LOS ANGELES – Setting up internet and radio connections is not something veteran sports broadcaster Rob Parker is used to.
But since he’s now doing his local and national radio show from home, it’s a totally different world from the professional studios he’s accustomed too.
“This whole experience has been wild,” Parker said. “It’s just been unnatural not to go to games, not to watch games, not to analyze games. Because they’ve been such a part of my career in the 34 years I’ve been doing sports.”
Though we could be getting closer to the return of games. Today, the NBA is allowing for its practice facilities to reopen.
“It’s a good sign,” said Parker.
The problem is not all teams will be to go to their facilities. All 50 states have different quarantine orders in place. The Lakers and Clippers can’t legally go into their facilities until May 15..
“It’s not fair. There’s nothing the other 25 teams can do to be honest. Because anybody can shoot around and do it on their own. But we’re talking about as a team,” Parker explained.
“I think there’s definitely an advantage in terms of the resources you have available,” said Reggie Hearn of the South Bay Lakers.
He knows the upper hand the teams who can get into their own space have over the rest. His season is over with the NBA’s G-League having canceled games in the wake of the pandemic. But as a member of the Lakers minor league affiliate he knows just how important the team’s facility is.
“I think there’s something also to being able to train cardio-wise on a court, you know having that 94 feet,” Hearn continued.
“You’re playing more within the realm of where you typically play.”
While today is a huge day in the hopes of finishing the NBA season, is it realistic?
“I have an ounce of hope, but I’m just not so sure because so much time has passed since the last time we’ve played,” said Parker. “Baseball – the season never started. Obviously, football isn’t in season. Those sports I can see.”
Only time will tell if we all will see any hoops anytime soon.