The new NBA COVID-19 protocols have begun to be implemented during preseason games. And while those involved are more than ready to get back into the swing of things, some of them appear to need a gentle reminder about the new rules.
During Friday’s 127-102 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, Kings head coach Luke Walton got a little suggestion from Blazers star CJ McCollum to make sure he pulled his mask up over his mouth while speaking to his players on the court.
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McCollum also took to social media to double-down on the reminder, posting an emoji with a face mask.
Walton wasn't the only NBA coach who briefly forgot the new protocols on Friday, as New York Knicks coach Tim Thibodeau pulled his mask down at one point during their first preseason game to make sure referees could hear him.
RELATED: Kings' 50 3-pointers in preseason loss more than Walton wants
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We saw similar issues with NFL coaches early on in the 2020 season, as several organizations were fined due to their coaches not adhering to mask-wearing protocols on the sideline.
Despite the loss, the Kings' 3-point game was on display. Sacramento put up 30 of those bad boys in the first 24 minutes of the game and went 16-for-50 overall from long range. The franchise record, during the regular season, is 51 3-point attempts.
We likely will see occasional slip-ups as NBA teams try to adapt to stringent COVID-19 protocols, and Walton should be more diligent after getting a gentle reminder from McCollum and the Blazers' social team.