The second round of the NBA playoffs has witnessed emotional family reunions in the bubble.
Players who were isolated from loved ones for weeks were allowed to invite their families to the league’s Disney World campus.
Through seeding games and the first round of the playoffs, no guests were allowed, but players whose teams advanced to the second round were able to bring in a limited number of family members or close friends.
Game officials were allowed to invite one guest, but coaches remain on their own.
Speaking with media on hand Friday, Malone slammed the league’s policy that prevents coaches’ families from joining them in the bubble, calling it “criminal in nature.”
“I say, ‘Shame on you, NBA.’ This is crazy,” Malone said. “I miss my family, and I think I speak for me, for my coaches and probably all the coaches down here. Sixty days and not being granted the privilege of having my family come here, to me, is criminal in nature, and that shouldn’t be.”
The NBA confirmed Friday night that the policy may change later this month.
“We are hoping to add additional family members for other participants beginning with the Conference Finals,” a league spokesman said. “We are mindful of the incredible hardship these restrictions impose and wish it were not necessary for the health and safety of everyone involved.”
NBA superstar LeBron James weighed in backing Malone on social media, in a replay to a tweet from Los Angeles Lakers teammate Jarde Dudley.
“Wow, I didn’t even know that,” James said after Dudley posted a link to an article featuring Malone’s comments. “Coach Mo is absolutely right! That’s ridiculous.”
Malone is married with two daughters. He’s spoken fondly in the past of coaching his daughter’s basketball team. He hasn’t seen his family in two months. He’s understandably upset.
