Thunder's Hill: NBA's new social distancing protocol 'makes no sense'
The NBA imposed stricter health and safety protocols Tuesday amid a spike in positive COVID-19 tests, and Oklahoma City Thunder guard George Hill is baffled by the league's mandate to limit pregame and postgame physical interactions.
"We wanna play the game ... but I don't understand some of the rules," Hill said following Tuesday's 112-102 loss to the San Antonio Spurs, according to ESPN's Royce Young. "We can sweat 48 minutes with a guy next to us for 48 minutes, but we can't talk to them afterwards. It makes no sense."
Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal missed Saturday's contest after contact tracing revealed he was recently in close proximity to Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, who reportedly tested positive. The two players embraced and shook hands following their matchup Friday.
The NBA's new protocols also require players and staff to stay home for two weeks unless they're leaving their household for team activities or tending to essential matters.
"I'm a grown man. I'm gonna do what I want to do. If I want to go see my family, I'm going to go see my family," Hill said. "They can't tell me I have to stay in a room 24/7. If it's that serious, then maybe we shouldn't be playing. But it's life; no one's going to be able to just cancel their whole life for this game."
The league has postponed six games thus far, including two on Wednesday.