Hair tells the story. Despite signing a $ 75 million contract that kicks off next season, Domantas Sabonis hasn’t had a cut since the four-month blockade due to COVID-19 began.
With the Indiana Pacers preparing to return, traveling to Orlando next week to enter the “bubble” to end the 2019-20 season with 21 other teams, Sabonis is looking forward to returning to basketball.
More weight in the head than hair. Even his beard is much thicker.
For a Lithuanian, although he spent a lot of time in America as a child while his father played for the Portland Trail Blazers, social unrest in the wake of George Floyd’s death puts him in a rare position.
More: Oladipo, the Pacers still have time to determine his game state
More: McMillan eager to see “new America” emerge from this turmoil
The same goes for the Goga Bitadze rookie, originally from the Republic of Georgia. Their countries do not have the same racial dynamics and history. More than basketball is at stake.
“It’s a little different over there compared to the United States. We are open to everything, “said Sabonis via conference call Thursday.” We all see it the same way. It’s easy for us. We want to learn and just listen. We see them as our brothers. We are all a family. We are a team. “
Coach Nate McMillan has taken on the responsibility of holding more frank group discussions and creating a better understanding and connection in the locker room.
Pacers president Kevin Pritchard held Zoom calls with his players. He gave the floor to Malcolm Brogdon to lead the conversation.
“Malcolm has taken a big charge in this,” said Sabonis. “When they talk, we want to learn, listen more and help our teammates do everything we need to do.”
Sabonis has been in Indianapolis for two weeks. Just like teammate Victor Oladipo, who expressed concern about injuries, the center has reservations.
Pacers (39-26) need to be smart about how they facilitate their return.
“Many injuries can happen quickly. This is the most frightening part. You are sore there and irritated in places where you shouldn’t be sore. We are trying to accelerate faster than we usually would. Other than that we will have plenty of time to lock up. “
The Pacers will leave for Orlando next week, where the competition will begin on July 30th.
