For Celtics guard Kemba Walker, life within the NBA ‘bubble’ at the Walt Disney World resort in Orlando is reminiscent of his early days on AAU basketball trips.
Except that instead of seeing high school athletes running, he and teammate Jayson Tatum recently ran into Lakers forward LeBron James and others.
While chatting video chat with Taylor Rooks of the Bleacher Report, who is also quarantined within the bubble, Walker revealed how “cool” it was for him to see James, as well as JR Smith, Jared Dudley and Kyle Kuzma, walking casually. the station.
“It is very, very similar,” Walker said when asked if the campus is similar to an AAU camp or tournament. “Every time you go down, you go to see someone. The other night, me and [Jayson Tatum] We were walking to go get some food and we saw ‘Bron, JR [Smith], Jared Dudley and Kuz. It’s weird, so weird to see Bron walking alone and comfortable.
According to NBA guidelines, players will not be able to see anyone but those inside the bubble until their team’s season ends or if they make it through the first round of the playoffs. This has forced many players to entertain or interact with each other.
Walker said he was surprised to see that James, who has been in the media spotlight since he was in high school, looked so comfortable while wandering around.
“I was telling someone that I probably haven’t done it since I was probably nine years old,” Walker added. “Being able to be so comfortable, just walking and not worrying about people approaching him, getting upset and asking him for something. Now he is regular, not regular, but he can feel comfortable and walk comfortably. I think it is very good. “
When they are not exercising or fighting, the Celtics have been finding their own ways to occupy their free time. Tacko Fall was cycling with Romeo Langford and Carson Edwards, while Tatum hit the golf course with Grant Williams on Thursday. Others have chosen video games, such as Gordon Hayward, Vincent Poirier, and Romeo Langford, while Robert Williams began watching “How to Escape the Murder.”
Forward Jaylen Brown has opted for less time on screen and instead wants to “educate himself” and strike up conversations with his teammates and other NBA players.
Meanwhile, Walker, whose knee is in good shape, according to Brad Stevens, will host a four-day live virtual basketball camp July 20-24.
