August 29, 2020

 

Today did not start out very well.  I completed my health app requirements and left my room for my COVID test.  It was a cool morning as I strolled over to the casita to get my requirement out of the way.  I knocked on the door then greeted by one of the technicians that requested I have a seat, and then was asked, “Sir, would you like a mask?” I touched my face and realized I had given myself a full body pat down prior to leaving my quarters but didn’t check my head.  I felt extremely embarrassed and pleaded that they don’t report my infraction.  He laughed and handed me a mask.  “No problem, we all make mistakes.”

It always comes in threes we are preached. My wife let me know about the death of Lute Olson, the longtime coach of the Arizona Wildcats, while I was preparing to leave for my game with OKC taking on Houston.  In transit while thumbing through my phone I learned about the passing of Clifford Robinson and Chadwick Boseman as well.  I remember watching Robinson play with Portland, while Jackie Robinson was an iconic movie role for Boseman. 

When I arrived at the arena the images of all three were projected on the big screens as the in house crew prepared to make the package part of the game open.  Seeing Clifford Robinson made me think of a teammate of mine while playing professionally in England named Robin Jones.  Jones was part of the Portland NBA World Championship team of 1977 who ended his career in Europe.  I hadn’t spoken with Robin for decades so I did a little Googling and discovered that he had passed in 2018 after suffering several strokes amongst other health issues. This was not a good start for the day.

Russell Westbrook returned to the lineup for the Rockets in a limited role and his presence was all that was required for Houston to blow out the Thunder and take a three to two lead in the series.  I had an interesting interaction during halftime though.  As I was walking from my camera position to head for the dining area for a mid-game ice cream sandwich, I locked eyes with Doc Rivers.  It was one of those stares that lasted a bit longer than it should so I felt compelled to say something to him, and I am glad I did.  He was at the game watching his son Austin who performs with the Rockets and was probably doing a little scouting as well.  “I appreciated the honest and heartfelt comments you expressed at your press conference recently.  They really made me stop and think,” I said to him, a little shakily.  “I appreciate that, and I appreciate that you took the time to listen” he responded.  That was the extent of the conversation.  As I walked away to fetch my snack, I thought to myself how much progress we could make if everyone took the time to stop and listen.  We need more listening, not hearing, listening…

Being as the game had a 6:30pm tip, I was a bit hungry returning to the resort.  I don’t like eating after 9:00pm but needed something.  After I dropped my stuff at my room I headed for the dining area.  I grabbed some Cracker Jacks and Smart-Food popcorn then sat outside to visit with some of my newfound friends that I had met since joining the bubble.  I honestly can’t recall the conversation but one of them mentioned I could get some soft serve ice cream near the practice floors, which were just inside the convention center.  It was only a one minute walk so jumped up and hustled my way to get some.  As I went through the wristband checkpoint the attendant muttered something to me I couldn’t comprehend.  “Huh” I responded.  “Do you have a mask sir,” he asked back.  Holy shit!  Twice in one day!  I grabbed my face and readied to sprint back outside to the table where I had left my face covering.  He started to chuckle along with two other attendants that were seated nearby.  “Hey, it’s okay, I have one for you.  Take this.”

I am now concerned with the toll this bubble may be taking on me.  My regimen is supposed to be so constant but now I have begun to stray from it inadvertently.  Maybe it’s time for the powers that be to send out another reminder about protocol.  I promised myself I would do a better job.  I wondered what other activities I had started to slack with but was unaware.  Tomorrow will be a better day.

As I readied for bed I realized two more teams, the Magic and the Trailblazers, were leaving Orlando.  That meant I was only getting closer to planning my departure.