How is this game experience going to feel?
No fans, tiny arena, and safety measures galore. When the NBA coined the tagline, “A Whole New Game,” they weren’t lying. This is going to be a basketball culture shock for everyone involved, including the fans who have only read about magic bracelets and smart rings.
Masks will be prevalent for everyone on the sideline besides the head coach and active players. On top of that, those who are socially distanced in the seating area will be media members who are bound by blood not to show any emotion during games. That is going to create a quiet, and odd environment.
Will the floor mics be on? I hope so, but if they are, they better have an audio intern with the quick finger on the dumb button.
Just like everything else in this new, COVID-19 world, some parts may be a welcome and cool change, while others will be just strange and annoying. Probably more of the latter.
When specifically asked about the lack of a crowd, Devin Booker said, “It’s just basketball.” At least we know one guy who won’t be affected.