Boston’s Marcus Smart supportive of NBA’s COVID-19 protocols

Even after having been infected himself, the veteran Celtic thinks the league is doing an excellent job with its approach to the pandemic.

You might think that one of the first players to come down with the coronavirus behind the COVID-19 pandemic still currently impacting the NBA’s operations in a massive way might be among the league’s harshest critics.

And if you did, you would be wrong.

Boston Celtics veteran guard Marcus Smart was of course one of the very first high-profile players to test positive for the virus — even donating his plasma to potentially help others after learning of his positive status.

Speaking to the press during his media week availability session over Zoom on Thursday, the Flower mound native was supportive of the NBA’s effort to mitigate the virus’ impact.

“I’m very, very impressed how the league has handled it, especially with the bubble, especially how they’re handling things to proceed with this season,” replied Smart when asked his feelings about the league COVID-19 protocol.

“You can definitely tell that they’re taking the approach [of] better safe than sorry. And allowing us to get back to doing our job and bringing entertainment to the fans and the people out there, so I definitely think the approach that the league has taken is a good one.

“I like where it’s heading,” he added for good measure.

That the games won’t be played in a bubble-like environment as they were in the Disney restart presents an additional layer of difficulty, which Smart acknowledged.

“It’s a little bit tougher, because it’s not in a controlled setting where everybody’s in one spot,” said the Texan, “and you can dictate who’s in, or who’s out.”

“Guys are going back to our homes and families and whoever else is in your household, but you’re exposed. Like I said, we were enclosed in a bubble. They could determine who comes in and comes out. It’s harder now, so it’s really on the guys to really own up and take their responsibility … professionally, trying to abide by [the rules] as much as possible, the rules and regulations for the CDC and everything that they had me doing to stay protected and keep yourself and others protected.”

While we ought to keep the pressure on as fans and media for all sports leagues to pull their weight in making sure they don’t add pressure to local hospitals in the pandemic, Smart has a point regarding the league.

Pulling off the successful restart with almost no COVID-related problems throughout its duration was enough of an impressive feat they ought to have earned our trust to do the same — so long as teams fulfill their end of the bargain.

And given the shortened season and potential impact of a player having to sit for several weeks or longer while they recover, it may well end up playing a role in what (or even if) teams hang a banner this summer.

[jwplayer p8q6wIVH]

[lawrence-related id=44007,44004,44000,43989]

[listicle id=43879]