The Miami Heat reopened their practice facility last week, a step in a positive direction for the resumption of the 2019-20 NBA season.
Miami forward Andre Iguodala believes that there are still some things that need to be touched upon before the league can return.
“There are a lot of things at stake, with health being the number one thing we have to keep in mind, and player safety,” Iguodala said. “Peace of mind, as well, knowing that we could possibly be in an environment and what that environment may look like. So I think that is most important.”
The NBA has looked at multiple scenarios for a return to action.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver has discussed playing at a neutral site with no fans and has encouraged the league to think of new scheduling formats and other avenues that would allow for a return.
As for Iguodala and other players, finding ways to keep their bodies in shape has been the key throughout the league’s hiatus.
“I’ve gotten really creative in the front yard, actually, doing a lot of boxing workouts,” the 36-year-old veteran said. “You get the right trainer over a Zoom call, and trainers are very creative. Their whole passion is to make you suffer so they come up with some pretty creative things.”
Iguodala came to Miami in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies, with the hopes of competing for an NBA title.
However, the three-time NBA champion was only able to appear in 14 games for the Heat prior to the shutdown on March 11.
Iguodala has tried to keep a positive attitude, focusing his time on his investing and business ventures, to prepare himself for life after basketball.
“I think it’s just about maximizing your time and the situation that you’re in,” Iguodala said of his philosophy. “Understanding that there is going to be ups and downs. Understanding that you have to be able to adjust with any situation that comes your way.
“You talk about professional sports and especially contact sports, with reactions — I always tell guys, it is better to be proactive than reactive. When you’re proactive, you can get to a space first and that puts you in a position of power, a position of influence. You take those same principals of being on the court, trying to be first, trying to study and be ahead of the curve.”