The NBA is still planning to crown a champion this season, and many feel the title should come with an asterisk since the circumstances surrounding it will be so unusual. As far as Giannis Antetokounmpo is concerned, that asterisk should indicate that the 2019-20 NBA title was the most challenging ever to capture.
With players having to quarantine in Orlando and follow numerous guidelines in order to get back to playing, Giannis told reporters on Wednesday that he believes this year’s championship will be the “toughest championship you can ever win.”
Giannis on the championship asterisk idea: "This will be the toughest championship you can ever win. The circumstances are really tough right now."
— Scott Davis (@WScottDavis) July 1, 2020
As for how he is preparing for life inside the “bubble” in Walt Disney World, Antetokounmpo admitted the packing part has been easy for him.
Giannis on what he'll pack for the Disney bubble: "I'm not going to lie, I never pack my bag. My girlfriend does it for me." He says he'll just bring his iPad and phone.
— Scott Davis (@WScottDavis) July 1, 2020
Professional athletes are creatures of habit and routine. All of that is going to be thrown out the window in Orlando, so Giannis has a point. You also have to factor in that some teams could be missing (and in some cases are already) key players if there are positive coronavirus tests. Winning an NBA title this year would be different, but Antetokounmpo could be right that it will be more difficult.
One former player said a long time ago that he thinks the 2019-20 playoffs could be the best in league history. If all of the league’s top players manage to stay healthy, that could be the case.
