Blytheville native reflects on time in NBA Bubble

Blytheville native Kadeem Johnson was presented with what he called “the opportunity of a lifetime” and he didn’t hesitate to take it.

Working as a team attendant for the Memphis Grizzlies, Johnson received an email from the NBA offering a chance to participate in the league’s restart in Orlando.

“I looked over it like three or four times before I even responded,” Johnson said. “I’m like ‘Really, I’m one of the people they’re asking to go out there.’ I just went through the email, checked the box saying I wanted to come and followed all the instructions.”

With belief in the NBA as a whole, Johnson had no doubt when it came to taking the opportunity or not. Accepting the invite and being a part of history was an easy decision.

“I was thinking ‘this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.’ I knew the NBA would do their best to make sure nobody got COVID and they did,” Johnson said. “Nobody tested positive at all. The NBA created a safe environment where they didn’t have to worry about rescheduling a game due to COVID. Everything went according to plan.”

Within the NBA Bubble, everyone from players, general managers, media and team staffers were tested on a daily basis. Johnson said officials and NBA personnel were focused on following guidelines, but the protocols never felt too harsh.

“I wouldn’t say they were strict,” Johnson said. “Everybody just did their job and ensured we didn’t get COVID. If they were strict or anybody felt they were strict, I thank them for it because nobody tested positive and we were safe the entire time.”

Throughout the NBA restart, one of the league’s focal points was social justice. Players used their time in the Bubble to speak out on various issues like police brutality, voter suppression and systemic racism.

Many of the players also competed with social justice messages on the back of their jerseys, and the NBA as an organization made its own statement, with “Black Lives Matter” printed on the game courts.

“I think all the athletes did a good job with it. Talking about stuff going on in the world outside of basketball was a good thing because it opened up some people’s eyes and ears,” Johnson said.

Athletes took things a step further by protesting a full day’s playoff schedule in response to the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The Milwaukee Bucks led the charge, deciding to cancel the day’s leading game against the Orlando Magic.

“It definitely was a day in history,” Johnson said. “I don’t think a game has ever been boycotted or cancelled like that. It was amazing to be a part of that history as well even though I wasn’t working that particular game. I think it had a great impact.”

Adjusting to working as an NBA employee, rather than his normal position with the Grizzlies, took some time for Johnson to adapt. But being in the Bubble for the full length of the NBA’s restart and connecting with other teams’ personnel, Johnson was able to do so.

“It was a little weird at first because I’m used to working with the Grizzlies and this is more so of working with all of the teams,” Johnson said. “In working for the NBA, I could be working with the Pelicans, who are the Grizzlies rivalry. It took a little getting used to but I could talk with equipment managers on other teams and see how they do things. Each team runs their organization differently and it gave me a good perspective working with all of the teams.”

However, for Johnson his distinctive moment was witnessing the NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat.

“The biggest moment for me was definitely working a Finals game,” Johnson said. “I know some guys have been with teams for 10-15 plus years and haven't worked a Finals game. The most memorable game was probably Game 3 when Jimmy Butler had his triple double and basically willed his team to get the win against the Lakers. Seeing him play that hard and leave it all out there was definitely the most memorable playoff game for me. “