“Getting Paid Millions of Dollars”: Miami Heat Player Hits Out at Critics of NBA’s Olando Bubble

Miami Heat player Myers Leonard isn’t finding life inside the bubble very difficult. In a recent conference call with reporters, Leonard explained how he was telling the Heat coach Erik Spoelstra about life inside the bubble.

“I said ‘Look, man, let me explain something. Number one, I’m getting paid millions of dollars to play basketball. Let’s start there. Something I love to do anyway. Number two, my brother did two nine-month tours in Afghanistan. For a lot less pay. We’re going to be [in the bubble] for three or four months max,” he said (via ESPN).

The stay inside the bubble for the players could be as long as three months. While NBA players might be used to traveling around it is very unusual that they stay away from their families for such a long time.

“I get it, life’s not always easy, but what do we really have to complain about, right?” Leonard said. “I think about those guys [Navy Seals], they’re taking out the worst people in the world for way less money and putting their life on the line every single day. So it’s not going to be easy [in the bubble] I know that, but I do work with a sports psych. We’ve been having discussions for months about what this is going to be like, how I’m going to dial in every morning … but ultimately also I want to frickin’ win.”

Miami Heat will be aiming for a deep post season run

Leonard joined the Heat last year. He came into the NBA in 2012 when Portland Trail Blazers selected him in the first round of the Draft. He played seven years for the Trail Blazers before joining the Heat. The Heat will be aiming for a deep post season run when the season restarts. Prior to the league’s restart, they were fourth in the Eastern Conference with 41 wins. One of the biggest opponents in the East would be Milwaukee Bucks if they aspire to make it to the finals.

They restart their campaign with a game against Denver Nuggets on August 1. They then face the three teams above them- Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors, and Milwaukee Bucks.