bransonglobe.com SPORTS • BUBBLE Continued from page 18 about during the downtime,” said Dragic, whose wife and children returned home to the family’s native Slovenia on Wednesday. “So, I had my golf clubs sent here, just to try something new.” And, of course, there’s the food. Panned by some players upon arrival, the fare in quarantine wasn’t quite the level that NBA types are used to seeing but has generally gotten decent reviews since. Those still in quarantine at Disney get three meals dropped off outside their door each day, with an array of items to choose from in those bags. Teams have meal rooms set up with menus that were developed in cooperation with their own staffs and dietitians. And when all else fails, there are delivery options and room service offering everything from bisques to steaks to flourless chocolate cakes. “If you’re talking about it being a five-star restaurant, no, but if you talk about it being good food that you can eat and enjoy, I think it is,” New Orleans coach Alvin Gentry said. “We’re not eating off of fine china, but we’re also eating off of biodegradable containers which I think is very smart to do. Obviously, we’re not eating with silverware because that poses a threat as far as spreading the virus also.” The NBA even developed an app for the Disney life. Every team was assigned a liaison to help book outings and handle needs, and the app includes everything from how to get food delivered to how to book extra practice time. There’s a page within the app that allows players to report violations of health protocols, such as someone not wearing a mask, as well as links to mental health resources and even details on how players can register to vote if they haven’t already. In short, there are many ways to keep busy in the bubble. “I brought my bike — it’s yet to leave the room, but the thought is nice, hopefully someday I get on it,” Rivers said. “We’ve got a lot to do. It’s still not normal, but that’s fine with us. Again, we’re going to live the best Disney life that we can.” NOTES: Brooklyn’s newly signed Jamal Crawford, who will be the oldest player in the restart at 40 — a bit ahead of fellow 40-yearold Udonis Haslem of Miami — practiced with the Nets for the first time Wednesday. ... Indiana’s Victor Oladipo, who previously said he wouldn’t play in the restart, revealed Wednesday that his mind may be changing. “Coming down here and getting some practices in, getting my feet under me, going out there playing with the guys, there’s a possibility that I could play,” Oladipo said. ... The NBA slightly amended some protocols to address concerns some teams have about false positive tests for the coronavirus, adding review of an antibody test as part of the returnto-play path. The league made that announcement in a memo obtained by The Associated Press and other outlets. ... San Antonio announced July 17 - 18, 2020 • 19 that Trey Lyles had an emergency appendectomy Wednesday and will miss the remainder of the season. ... Sacramento’s De’Aaron Fox will miss 7-10 days with a sprained left ankle. He got hurt in practice Wednesday. Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday expects basketball to be the easy part of living in the NBA’s “bubble” when 22 teams gather in Central Florida to resume their suspended seasons later this month. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill, File)
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