As the 22 invited teams have started to practice in preparation for the league restart beginning July 30, one notable figure believes the NBA “bubble” is one of the safest places to be in the world as COVID-19 continues to ravage the country: Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs.
Popovich spoke to Royce Young of ESPN and noted that he felt reassured after speaking with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
“I don't know where else you would be as safe as we are right now,” the Spurs' legendary tactician said.
Indeed, the NBA is taking every precaution to ensure the safety and health of its players, coaches and personnel — as well as any employees of the Walt Disney World where the games will take place.
For what it's worth, Gregg Popovich is already 71 years old and is considered to be at the high risk category of contracting COVID-19. With that said, hearing the Spurs coach express his belief in the bubble is certainly comforting for a lot of players and coaches.
Of course, there might some aspersions cast on this idea, as the entire Disney World complex is being reopened this weekend even though Florida just announced 10,360 new cases of COVID-19. The new cases brought Florida's total all-time to a whopping 254,511, which trails only New York and California in the U.S.
With a large number of NBA players being tested as the “bubble” is being implemented, some players are opting out of returning to action, including notable names like Davis Bertans and Bradley Beal. However, it is worth noting that these two are doing it due to physical injuries rather than fear of the coronavirus.
For the Spurs, they will be without LaMarcus Aldridge, although the All-Star forward was ruled out after undergoing shoulder surgery during the hiatus.
As Florida just announced a record number of new cases, the return of the NBA might raise some eyebrows. Let’s hope everyone stays safe, whether they’re in the “bubble” or not.
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