Monday, the NBA will begin its almost annual draft combine, held again this year in Chicago. It is a return to normal for the league and a further step away from the abridged and uncertain process of 2020, when the pandemic changed every aspect of the lead-up to draft night.
The NBA, like the rest of the country, has been able to inch its way back to usual by players and support staff taking the COVID-19 vaccine and the league creating health and safety protocols that reward teams for their employees getting their shots. Vaccination status will play a role in the pre-draft process as well and could bring value to those prospects, and even team officials, that have received one already.
The Draft Combine this week will have different rules for those who have and have not been vaccinated.
