Phoenix Suns shooting guard Devin Booker is having a hard time managing his daily life without basketball.
The 2019-20 NBA season remains suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic, and Booker and other NBA players are struggling to adapt to this unprecedented situation, though they also acknowledge health and safety are priorities (via Arash Markazi of the Los Angeles Times):
“It’s been weird, man,” Booker said. “I’ve thought about it a lot, and I’ve been talking about it with other players. This is the most in the dark we’ve been about anything. We really don’t know what’s next or what’s going to happen. Not being able to be in the gym is hard, but safety is our main priority.
“I’m trying to stay prepared as best as I can. I’m trying to eat the right way and get my push-ups and sit-ups in when I can. I actually bought a basketball hoop a week ago and put it up outside, so I’ve been shooting on that, but that’s about it. I’ve just been playing video games and relaxing with the family.”
Booker's second point is one that seems paramount in the minds of elite athletes these days: how do we stay in shape without proper amenities?
Of course, plenty of athletes still have their own routines as well as the means to purchase these amenities, but it hardly compares to practicing with teammates or getting game experience.
Additionally, while other leagues like the MLB (spring training) and the NFL (offseason) had yet to really get off the ground, the NBA was in the throes of its season.
The pandemic has spurred unprecedented change, and players like Booker and his Suns teammates are still battling how best to adjust.
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