Warriors: September minicamp mimics NBA bubble

Next week, the Golden State Warriors will reunite in minicamp after half a year off.

It’s been six months since any of the Golden State Warriors have played organized basketball. They’ve probably been able to get some solo shots up at the practice facility, but the only safe 5-on-5 going on right now is in Orlando as the playoffs rage on.

Detailed by Wes Goldberg of the Bay Area News Group, the Warriors are able to come together for this camp by taking a page out of the NBA bubble’s playbook.

"“The two-week camp will begin Monday, with players reporting to a team-designated hotel in San Francisco. There, they will undergo coronavirus testing and quarantine for 48 hours before beginning group workouts at Chase Center on Wednesday. Players will stay at the hotel for the full two weeks, leaving only by private vans to work out at the arena.”"

The bubble in Orlando has been a flawless logistical feat, so seeing something like this done on a smaller scale was inevitable. Granted they’re able to stay safe during the two weeks, this will be a great opportunity for the Warriors to stretch their basketball legs again and catch up.

Next season’s start date is still up in the air, but the NBA has stated that it won’t start until Christmas at the earliest. So this minicamp will be a nice refresher and something to hold the team over at the same time.

The Warriors’ September reunion likely won’t feature two notable players.

But it’s looking like this reunion won’t be featuring everyone. The returning young core, as well as some G-League affiliates, will all be present.

But Stephen Curry and Draymond Green both might not be attending, reported by the San Francisco Chronicle’s Connor Letourneau.

"“Green’s fiancée, Hazel Renee, is expected to give birth within the next couple of weeks. Curry also is doubtful for family reasons.”"

Steve Kerr had this to say about the potential absence of two of his stars.

"“If they both aren’t able to make it, I don’t think it’s the end of the world. These guys have played a lot of basketball for us. They know the system, and they’ll be fine regardless.”"

He’s right. It would be great to have them there for continuity’s sake, but if they aren’t there, it doesn’t mean the Warriors won’t be competing next season.

It will be unfortunate that if they aren’t able to attend the camp, that nine months will have gone by before they pick up a basketball in an organized setting. But after the past five years, they could use this unprecedented rest.

I think they’ll be okay.

It sounds like Klay Thompson will be there, though. If that’s the case, these young Dubs are gonna get some great experience from a champion who’s itching to get in the gym again after being sidelined for more than a year from his ACL injury.

That energy alone will be enough to hold everyone over.