MINNEAPOLIS — The NBA league office sent a memo to all teams with common sense precautions regarding the coronavirus. Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum tweeted that he will be taking a break from signing autographs for fans because the virus has hit Oregon. The Bulls showed their players a league-issued Powerpoint presentation on Wednesday with educational points.
The coronavirus has yet to hit the NBA. But that doesn’t mean the league isn’t taking it seriously.
“It’s important,” coach Jim Boylen said. “The video was about the basics. Wash your hands. Try not to maybe have an open hand touch. Knuckle-bumps and all that stuff. It’s an issue that’s out there and the league is on top of it.
“I haven’t heard much concern from the players. But I know they know it’s out there. I think what you think about in this situation is your parents. My Mom is 83. My kids are 12 and 14. I think you think about those things more than yourself. And you hope people don’t get sick.”
Denzel Valentine said he isn’t that germ-conscious of a person but agreed seeing the video, even though it stressed basics, was important.
“Wash your hands. Fist bumps. Try to avoid as much contact with humans as you can,” Valentine said. “It’s something to be aware of, for sure. I’m not too worried about it. But nobody is immune to getting it. How long it lasts, we don’t know.”
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