and head coach JB Bickerstaff have agreed to a multi-year contract that will run through 2023-24. So far, Bickerstaff is 5-5 with Cleveland since taking over.
FRESH START: Jordan Bell, who had so much promise as a prospect prior to reaching the NBA, is starting over in the G League, where he was claimed by the Wizards minor-league squad.
LONG INVESTMENT: The Warriors rewarded rookie guard Mychal Mulder for his strong play with a team-friendly multi-year contract. Mulder is averaging 11 points and 3.3 rebounds over seven games with Golden State this season.
CONFIDENT BUNCH: We recently talked to Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks, who told us he feels like teams don't want to see Memphis in the playoffs, among a bunch of other stuff.
MAKING MONEY: We ranked the 15 players who made the most money while playing for teams that ended the year with a losing record. Stephon Marbury shockingly played 13 seasons and had a losing record in 11 of them, so you can guess who finished first.
FRESH POD: Our own Alex Kennedy was joined by author Ben Cohen, who recently wrote a book discussing the hot-hand theory and determined that it's a real, scientifically provable phenomenon.
DISHING DIMES: The Ringer ranked the top assist combos in NBA history; John Stockton and Karl Malone shockingly did not finish No. 1.
SUPPORTIVE COACH: Wizards head coach Scott Brooks is confident John Wall will be back to his old, elite self once he returns from injury next season.
SALARY QUIZ: WHO'S THIS NBA PLAYER? 🤔
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