NBA wary of swine flu, but will it affect its stars?
Unlikely Kobe or Wade would be held out despite league urging caution
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The NBA, amid its concern of swine flu draining its talent base, issued a memo to its teams last week regarding how to handle players exhibiting flu symptoms.
It comes down to this: If a player looks like he might have the flu, then send him to the doctor to find out. If he has fever, keep him away from teammates and off the road.
The goal is to make sure there are enough players to actually play the game, something that might not have been the case recently for the flu-ridden Cavaliers if Cleveland wasn't carrying a few preseason spare parts.
During the second week of October, it's one thing for Mike Brown to play the benevolent leader, moving forward without LeBron, putting his players' health first. But would it be the same approach on opening night against the Celtics?
Sure, the Heat might send Joel Anthony home if he's sneezing and wheezing, but would it be as quick to act with Dwyane Wade?
The Lakers are supposed to say no to Kobe because of a runny nose? The Celtics are expected to mute Kevin Garnett's passion because of glassy eyes? Somehow, we figure Ernie, Charles and Kenny will instead arrive bearing Tamiflu when it comes to preserving TNT's opening-night doubleheader.
It's one thing for Phil Jackson to carry a trusty air-pressure gauge, lest an opponent try to deflate his running game.
But how is the NBA going to enforce this one? Oral thermometers at the scorers' table, making the NBA a 98.6-or-under league?
NBA lore is replete with stories of players fighting flu with fortitude, perhaps no example as memorable as Michael Jordan in the 1997 NBA Finals.
Such efforts have been celebrated over the years.
With the exception of perhaps those seated courtside, the outrage would be about not getting the opportunity to see the game's best, even if it means seeing them at less than 100 percent.
Now a replacement referee with the flu? That's a different story.
There are those waiting to get back into the game who surely consider them swine already.
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