Social distance dance parties? Hazmat suits? A look at life inside the NBA bubble
It’s been almost four months since the coronavirus pandemic took the NBA as its first prisoner, leaving both athletes and fans longing for the sports they love to play and watch.
Let the games begin.
WhenNBA commissioner Adam Silver announced that basketball will resume inside a bubble, where players would be isolated at DisneyWorld in Orlando, Florida, the sports world rejoiced.
While teams and officials knew that there would be some double-dribbles along the way, they probably weren’t planning for what greeted them during the first few hours of players relocating to the bubble — basketball not included.
From a Dallas Mavericks team-building dance party, to Rajon Rondo comparing his room to a motel chain that leaves the light on for you, to Joe Embiid’s hazmat attire the NBA restart has been a much-needed light during a sports blackout.
A Dallas Mavericks dance party
Practicing safe social distancing, the Dallas Mavericks, led by forward Maxi Kleber, held a mini dance party/DJ-off on their room balconies at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. The party included Dwight Powell (who accompanied the team despite suffering a season-ending Achilles injury on Jan. 21), Dorian Finney-Smith, J.J. Barea, and Luka Doncic, who were all seen rocking out at a safe distance.
Some new DJs for hire in The Bubble. DM for inquires
( @MaxiKleber) pic.twitter.com/SVSOmO1Tzs— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) July 9, 2020
The Bates Motel?
Not everyone was thrilled to be returning — but it had nothing to do with basketball. Los Angeles Lakers guard Rajon Rondo was less than impressed with his living quarters at the Grand Destino Tower and expressed his side-eye on his Instagram Live, which was retweeted by spectators on Twitter.
Rajon Rondo doesn’t seem pleased with his Orlando room. pic.twitter.com/hjwB2g0tk8
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 9, 2020
And, of course, Twitter users couldn’t help themselves.
Yo @RajonRondo this room is nicer than your jumpshot. What are you complaining about
— Luke Sommers (@luke8132) July 9, 2020
Los Angeles Clippers guard Patrick Beverly, who is also staying at the Grand Destino Tower, isn’t complaining though.
Pat Bev might have the best setup in the NBA Orlando campus pic.twitter.com/V0YLEZvebH
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 9, 2020
C’mon, it’s not like it’s really Frye Fest
Since arriving at the bubble, the food within the first 36 hours of quarantine has been the subject of great debate — at least all over Twitter. Sure, these multi-millionaire superstars might be used to their personal chef’s cuisine, but are they overreacting a bit?
Or not?
Troy Daniels sharing his meal from the bubble has some serious Fyre Festival vibes pic.twitter.com/8UfXK9mg54
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) July 8, 2020
Chris Chiozza shares his Bubble meal... pic.twitter.com/kjrj2lh17R
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) July 8, 2020
Experts pointed out that the food won’t look this way the entire time.
Food in the NBA bubble changes after quarantines are completed. Player meals won't look like airline trays after the first 48 hours ...
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 8, 2020
Outbreak 2: Florida
Philadelphia 76ers forward Joel Embiid isn’t taking any chances with his health, and with good reason since coronavirus cases in Flordia are surging daily.
No one will blame him for showing up in a full-on hazmat suit. Safety first.
Joel Embiid has arrived for his flight to the NBA Orlando campus.
(via @NBCSPhilly)pic.twitter.com/sfAXzvmyTR— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 9, 2020
Making a statement
In Orlando, the league has allowed players to display social justice messages on the back of their jerseys during the restart, ESPN reports.
However, the Toronto Raptors, the defending NBA champions, decided to start spreading their social justice message upon their arrival in Disney World.
Silence is not an option. pic.twitter.com/qpn8sMo2nu
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) July 9, 2020
