Dallas Mavs’ Tim Hardaway Jr. is ready to play despite COVID fears. ‘I feel confident’
As coronavirus worries grow among NBA players, Dallas Mavericks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. talked about the safety of the bubble in Orlando, Florida, and how he’s looking forward to his team resuming /its season.
“First and foremost, everybody has to understand that we still have to be safe during these tough times,” the guard told the Dallas/Fort Worth media Monday. “And whether it’s staying in the house, or staying away from peers and sacrificing everything to make sure you’re safe and your family is safe is definitely more important.”
Hardaway Jr. also discussed whether he’s concerned about reports that other teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks and Sacramento Kings, had to shut down their practice facilities after players tested positive for the virus. He said that his love for the game and his faith in the league override negative thoughts.
“I’m still up in the air right now,” Hardaway said. “I love the game of basketball. I don’t care where it’s being played or the circumstances — if you have the opportunity to do the one thing you love, just go for it.
“The NBA and the NBPA (National Basketball Players’ Association) and everybody that’s involved with the season restarting in Orlando, I think they’ve done an amazing job of making sure that our lives are safe and that everyone is safe when they get into the bubble. Just hearing them out and listening to what they have to say, I feel confident. They’re following the rules and staying safe,” he said.
The Mavericks are scheduled to leave for Orlando on July 8. The league is scheduled to resume regular-season games on July 30.