Kanter: Players need at least 2-3 weeks to prepare if season resumes

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It's been nearly a month since Rudy Gobert's positive diagnosis for COVID-19 on March 11 brought the NBA to a grinding halt.

Due to the increasingly long layoff from basketball activities, Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter says players would need at least two-to-three weeks to get in game shape if the NBA proceeds with the season.

"You can’t just say, 'OK, we’re going to play the games a week later.' Some players are doing some things. Some players are in their apartments not doing anything," Kanter said in a conference call Monday, according to NBC Sports' Keith Smith. "We need to make sure everybody is doing their stuff and is in good shape to go out there and compete if we jump straight into playoffs."

LeBron James made similar comments in late March, insisting the NBA would need to hold a mini training camp and a handful of regular-season games for players to get their bodies ready for the playoffs.

The league reportedly told franchises to bar players and staff from team facilities on March 19, meaning many players have been unable to practice. For instance, Milwaukee Bucks forward and reigning league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo recently admitted he does not have access to a hoop where he's currently bunkered down.