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Nets' Temple has 'nervous anxiousness' about NBA bubble

Mike Stobe / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Brooklyn Nets guard Garrett Temple says he's experiencing a "nervous anxiousness" as his team prepares to leave for the NBA's Orlando bubble this week.

"There is no way to be comfortable when you think about where you're going to be, for the amount of time you're going to be there, and the restrictions that you have there," Temple told reporters, including ESPN's Malika Andrews. "The question of us being comfortable - that will not be the case whatsoever."

Temple's comments echo those of New Orleans Pelicans guard JJ Redick, who said last week that NBA players have "no comfort level" resuming the season - despite most wanting to return to play - given the surrounding circumstances of the coronavirus pandemic and social justice issues.

"We will have to adapt," Temple said. "We will get tired of it. But in no way, shape or form, will anyone actually be comfortable, whether it be on the court or off the court, during leisure time or not."

Temple, a vice president of the NBPA, said he briefly considered sitting out the league's restart, but he believes he and other players can use their visibility in hopes of effecting positive change.

"I think we utilize the situation being in the bubble as a way to continue to push it because there are going to be so many eyes watching these basketball games," he said.

The Nets are scheduled to fly to Florida on Tuesday.

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