NBA Witnesses More Chaos as 4th Major Player Enters Health and Safety Protocols

The brand new NBA season has hogged up much of the limelight. Yet, what has gone unnoticed is that many of the league’s big players are slowly but surely entering the health and safety protocol. Thus comes as a worrying sign for the NBA, as big teams are losing out on their big players. The latest addition to this list, is Cleveland Cavaliers star Lauri Markkanen. He joins a list of fellow stars as well, who entered the protocol earlier.

READ MORE: “Nice Little Player”: Charles Barkley Angers Heat Fans With Cheap Shot at Tyler Herro

24-year-old Markkanen started the season fairly well. He has averaged around 13 points in an otherwise lackluster campaign for the Cavaliers thus far. The team sits with a record of 4-4, just outside of the top-10. Markkanen’s best game was in the side’s latest narrow victory against the Charlotte Hornets. However, just as the Finnish prospect was beginning to find his feet, he has now entered an unwanted list with some of the league’s top stars.

Oct 29, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) moves in for a basket against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Lauri Markkanen (24) and center Jarrett Allen (31) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Worrying signs for NBA as Lauri Markkanen joins list of absentees

The league has some strict measures in place, to ensure that all its players remain fit and healthy. On the other hand, a fair few have now entered the NBA’s health and safety protocols over the past few weeks. The latest of these additions is Lauri himself, whose reason of absence is yet to be known. As a result, he will now miss several regular season outings for Cleveland, as reported by Shams Charania.

Sources: Cleveland’s Lauri Markkanen is expected to miss several games due to health and safety protocols.

Around NBA, Markkanen, Cavaliers’ Kevin Love, Milwaukee’s Khris Middleton and Philadelphia’s Tobias Harris have entered protocols this week.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 3, 2021

Markkanen joins teammate Kevin Love, who also entered the same unit this past week. In all likelihood, their absence could be connected to another. Along with the duo, Milwaukee Bucks’ Khris Middleton and Philadelphia 76ers’ Tobias Harris are also part of the protocols. Though their health comes first, they will be out of action for multiple games now.

Jul 3, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) dribbles the ball against Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) during the third quarter in game six of the Eastern Conference Finals for the 2021 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

The increasing number of absentees comes as a serious concern for the NBA. Hopefully, the concerned individuals recover sooner rather than later. We can only hope for their good health, and that none of their sides lose out in abundance due to their absence.

The post NBA Witnesses More Chaos as 4th Major Player Enters Health and Safety Protocols appeared first on EssentiallySports.