NBA Issues 113-Page Handbook For Procedures In Walt Disney World, Anonymous Hotline Mocked By Players

On late Tuesday afternoon, the NBA issued a 113-page handbook to all 22 NBA teams that will be taking part inside the bubble community in Walt Disney World. There were a plethora of details made regarding the various protocols and services for players and staff while they are in the bubble. Here are some of the points of note:

• Anonymous Hotline: One of the most talked about, and joked about things, from the handbook aside from that there will be no doubles ping-pong, is that there will be an anonymous hotline for people to use to essentially snitch on anyone breaking protocols. Whether it be not practicing social distancing or something else. This saw a lot of response on social media, including by some NBA players.

• Hotels: While the players will be in Walt Disney World, teams will be assigned to stay in one of three hotels on Disney property. During the first 48 hours of the bubble, players will not be allowed to leave their rooms, and then during the first few weeks, players will only be able to interact with players in their own hotel. So if LeBron James wanted to hang out with Chris Paul if they are in different hotels, they will be unable to for the first few weeks or so.
• Recreational Activities: Given the extended period of time players will be in the bubble, there are numerous activities for players while they are not on the court, this to encourage players not leaving. There will be mental health experts, barbers and manicurists for the players, as well as DJs, movie nights, access to Disney’s golf courses and players will be able to attend other games, among other things.
• Testing: All players and staff will be tested while inside the bubble. One of the biggest concerns with players is the use of the evasive nasal swab test, it has been reported that if a player leaves the bubble, they will be subject to that test. Also the NBA will have the ability to prevent people from coming into the bubble, because of pre-existing conditions or otherwise. This could bode an issue for some coaches who are an older age like Rockets head coach Mike D’antoni.

In the handbook, it was not specified how many positive tests would it take for the league to shut down the bubble and forgo the remainder of the season. If someone does test positive, that person will be placed in isolated housing and administered a second COVID-19 test to ensure that it was not a false positive. If the second test comes back negative, then a third test will be administered in the following 24 to 48 hours. As soon as someone tests negative twice in a 24-hour span, they will be allowed to leave isolation. 

NBA players will have until June 24 to notify teams as to whether or not they will be participating in the season’s resumption.