In a recent conference call with the media, Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter says it will take NBA players a minimum of two-to-three weeks to be ready to play games.
Kanter said the reason is the amount of time players have been away from their regular practice and workout routines. Kanter said he believes a training camp-style period is needed. He says it would help players re-focus after being away from the game for so long.
“You can’t just say ‘OK, we’re going to play the games a week later.’ Some players are doing some things. Some players are in their apartments not doing anything,” Kanter said. “We need to make sure everybody is doing their stuff and is in good shape to go out there and compete if we jump straight into playoffs.”
NBA trainers also believe there will need to be some ramp up time. Otherwise, player could face injuries due to jumping right back into playing.
The NBA suspended operations on Wednesday, March 11. This coming Wednesday, April 8, will be four weeks since the NBA put the season on pause.
Initially, the league allowed players to still use practice facilities to stay in shape. That practice was ended shortly thereafter, as many cities and states went to a mandatory shelter-in-place.
