The NBA restart is already taking its chaotic shape, with more players opting out from joining the bubble in Disney World.
No one expects the NBA restart to be just a walk in the park. The majority of players think that this year’s champions will have to go through their hardest trials before reaching the top. However, before even starting with their journey, they still have to know if the NBA season will push through or not.
More players are opting out of the bubble despite the NBA’s assurance of safety. The virus is not the only concern for the players. If they make it deep into the Playoffs, they would have to be away from their families longer. As such, the physical and mental pressure of the NBA restart is present.
NBA restart early exit for Hayward
Boston Celtic Gordon Hayward plans to exit the bubble in anticipation of his fourth child. The NBA restart is set to begin on July 31, but the Playoffs won’t begin until later in August. If the Celtics move on to the Semi-finals, its start will coincide with the expected child delivery of his wife. He said,
“It’s a pretty easy decision for me on that. I’ve been at the birth of every one of my children, and I think there are more important things in life. So we’ll cross that bridge when we get there. I know the NBA has a protocol for that type of thing, and hopefully I can do the quarantining and testing the appropriate amount of time and then be back with the boys.”
Gordon Hayward’s future with the Celtics still looks murky because of the small forward log jam. As such, he has the option to enter free agency if he chooses not to pick up his player option for NBA season 2020-2021. Before the lockdown, he averaged 17.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 33.4minutes per game.
Victor Oladipo opts out of NBA restart
Victor Oladipo was on track for a successful return after rupturing his quadriceps tendon last season. Although he looked rusty in the beginning, his former athleticism was already taking shape before the lockdown. He said,
“I have to be smart and this decision hasn’t been easy, but I truly believe continuing on the course I’m on and getting fully healthy for the 2020-21 season is the right decision for me.”
The Pacers have been banged up all season and will enter the NBA restart with Oladipo out again. They’re currently sitting on the fifth spot in the East and will face the Philadelphia 76ers in their first seeding game.
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