Offseason events like the pre-Draft combine could be limited or possibly canceled due to the virusNBAE/GETTY IMAGES
Some NBA front offices are addressing the "possibility that pre-draft combines, on-site workouts and international scouting events could become more limited in scope, or even be canceled, based on the possible escalation of the coronavirus outbreak," according to Wojnarowski & Lowe of ESPN.com. The NBA on Sunday sent a memo to teams with "short-term recommendations" regarding the virus, such as encouraging players to "utilize fist-bumps over high-fives with fans and avoid taking items such as pens, balls and jerseys to autograph." The NBA and NBPA have been "consulting with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and infectious-disease experts, including a renowned researcher" at Columbia Univ. The league also has been "constantly updating teams with the latest information available on dealing with coronavirus" (ESPN.com, 3/2).
TIME TO EDUCATE: In Philadelphia, Keith Pompey notes 76ers head athletic trainer Kevin Johnson yesterday "met with the players to discuss the coronavirus epidemic," explaining what the disease is and "how to try to avoid it." The meeting came after the league sent the memo to all teams (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 3/3). In Boston, Nicole Yang notes a doctor visited the Auerbach Center yesterday afternoon to "educate the Celtics about the outbreak." Celtics coach Brad Stevens said, "We just had a doc in here today to talk about it, to give the facts about it. We're treating it, from our standpoint, a lot like we would if a player got the flu, if somebody were to come down with that" (BOSTON GLOBE, 3/3).
