OKC Thunder: 5 key issues players cite for hesitancy to restart season

Isolation from family and friends:

As previously noted family won’t be able to come onto the Disney site until after the first round series is finished. In essence, the first 14 teams who leave will be partially replaced by family and friends.

Adrian Wojnarowski and Bobby Marks ESPN article notes the six teams who fail to earn a playoff berth will depart Orlando 35 to 40 days after arrival. A further eight teams will exit after the first round (53 days) another four at the end of the second round 67 days).

While it’s not ideal to be away from your support system for close to two months it is important to limit the numbers in order to restrict the possibility of the virus entering the bubble.

Inability to leave:

Clearly, anyone with a medical concern shouldn’t take the risk. For example, a player like Jeff Green who underwent heart surgery in 2012 would be a logical choice to keep away from Orlando.

Others aren’t thrilled by the fact they will be restricted inside the bubble environment. Technically, a player could take a brief respite but would need to be put in quarantine before they could rejoin their club. The NBA held firm to their stance any player electing to not participate wouldn’t face repercussions other than losing money.

One area cited as a concern that the bubble could affect is the player’s mental health. Everyone knows how difficult the stay-at-home timeframe was and while these players won’t be as restricted this type of isolation can take a toll. No updates have been provided but presumably, the NBA will provide off court activities and have medical professionals such as therapists available.