With NBA implementing stricter health and safety guidelines amid an outbreak of positive coronavirus tests and close contacts, Oklahoma City Thunder guard George Hill Some questioned the rationale behind the Protocols after a 112–102 home loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night.

„We want to play the game … but I don’t understand some of the rules,“ Hill said. „We can sweat for 48 minutes with a guy next to us for 48 minutes, but we can’t talk to them after that. It doesn’t make sense.“

Within the improved rules, pre-match and post-match interactions with opposing players are limited to only elbow or fist strikes, avoiding „extended social contact.“ Which means no game after catching up with a teammate or ex-boyfriend, which was previously standard practice after games.

Also in the new guidelines: Hotel rooms are now closed to non-team guests on the road. Besides, movement of players and staff is limited on the road, as both are now prohibited from leaving the hotel for non-group activities. Previously, players were allowed two guests in their rooms, including old family and personal friends.

„I am an adult man. I will do what I want to do. If I want to go see my family, I will go see my family,“ Hill said. „They can’t tell me that I have to stay in a room 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If it’s that serious, then maybe we shouldn’t play. But this is life; no one will be able to cancel his whole life for this game.“

The National Basketball Association postponed four matches this week due to the COVID-19 problems, including three that feature the Boston Celtics. Besides the Celtics, the Miami Heat, the Philadelphia 76ers, the Dallas Mavericks, the Washington Wizards and the Chicago Bulls are all grappling with significant engaging issues with eight players wanted due to positive testing and contact tracing.

Players are now required to wear a mask at all times when they are not playing. There is a short ‚cool-down‘ period in a certain area when they are just out of the game, but masks are required on the bench and in the dressing room.

“That’s what is necessary, and I am ready to do whatever it takes to get rid of this COVID thing,” Thunder guard said Gilgius Alexander Tea He said. „If that means I have to wear a mask on the seat all the time, then that is what it is and I will do it. I want to go back to normal life, and whatever it takes to go back, I’ll do it.“