The proximity of the fans to the court and players makes the NBA one of the most unique experiences across all sports, but sometimes that can put players and fans in difficult situations.
Atlanta Hawks GM Travis Schlenk joined John and Hugh on Tuesday and addressed the recent incidents in the NBA.
"One of the great things that make the NBA great is the connection that the fans can have with the players," Schlenk said. "In no other sport are you exposed to the players as you are in the NBA. In no other sport are the players as accessible to the fans."
However, Schlenk does believe there's a boundary for both fans and players.
"The NBA certainly does take this very seriously, that there are lines that can't be crossed on both sides."
"Fans certainly have the right to go heckle players in a clean manner. When they start crossing the lines to what are socially disrespectful, more of not even (as) players but (as) human beings, I think that's obviously going too far and the NBA takes that seriously. "
Schlenk said that line of respect also goes for everyone.
"It goes the same way for players and certainly owners and executives; they can't cross the line back towards the fans."
"Mr. Dolan didn't do anything verbally, but I think the actions came across childish in my opinion," Schlenk said.
The incident involving Westbrook in Utah on Monday night definitely crossed that line, and Schlenk said it's one the NBA should, and will, address on both sides.
"It's when (fans) start taking shots at your family or saying stuff to your kids, that's when it starts crossing a line."