Suns show Orlando preparations in “Don’t Sleep on Basketball” episode

The Phoenix Suns are currently at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida getting ready to fight for the playoffs when the NBA resumes on July 31.

The process of getting to this point was no small task as showcased in the latest “Don’t Sleep on Basketball” episode that debuted on Sunday evening.

In the days and weeks leading up to boarding the plane on July 7, Phoenix Suns staff, players and coach Monty Williams took multiple COVID-19 tests during practice.

“Sometimes the test can be a little uncomfortable, as we all know, but the fact that we get to hear every couple days that we don’t have it or if we do we can take immediate actions,” Suns power forward Cam Johnson said in the video.

One of Williams’ tests was shown in the episode, an experience that he didn’t exactly enjoy.

“A little deeper today than it was the other day,” Williams laughed. “It felt like I was in the pool and the water went up my nose.”

COVID-19 testing aside, the team also needed to pack everything from jerseys to fitness equipment and basketballs for the more than 2,000-mile trip after making the cut for the seeding games.

“Typically we would just take what we need for three games … we’re moving stuff like we’re moving to a new facility,” Denise Romero, equipment operations assistant and team travel coordinator, said in the video.

The players’ carry-on bags were a bit smaller, with a couple focusing on bringing the virtual world to Disney World.

Ty Jerome, Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges and Elie Okobo all brought their videogame consoles, while Williams packed a few fishing poles and Ricky Rubio brought a couple of books.

Johnson knew better than to bring a lot of bags.

“I could pack a ton but who’s going to carry all that? I know I’m already going to have to be carrying other people’s stuff,” Johnson said. ” Rookie duties, I’m not fully out of rookie year yet.”

The episode also included coverage of the Suns’ response to the civil unrest after the death of George Floyd, Brittney Griner’s custom made shoes and updates on the progress of the Talking Stick Resort Arena renovation.

The Suns begin the fight for a playoff spot with seeding games lasting from July 31 through Aug. 14.

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