Malone: Coaches should have family in bubble
Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone went after the NBA on Friday, calling its policy of not allowing coaches to bring family into the bubble "criminal in nature."
"First, I'm going to say something that has nothing to do with your question," Malone said. "Today is Day 60. Alright? The guys that came down here on July 7 - and there weren't many of us because we were ravaged with COVID - this is the original crew. This is day No. 60. The reason why I bring that up is because the players have their families here, which they deserve, which is the right thing to do. The referees are allowed to bring one guest, which is great for the referees. The coaches, the coaches are not allowed to bring anybody."
The National Basketball Players Association and National Basketball Referees Association collectively bargained a number of issues and amenities to encourage their members to participate in the league restart in Orlando, Florida. One of those was the inclusion of family members and guests.
ANALYSIS: The NBA and the National Basketball Coaches Association are in talks about possibily changing the rules to allow family members of coaches to enter the bubble.
A league spokesperson told ESPN, "We are hoping to add additional family members for other participants beginning with the Conference Finals."
Malone and the Nuggets are facing the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers lead the series, 1-0.