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It’s been two weeks since the NBA decided to close its doors and postpone the season until further notice, due to the pandemic that is COVID-19. Since then, a myriad of NBA players have tested positive and the world is at a standstill.
The boys from That’s A Rap try to shine some light on what’s going on in our lives during the time of social distancing with some NBA news and a peek into our respective closets!
Listen to the latest episode and leave your comments below!
On This Episode:
Rudy Gobert, Donovan Mitchell, Christian Wood (who have each recovered), Kevin Durant, Marcus Smart, plus unnamed players/staff with the Nets, Sixers, Nuggets, and Lakers have all tested positive. As COVID-related numbers continue rising at an astronomical rate, prayers go out to those who have tested positive and those that will likely contract the virus over the next few weeks.
Mark Cuban thinks the season may start as soon as May, while Adrian Wojnarowski believes the earliest would be mid-June. Regardless of when NBA basketball returns, if it does (this season), will it be to empty arenas? What do you think about neutral locations where multiple teams — or all teams — congregate?
From a Toronto Raptors perspective, the possibility of a lost season has salary cap ramifications that could affect Pascal Siakam’s extension amount, Fred VanVleet’s free agency, and a slew of other players.
The Canadian Olympic Committee’s decision to pull athletes from the Summer Olympics was a bold move that was simultaneously performed in Australia, and sending a clear message to the IOC that athlete safety come first and foremost. Approximately 24 hours later, the IOC’s decision to postpone the Olympics by a year further validated Canada’s decision. We all have to wait another year before seeing the best collection of Canadian basketball players competing in the Olympic qualifiers.
While everyone is staying home and flattening the curve, plenty of NBA players are using the time to stay in shape and keep fans entertained. Former Raptors, DeMar DeRozan and Rudy Gay, are must-watch on Instagram, while current Raptors, Serge Ibaka and Oshae Brissett, are flexing their social media muscles on Twitter and Tik Tok, respectively.
Now is a good time as ever to start cleaning our closet — figuratively and literally. This led to an interesting conversation about the best and worst jerseys we each own. Let us know in the comments what jerseys you have!
3:45 - “Positive” never been so negative
6:40 - To return or not to return
15:10 - Other avenues for bringing back basketball
17:00 - Salary cap ramifications
18:55 - Fun season
24:15 - Olympic-sized distancing
30:00 - How bored are NBA players?
35:30 - Best and worst jerseys in our closets