After seeing Nikola Jokic stellar center obtain coronavirus abroad and their practice facility closed by the pandemic, the Nuggets are now headed to a commission for larger folks. They are destined for the new American epicenter of COVID-19 for a rowdy championship chase inside a bubble, the NBA version of “It’s a Small (Basketball) World”.
Hey, what could go wrong? Is it really a smart idea?
“We are not putting a gun on anyone’s head,” said Nuggets coach Michael Malone on Wednesday.
During a video conference with reporters, I asked Malone: do you think it is worth resuming this NBA season, considering obvious health risks, long weeks of isolation from loved ones and heavy social issues too hot for America to ignore them?
“I think it’s worth it? I will be honest, in the three months following the suspension of the season, depending on the day, week, month, I probably would have had a different answer. Part of me wants to go back and see what we can do as a team. With the resumption of the game, can we be a source of calm in terms of recovering the sport? I think a lot of people are working hard to see the NBA return to action (with) all the great players we have and to crown a champion. Having an unfinished halfway season is a bit difficult to imagine, “said Malone.
“But at the same time there are many things going on, from a health perspective, as the pandemic continues to wreak havoc around the world, as well as social unrest and the struggle to stop police brutality and racism on the across the board. I think it’s the right thing to do (play). I think it will be a challenge. “
Giannis Antetokounmpo, the alleged MVP of this strange year of the NBA, does not want to hear a championship during a season shortened by viruses will not shine as brightly as the rings won in past seasons.
“Many people say there will be a star next to this championship,” said Antetokounmpo. “In the end, I feel this is going to be the most difficult championship you can ever win, because the circumstances are very difficult right now.”
With all due respect, any ironhead who cares if there should be an asterisk next to the NBA 2020 champion’s name must find a better hobby.
An asterisk? The NBA should declare it an important victory if the league ends the playoffs that are not marred by a serious coronavirus outbreak or, forbidden sky, the death of anyone associated with a team or among the employees working inside the bubble.
“If we have many cases, we will stop,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver in an interview with Time magazine. “Cannot run from this virus.”
But the league will try to stay one step ahead of COVID-19. This is a risk worth taking just because the alternative is for the NBA to take its ball and go home until the pandemic is defeated by effective therapies or a vaccine.
After spending last weekend in Florida on family business, I can tell you: while humidity is everywhere, the response to the virus varies widely from block to block, from intense COVID paranoia to the devil’s indiscretion.
For example: less than a mile from where a masked desk clerk sat behind a plexiglass window and cautiously asked hotel guests to check in on a credit card machine located one meter away, there were three dozen boys laughing at social-distance rules as they hung on a street corner on a mild Friday evening.
Maybe you can expect in a state where beaches open and close because of the vagaries of government leadership, so inconsistent regular cops don’t know who to trust or what to believe, even though coronavirus cases are rapidly increasing in Florida.
How confident can Nuggets feel in the bubble?
“I guess I’m feeling pretty confident because I’m willing to go,” said Malone.
Well, good luck and safe travel, Mr. Malone.
“I appreciate it, Kiz,” he replied.
Before taking off on a flight to Orlando next week, I suggest that all members of the Nuggets traveling group wear a mask that covers not only the mouth and nose, but also the eyes.
Because it will take blind faith to believe that this basketball mission has any real chance of success.
The Nuggets are 30-1 long shots to win the championship.
But I’m not sure the NBA has much better odds of finishing the playoffs and crowning a champion before COVID-19 kicks the league asterisk.
