Michael Malone just blasted the NBA for its rules regarding coaches' guests. Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports

NBA might allow guests for coaches, other personnel during conference finals

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 9/4/20

It looks like the NBA heard the complaint made by Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone about coaches not being allowed guests inside of the NBA bubble site at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex as of Sept. 4.

Mike Singer of the Denver Post tweeted that the Association still intends to limit the number of people in the bubble to prevent a potential coronavirus outbreak. However, the NBA could welcome guests for coaches and other personnel before the start of and beyond the conference finals:

From a league spokesman following Michael Malone's comments today re. NBA's guest policy: "Due to the highly contagious nature of COVID-19, limiting the number of people on campus was always a top priority. We agreed that players could bring in a limited number of family and ..."
— Mike Singer (@msinger) September 4, 2020

".. and close relations beginning with the second round of the playoffs. No other team or league staff, including coaches and referees, has guests on campus. We are hoping to add additional family members for other participants beginning with the Conference Finals. ... "
— Mike Singer (@msinger) September 4, 2020

"We are mindful of the incredible hardship these restrictions impose and wish it were not necessary for the health and safety of everyone involved."
— Mike Singer (@msinger) September 4, 2020

Family members, significant others and other longstanding personal friends of players entered the isolated hub after the opening round of the postseason tournament, and some have been seen inside of arenas during games:

The Baby Section is such an incredible addition to NBA games pic.twitter.com/G2HdbcjD2h
— Rodger Sherman (@rodger) September 4, 2020

Earlier on Friday, Malone blasted the league policy that has kept coaches away from their families for 60 days and counting:

"I say, 'Shame on you, NBA.' This is crazy. I miss my family. And I think I speak for me, I speak for my coaches, and probably all the coaches down here.

"Sixty days and not having access, and not being granted the privilege to have my family come here to me is criminal in nature. And that shouldn't be. It shouldn't be at all."

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