Since the Toronto Raptors were forced to leave the floor just over three months ago, their players have scattered across the globe.
With the exception of mandatory weight checks and virtual training, they were responsible for staying in shape despite the less than ideal conditions. Moreover, in this unprecedented period of modern history, many players have declared that it was the longest period of their life without playing a basketball match.
Head coach Nick Nurse, who had noticed Marc Gasol’s excellent physical condition a few weeks ago during interviews broadcast on the Zoom platform, nevertheless did not know what awaited him when the team met last week in Naples, Florida, hoping to resume its journey towards the conquest of a second consecutive NBA championship.
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“The players are fantastic, there’s no question about it,” said Nurse in a conference call on Tuesday. To the eye, they look in very good shape.
“I showed up here with an open mind. I didn’t know if I was going to find the guys in a good state of mind or not, or whatever … But I’m pleasantly surprised with their state of mind, and I’m pleasantly surprised with their physical condition, and I just believe that we have before us guys who are very careful with them.
“They love to play, and they want to improve on a personal level, for their career, and they have taken a very professional approach. I feel like most of these guys really love the sport, ”he added.
Gasol, who has missed 28 games this season due to a hamstring injury, and veteran guard Kyle Lowry looked pretty much more cut-out in the most recent photos posted on social media.
“The chiseled Marc. It is cut out. He looks very good, “said Nurse about the giant Spanish.
Raptor guard / striker Norm Powell even called Gasol’s physical transformation “radical.”
“I always have fun at his expense, as if he looked like an FC Barcelona soccer player,” said Powell with a laugh. He looks very good, he moves very nimbly, and he seems to feel very good. “
With Canadian regulations stipulating that anyone entering the country must comply with a 14-day quarantine period, the Raptors were the first to travel to Florida in preparation for next month’s tournament at Disney World.
Even though the Raptors seem optimistic about the recovery, Powell noted that some players are concerned about traveling to Florida, where the number of COVID-19 cases has skyrocketed recently. More than 6000 new cases were reported on Tuesday, bringing the total to 150,000 for the ‘Sunshine State’. In addition, the number of deaths increased to 3,500.
More than 8,500 new cases were recorded on three consecutive days last week.
In addition, the NBA announced last week that 16 players have been diagnosed with coronavirus. The American network ESPN reported on Tuesday that the Denver Nuggets had closed their facilities after members of the team who were to go to Orlando have received a positive diagnosis.
Powell said he is no more concerned than anyone else about his health or that of his teammates, because the Raptors follow the health and safety protocol “to the letter”.
“I’m just generally concerned about the increasing number of cases,” said Powell. Outside (the bubble developed by the NBA), I am very concerned about the level of dangerousness (of the virus). I am concerned for my family members who are outside, who have to move to public places, who have to return to work, and who put themselves in danger of contracting the virus. “
After a week of three months in Florida, Nurse said the Raptors have managed to avoid boredom and homesickness.
“The first week went very quickly. It’s a very good sign, ”he commented.
The coaches get up early and spend the whole day at the gym. Players move in groups of four for practice, one player and two coaches per basket.
In addition, the team recently organized a barbecue. They played ping-pong, and went for a swim.
“We are also trying to incorporate new things into their routine. I do not feel anxiety or concern; nobody says “boy, it will be a very long stay,” he said. They look good. We’ll talk about it in a month, if you want. I said it over and over: I was bored of leading these guys. I feel like they like spending time together, and they just as much like playing together. “
The Raptors (46-18) were second in the Eastern Conference when the NBA closed down on March 11. They will relaunch their campaign on August 1 against the Los Angeles Lakers, and will probably face one of the toughest schedules of the 22 teams that will be present in Orlando.
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