As the 22 Orlando Bubble teams make their way towards the end of the regular season and rush to the playoffs, the other eight teams eliminated before the NBA reboot continue to wait.
And wait. And wait.
In the five months since the season’s suspension on March 11, those eight teams have limited themselves to working in their home markets and doing some smaller workouts, but not completely 5-on-5. It has been a point of contention, as some of the eight teams, including the Pistons, claimed to have full-team training. This is also preference over a second bubble idea, with those eight teams playing in a reduced summer league.
Preliminary indications are that the playoffs could end in October, with the draft and free agency coming soon after. The next season could start in December if all goes well.
That could mean a nearly nine-month layoff with no competitive basketball for the eight teams. Even some of the teams that entered the bubble with losing records are reaping the rewards of extra practices and additional games to help build team chemistry, especially for younger players.
The Suns, a record 6-0 since the restart, are one of the biggest beneficiaries. Even teams like Pelicans and Grizzlies, who may not participate in the playoffs.
There is an advantage in playing, even if it is not for a league.
This edition of the Pistons mailing bag examines a potential second bubble for the eight teams and the Pistons’ prospects in the project.
D: I completely lacked the reasoning on the idea of a second bubble. Would it be for a match? Just because? – @CallMeDjm
A: Although some teams have pushed for a second bubble, perhaps in Chicago, there isn’t much support from the NBA League Office and Players Association, which is just trying to pull out a first bubble in Orlando. When some of the kinks are resolved, there may be a blueprint for another bubble, but the aim would be to have a competitive scenario for young players, including Sekou Doumbouya, Svi Mykhailiuk and others.
There is no game; rather, it would offer some of the opportunities that the Las Vegas Summer League generally offers. It’s not for the star players, but it gives young players the chance to start, play long minutes and play in late game situations.
Typically, they don’t have those chances, with veterans consuming a lot of those minutes and reps in regular season games. It has been useful over the past few years, with Doumbouya losing all of the Summer League last year due to injury. This could have helped a little bit of his adaptation to the NBA as a rookie.
D: If there is a second bubble, will the Pistons carry their entire roster? Or just the youngsters and extra purchases that complete the roster? – @ SeanCarmody81
A: Any competition before next season would almost certainly rule out veterans like Blake Griffin, Derrick Rose, and possibly even Luke Kennard. With an injury risk, especially for players with a long history of injuries, it doesn’t really make sense. Even Christian Wood, who is a free agent, would not play.
Most of the benefit would be for younger players and even some G League players. The more time guys like Bruce Brown and Khyri Thomas have, the easier it will be for new CEO Troy Weaver to assess their worth and assemble the core for years to come.
They could take a look at some of their players in development over extended playtime and varying play conditions, against a higher level of competition. There aren’t many opportunities like that outside the Summer League.
D: Are there any persistent injuries concerns for next year with anyone on the roster, especially Blake Griffin? – @ Spizzly1
A: From all indications, Griffin is expected to be back in full swing early next season. He had plenty of time to recover. It may not return to the same All-NBA level as it did in 2018-19, but it will be a welcome addition to the starting lineup after playing just 18 games this season.
Kennard said he was ready to return to training when the season was suspended, so his hamstring may not be a persistent problem if he maintains a reasonable regimen.
Aside from those, there were no other significant injuries.
D: Who do you watch with the 9th Rod pick? – @ Charlottean28
A: The Pistons won’t go down to ninth, but I have the sarcasm. The draft lottery has not been kind to the Pistons, except for which we will not speak. They would be in a good position if they stayed in the top five, but even dropping a couple of points wouldn’t be horrible.
I said I like Tyrese Haliburton as an option. He doesn’t have the same flash as LaMelo Ball or maybe even Killian Hayes, but he’s a solid shooter and can play in both guard posts. It’s not a bad consolation prize if they drop to sixth or seventh place.
The top of the draft has no must-see options like some previous years, so just getting a solid perspective from this draft would be a win for the Pistons.
Twitter: @detnewsRodBeard
