The wait is finally over.
On Friday morning, after a four-month coronavirus-forced hiatus from organized team activities, the Denver Nuggets returned to the practice court in Orlando as part of the NBA bubble to resume the season.
Coach Michael Malone told reporters on a video conference call that an unspecified number of players have yet to join the team, including All-Star Nikola Jokic, but that the Nuggets are taking positive steps toward their first seeding game Aug. 1 against Miami.
“Are we in game shape today? Probably not,” Malone said. “I can’t imagine most of the NBA teams down here are, but we have ample opportunity and time to get ready for that. What set us back a little bit is we had to close our facility because of the multiple (coronavirus) results that we had. That took away phase three and a week to get ready prior to coming down here.”
Jokic, who re-tested negative for COVID-19 since his exposure in Serbia, is expected to join the team in Orlando. Malone said, “I have spoken to (Jokic) many times, know he’s excited and looking forward to getting down here. He’s healthy. He feels great. Hopefully, he’ll be here soon, in the next couple of days.”
Meanwhile, the Nuggets who are in Orlando are adjusting to unprecedented NBA playing and living conditions. Players and coaches were required to self-quarantine upon arrival for 36 to 48 hours, per NBA health-and-safety guidelines, before re-testing negative and joining teammates.
“My room doesn’t have a window, so that was a little struggling for me,” center Paul Millsap said. “I like to get fresh air.”
Several NBA players on other rosters have vented about bubble life, and specifically, the lack of available dining options. Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid posted a photo on Instagram of one dinner with the caption reading: “Definitely losing 50 lbs.”
“I brought my own food,” Millsap said. “More like a sardine diet and crackers. So, I’m good. I don’t really look at the food or whatever they have, but a lot of guys do.”
Malone offered a glass-half-full take: “Contrary to popular belief, it’s not nearly as bad as some people are making it out to be, not in my opinion. The food, accommodations, and the hotel itself, everything has been great. The practice facilities have been great.”
Preventing injuries after a significant gap in play is among Denver’s highest priorities entering the season re-start. With a playoff spot already clinched, Malone suggests a cautious playing-minutes approach in seeding games to make sure the Nuggets’ starters remain healthy.
“We want to win as many games as we can going into the playoffs to get a rhythm back, but not at the risk of injuring themselves,” Malone said. “It’s a very delicate balance.”
Millsap acknowledged the unmistakable strangeness of this season. He flew to Orlando with his Xbox, several books, a massage table, and just about everything else he could think of to stay sane outside of basketball over the coming weeks or months. “It’s definitely been weird,” he said.
Gathering with his Nuggets teammates, though, felt a lot like riding a bike.
“Once we got back on the court, everything just went back to normal,” Millsap said. “A lot of guys have been training and working out prior to coming here. It’s not a big adjustment for us, but it’s just coming together and trying to get back on the right page.
“It might be a struggle to start, but I think we’re ready for it.”
"complete" - Google News
July 11, 2020 at 05:27AM
https://ift.tt/2DwBJPF
Nuggets complete first NBA bubble practice in Orlando: “It’s definitely been weird” - The Denver Post
"complete" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2Fvz4Dj
https://ift.tt/2YviVIP
No comments:
Post a Comment