Bubble life hasn't been easy for the NBA and its players, but on Monday there might be more smiles to be had around the Walt Disney campus.
Every team that made it to the second round of the playoffs was given an additional 17 hotel rooms for guests, according to The Undefeated's Marc Spears and Monday is the earliest guest can clear the quarantine process and enter the bubble.
“I’ve been looking forward to seeing my family for a while now," Raptors' guard Fred VanVleet told Spears. "Obviously, there was a big debate about whether to bring them.
"The last time I saw them was Father's Day."
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 31, 2020
Raptors' Fred VanVleet is looking forward to having his family join him in the NBA Bubble today: pic.twitter.com/1GVsp5pNGB
“It’s not the best of circumstances to bring two small children and have them quarantined and tested … But we made a decision for them to come. So, I just hope they are as excited to see me as I am to see them."
VanVleet will have his girlfriend, Shontai Neal, and their two children in the bubble once they pass quarantine.
The league and the NBPA agreed to allow up to three family members or nonfamily members with long-standing relationships to be able to enter the bubble.
In VanVleet's case, he hasn't been able to see his family in person since the Raptors arrived in Florida on June 22nd.
“I know when I get home I feel like Superman because they come running to me," VanVleet continued. "But I will probably be running to them this time. I can’t wait to be able to see them, and I miss my girl, and just being able to have that affection and that love.
"That’s a big part of my everyday life, and having to have them here with me, I think that would help right now, for sure.”
NBA coaches and other team personnel aren't allowed guests in the bubble. NBA referees are allowed one guest should they chose to invite someone into the bubble.
The ones that do make it into the bubble can indeed attend games, as each player is given one ticket which could add to the atmosphere of the games.
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