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Pacers’ Turner says he understands NBA virus precautions because his dad had COVID-19

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — On Monday, the NBA announced that basketball could be back as early as May 8. But the Indiana Pacers say an immediate playoff scenario isn’t likely for the NBA.

“I think from a player perspective, you need a bare minimum of three weeks to get ready for a game. But the intensity of a playoff game, you’ll definitely need more time,” said Pacers center Myles Turner.

When the doors are finally unlocked at the St. Vincent Center, Myles Turner will return to work cautiously, because during the NBA’s hiatus, he watched his father battle COVID-19. Turner knows firsthand that the coronavirus knows no boundaries.

Turner explained, “My dad actually contracted the virus. He caught it early enough and was able to get rapid treatment and get in and out, but his recovery process took a while. He was on oxygen for a while, but he’s better now.”  

He added, “But just from a personal standpoint, I’ve seen how it can affect a family because this virus isn’t going anywhere.”

Turner says he would rather be safe than sorry when it comes to the NBA restart.

“The way that this has affected me and affected my family from a personal standpoint, I see why there might be continued precautions not to play this year, and I hope that’s not the case,” said Turner.

He also says he understands all of the options the league is weighing right now.

“I think it goes without saying it’s going to be an adjustment for all of us, to have to play in front of no fans, which is probably going to be necessary,” Turner added, “It’s not something that we’re going to be looking forward to, but we’re all looking forward to going out there and playing, so whatever it takes to get out there and play.”