The NBA has been on pause for over two weeks, and Cleveland Cavaliers big man Larry Nance Jr. thinks the stoppage of play has already had an impact on player fitness.
In fact, Nance recently told Marc Stein of the New York Times that he believes every player in the league is already out of basketball shape.
“Right now, if you’re really doing what you’re supposed to do and just staying at home and not seeing anybody and you’re following the rules that you’re supposed to follow, unless you have a home gym you can’t work out,” Nance said. “In my house, I don’t have a home gym. I’ve got a Peloton bike and a few weights here and there, but that’s not going to keep me in shape for basketball. Everybody’s out of basketball shape.”
Nance is in a uniquely precarious situation when it comes to the novel coronavirus. While the disease is known to be especially dangerous for senior citizens, it is also quite dangerous for those with weakened immune systems.
Nance is such a person, as the immunosuppressive medication he takes to help control his Crohn’s disease makes him more at risk for infections.
Across the league, it is becoming quite clear that the NBA season may not start back up for months, if ever.
While losing the entire season would obviously be a serious sports tragedy, it would also be the only logical choice to make if the alternative meant putting lives at risk.
