During the NBA’s 2020 return to Orlando, several of the league’s best foreign stars found themselves mingling and spending time together in the limited environment. Eastern European players such as Luka Doncic, Goran Dragic, Nikola Jokic, Boban Marjanovic, Nikola Vucevic, and Jusuf Nurkic developed great connections and camaraderie away from the court.NBA players Luka Doncic, Goran Dragic, Nikola Jokic, Boban Marjanovic, Nikola Vucevic, and Jusuf Nurkic spend time together in the bubble.  r/Balkans

NBA players Luka Doncic, Goran Dragic, Nikola Jokic, Boban Marjanovic, Nikola Vucevic, and Jusuf Nurkic hang out together in the bubble.  r/Balkans

Despite the isolating nature of the bubble and the emphasis on basketball, these athletes worked hard to connect with one another and establish a sense of belonging. They were routinely spotted dining together, playing cards and video games, and enjoying lively conversations in their own languages. This shared cultural experience helped to ease some of the frustrations and boredom of being trapped within the bubble for an extended period of time.

Doncic, the young Slovenian prodigy, was particularly adept in bringing this group together. He would plan team outings and gaming nights to ensure that his Eastern European colleagues felt included and supported. Dragic, the senior Slovenian guard, was also essential in fostering these relationships, using his knowledge and expertise to educate the younger players.NBA Players: Luka Doncic, Goran Dragic, Nikola Jokic, and Boban 59% OFF

Jokic, Serbia’s reigning MVP, was a significant figure in these social gatherings. He was known for his easygoing and cheerful personality, and he was often the focal point of the party, participating in amusing banter and sharing experiences from his home country. Marjanovic, the towering Serbian centre, too got in on the action, using his larger-than-life presence to create friendship and laughter.Goran Dragic doesn’t know if Jokic is an NBA player | Sports | Košarka

Vucevic, Montenegro’s All-Star centre, and Nurkic, Bosnia’s centre, found solace in the company of their Eastern European teammates. They would play intense pickup games, challenging one another to demonstrate their abilities while also taking time to unwind and enjoy each other’s company away from the court.

The connection created by these sportsmen during the bubble experience highlighted the power of shared cultural identity and sports’ ability to bring people together, even under the most isolating circumstances. The memories and contacts they made during that time would undoubtedly influence their relationships and careers long after the bubble burst.