“Don’t Think Anyone Will Be 100 Percent Comfortable”: Utah Jazz Forward Discusses His Issues with NBA Bubble

Choosing to play in the NBA bubble in Orlando does involve risks. But for many, it’s a risk they are willing to take, not just for personal glory but because the sport brings people together. So a lot of players are taking the tough decision to be away from their family for a few months to play in the bubble. Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles is one among them.

However, he has admitted that he is not very comfortable. “I am going to go and play,” Ingles told Utah’s The Zone radio station. “Does it mean I’m 100 percent comfortable with doing that? Not necessarily. I’m going to go and do the best for myself, my team, and our organization to represent us there in Orlando.”

Utah Jazz forward Ingles says no one will be 100% comfortable

Salt Lake Tribune’s Eric Walden reported that Ingles said, “I don’t think anyone would be (comfortable). It’s tough when you’re relying not only on yourself but others to be smart about it too.” Ingles was also unhappy about not being with his family. “The hardest part about going is that it will be the longest he’s ever been away from his kids,” Walden says.

Ingles also said that the days before the players reach Orlando will be crucial. “It’s a really important time right now. I hope if my teammates are listening, they put their July 4th parties on hold. I’ll throw them a party when we get back.” He also said that the bubble cannot be 100% safe. “I still don’t know how much of a bubble it is — I think there’s a few holes poked in the bubble.” 

The Utah Jazz will be missing one of their most important players in Bojan Bogdanovic. He was having his best season so far, averaging 20 points per game while shooting 41% from three. But now that he is out with a wrist injury, Ingles will have to step up. But the Australian says that the responsibility is shared and it will see players stepping up.

According to The Athletic’s Tony Jones, Ingles believes that Mike Conley will improve. After arriving in a big move in the summer, Conley has disappointed and will be looking to redeem himself. Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert will also be hitting the floor together after a reported fall out back in March.