“Be Careful”: Lakers’ Forward Raises Big Concerns Over the Early Start to the 2020-21 Season

NBA players in 2020 are dealing with a little more than just the pressure of performing. As if the bubble experience was not overwhelming enough, the new season’s dates are out and they’re closer than one’s most reasonable guessing. Just like many other players, Lakers’ Jared Dudley has voiced his concerns over the early restart.

In the hindsight, there are four groups that have formed. One, those who did not play the last season, due to injuries. Two, the ones from those 8 teams that were not invited to the bubble. Three, the teams that played in the bubble and need more recovery time. Four, the new drafts who will have just a little over a month to prep up.

Lakers’ forward has raised his question on the matter

Jared Dudley, the 35-YO veteran, seemed to have some advice for the organizations. He expressed, “Teams will have to be careful with the ramp up in training camp and the first 4/6 weeks of the season…”

The second round of the NBA Playoffs 2020 ended in mid-September. Hence, none of these teams will get enough recovery time, something they were earlier accustomed to and conditioned for. 

However, according to health experts, teams away from the court since March will have a tougher time. One official detailed, “For the two finalists, it is a pretty quick turnaround to allow for full recovery. But it’s a far greater thing for someone to not have that stimulus since March.”

The ambiguities are many…

The NBPA definitely voted and agreed for a December 22 start, but it came with many other problems. The Toronto Raptors are still unclear whether they’ll play in Canada, or in Newark, Nashville, Kansas City, or elsewhere. 

On the other hand, it will be very tough for players like LeBron James (35) to come back after as little as a 71-day break. This will mark the shortest off-season in the history of the four major American sports.

Another health official expressed, “This is going to be another period of uncharted territory. As uncharted as the [Orlando] bubble was [this summer], this is the bubble times three or four or five [because we’re] trying to extend it to that period of time with a minimal ramp-up.”

What ambition will it serve (apart from monetary benefits) if key players get injured because of this restart? Help us know your views in the comments.