The NBA’s proposed plan for a bubble return drew more ire as coronavirus cases explode in Florida. And I mean explode, nearly 9,000 new cases yesterday. Come on Florida, you can’t blame “Florida Man” for this one. He quarantined for 14 days.
Commissioner Adam Silver said the league’s return in Orlando will heal the national consciousness. Sports returning will help, I’ve thought recently about how much Enes Kanter’s rebounding will absolve the post-grad job market in my mind (first loans due tomorrow). Seriously, the league’s returning for money ($500 MILLION, to be exact) and I’ll keep stressing, but 33 days until “opening night” are fewer than the wait list for therapy right now. “The Last Dance” reminded me how good the collectiveness of game night feels.
Did I say 33? Yes — the Celtics and Bucks tip-off in just under five weeks. This grand experiment is destined for one logistical nightmare. The NBA will not enforce a strict bubble, but will punish, for lack of a better term, players and staff that leave with a 14-day quarantine (suspension).
Think of that — the league that’s already being accused of shooing-in Zion Williamson’s Pelicans to the playoffs (easiest remaining strength of schedule, per today’s release) is instituting an anonymous tip line and will pull a star from the playoffs if TMZ catches them slipping? That’s probably 10th on the list of logistical nightmares. Imagine this one.
Thanks for continuing to subscribe to the newsletter. I haven’t written a ton lately, though a back-log of reporting and ideas should have things flowing soon. Firstly, some thoughts on “business as usual” and how both COVID-19 (we’ve learned now, right?) and Black Lives Matter share similar themes when it comes to creating a new normal of awareness and consciousness.
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1. Kyrie Irving has a point
The messenger, or at least the inspiration? Kyrie Irving.
Podcast: Avery Bradley, Davis Bertans drop out of Orlando & Fireworks
You heard about the fireworks? We went right to ground zero: Harlem. Plus, NBA Insider Alex Kennedy on the return drama.
More from today's #DomeTheory: Gave @anthony_obas44 a call at the end of @DomeTheory #29 to figure out what the hell is going on in Harlem with the #fireworks. His diagnosis: boredom, anxiety and not having any other s*** to do. #ObasRants audioboom.com/posts/7617503-…Podcast: Sopan Deb on “Missed Translations” and Kyrie
A hilarious book, insightful interview and mixed messaging from Kyrie that I may have projected on to some degree—or found his point exactly. As Sopan said, it’s hard to figure out exactly what he meant without his voice publicly available on his stance to seemingly end the NBA return in favor of Black Lives Matter (Avery Bradley later backed out with this as one of the premises).
Ep. 28 of @DomeTheory features @RealBobManning & @SopanDeb Sopan didn't know his parents until he turned 30, when he finally decided to pursue them. A hilarious, heartwarming story that traces sports, tradition, comedy and journalism. Listen & subscribe audioboom.com/posts/7612157-…4. Act A Thon Response to Black Lives Matter Protests
Cayla and Ohemaa were phenomenal on this and with their “Act a Thon” efforts. Forever proud of two of my best friends from Syracuse. Some continued conversation on Black LIves Matter, their effort to actively utilize the time and greater awareness (and willingness) of wider reaches of Americans to help right now.
Through @actathon2020, @_obscuralibra & @cay_do sparked a movement to get in touch with politicians in nearly every state about police brutality. Ohemaa heard from a mayor as we talked about the movement on Monday. Listen here on all platforms: audioboom.com/posts/7609179-…Freddie Gibbs “Alfredo,” Thundercat “It Is What it Is” in a Quarantine Music Monday
Last Dance? Lines alluding to Black death? The musings of Freddie Gibbs? “Alfredo” emerged in May to embody the quarantine era perfectly. I talked about it with music writer Jayson Buford.
Thank you to my continued subscribers. Love having this direct line to let you know what I’ve been working on. I’ll be ok! I know we’ve all had these emotional lulls through the four months, especially my fellow grads, miss you! Please share this with those you’d assume would be interested! #DomeTheory