On Tuesday, NBA teams began to arrive in the Orlando bubble for the upcoming restart. The first to arrive was, well, Orlando, as they rode on a bus from the team facility to Disney’s Grand Floridian. Next were the Brooklyn Nets, Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns, Denver Nuggets, and Washington Wizards. Lots of questions remain about the restart… but one important question was the talk of Twitter by nightfall: NBA Bubble Food.

Nutrition is key for elite-level athletes. NBA basketball players need to be well fueled to make it through the grueling schedule… but the images leaked from the “happiest place on Earth” were definitely not the worldly flavors from Epcot

Disney World is supposed to be a magical place, and food is a part of that experience. For example:

Troy Daniel’s plated dinner… The emoji he added indicates he can’t believe just how great it looks

Boom! Working clockwise from the left, we see a box of clearly garden greens and arugula, fresh-picked, and full of flavor. Next, we have Stacy’s garlic and parmesan pita chips. Watch out for that crunch! If that wasn’t enough, next is some dried fruit bits that are both healthy and sure to pack a punch. 

The roll, sealed to ensure freshness, looks both savory and like it’s got a great crust to crunch down into. Then, the star of the show, in the middle we have the watermelon and mozzarella chapters salad. The complex flavor combination both elevated the meal and really gives it that refreshing kick that can be enjoyed as an appetizer to start your meal or it can be that sweet dessert ending. Adoring the sides of the tray are the accouterments. A series of sauces, dressings, butter, and pickled onions to add a killer topping to any part of the meal you want. What a trip to flavor-town!

Chris Chiozza of the Brooklyn Nets clearly is trying to stay strong while in Orlando.

WOW! Holy proteins Batman, Chiozza’s getting swoll with his bubble meal. In the bottom corner, we see two types of chicken, one with firm grill marks and one without. Who knew the options could be so magical?!

Next to that is a scoop of creamy, luscious mashed potatoes, a perfect side dish to carbo-load in style while preparing for bubble play. Not enough carbs to fit the macros? Take a trip to the Italian pavilion in Epcot with whole wheat penne pasta noodles. 

And to stay lean and mean? Chiozza went with the creative option of combining his watermelon and salad dishes, creating a dish commonly served in the Mediterranean or, more appropriately, in at the other end of the Italian pavilion. 

Other teams arrive later in the week, and clearly can’t wait to get in on the food. For example, check out the “Taco Tuesday” meal LeBron and the Lakers enjoyed… it doesn’t even compare!

Knowing the LA Taco scene… The Lakers are clearly looking forward to NBA Bubble food. They have to be bored with Tacos every Tuesday, just look at how much Kuzma and LeBron yell about it!
Follow me on Twitter @painsworth512 and check out everything the Belly Up Sports team has to offer.

About Author

Parker Ainsworth

Senior NBA Writer, Co-Host of "F" In Sports and The Midweek Midrange. Parker is a hoops head, "retired" football player, and sneaker aficionado. Austinite born in Houston, located in Dallas after a brief stint in LA... Parker is a well-traveled Texan, teacher, and coach. Feel free to contact Parker- https://linktr.ee/PAinsworth512

1 Comment

    This is hilarious. Loved this.

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