The NBA is currently discussing potential options for a return to the court, with most indications pointing toward a return in late-July.

However, unless there is a vaccine for COVID-19, there will be a risk to the players, particularly in a sport that requires close contact like basketball.

Former Kentucky big man Bam Adebayo, now a standout player for the Miami Heat, explained a few concerns he has in an interview with the Associated Press:

“Some players like Steve Nash used to lick his hands,” Adebayo said. “Some people still have that in their routine. Some people wipe the sweat off their face and put it on the ball. It’s going to be weird how they try to control it, because we have to touch each other. And then you have to worry about the family members that we may be touching.”

We’ll see what safety precautions the NBA takes when players do return, as it is clear players like Adebayo still have some legitimate concerns.

So far this season, Adebayo has appeared in 65 games for the Heat, starting all of them. He’s averaging 16.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.2 steals per contest.