(Podcast length 4 mins - transcript is below)
Life inside the bubble of the restart of the NBA season where teams are in it to win it.
Transcript
Remind me where we left off. The NBA (National Basketball Association) shut down their season on March 11, which was a little over halfway through the season. Now it returns on Thursday, July 30 with 22 teams inside the NBA bubble. Why 22 and not all 30? They are the teams that had a shot or had already qualified for the postseason. (And let’s be honest to give big names like Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans, some TV time). Regardless, the season will end in mid-October with a new NBA champion. HITTING THE HARDWOOD
1. Team hotels in Disney World (home of the NBA bubble) were assigned by a team’s record, the better the team, the nicer the hotel. The rationale? Teams that are better are likely to be there longer. HOME AWAY FROM HOME
2. At this moment, players’ families aren’t allowed into the bubble (unlike the WNBA – Women’s National Basketball Association). For so many players, after a significant amount of time at home, it was hard to leave knowing they might not see their families for two months. As it stands now, after the first round is over, restrictions should lighten up and families will be allowed but they too will have to quarantine before entering the bubble. A SWEET STORY THAT’LL MELT YOUR HEART
3. Players who opt out of the season without a medical exemption will not be paid. Players like Avery Bradley of the Los Angeles Lakers have opted out of the season for the safety of their families. He is opting out because his son has a respiratory ailment that is one of the riskiest conditions for someone who contracts COVID. SAFETY FIRST
4. Life inside the bubble is kind of like summer camp for professional athletes with fishing, golf and beer. That being said, there have been a fair share of challenges like players stepping outside the bubble to pick up food a delivery (a no-no) and for visits to the strip club (clearly a no-no). It’s working for now, but still has its challenges. IN IT TOGETHER
5. Want to get involved? The NBA has a new deal with Michelob Ultra that includes installing video boards for 300 fans to appear during games to add some atmosphere to the empty stands. That'll be a nice change as the teams have been practicing on courts built inside ballrooms at the various on-property hotels. CHEERS
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