During the NBA’s 2020 return to Orlando, several of the league’s finest foreign talents found themselves mixing and spending time together in a cramped space. Eastern European players including Luka Doncic, Goran Dragic, Nikola Jokic, Boban Marjanovic, Nikola Vucevic, and Jusuf Nurkic formed strong bonds and camaraderie off the court.NBA players Luka Doncic, Goran Dragic, Nikola Jokic, Boban Marjanovic, Nikola Vucevic, and Jusuf Nurkic enjoy 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

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

Despite the isolation of the bubble and the emphasis on basketball, these athletes worked hard to connect with one another and form a sense of belonging. They were frequently seen dining together, playing cards and video games, and having spirited talks in their own languages. This common cultural experience alleviated some of the tensions and boredom of being stuck in a bubble for an extended period of time.

Doncic, the young Slovenian prodigy, was particularly effective at pulling this bunch together. He organized team outings and gaming nights to make his Eastern European coworkers feel included and supported. Dragic, the senior Slovenian guard, was also instrumental in developing these ties, using his knowledge and experience to instruct the younger players.NBA players include Luka Doncic, Goran Dragic, Nikola Jokic, and Boban. 59% OFF

Jokic, Serbia’s reigning MVP, was a prominent fixture at these social events. He was known for his laid-back and happy nature, and he was frequently the center point of the party, engaging in hilarious banter and sharing stories from his home country. Marjanovic, the towering Serbian center, also joined in on the fun, using his larger-than-life presence to foster friendship and laughing. Goran Dragic is unsure if Jokic is an NBA player | Sports | Košarka

Vucevic, Montenegro’s All-Star center, and Nurkic, Bosnia’s center, felt comfort in the company of their Eastern European teammates. They would play hard pickup games, challenging one another to show off their skills while also having time to relax and enjoy each other’s company off the court.

The bond formed by these athletes during the bubble experience demonstrated the power of shared cultural identity and sports’ ability to bring people together, even in the most isolated situations. The experiences and contacts they formed at that time would definitely have an impact on their relationships and careers long after the bubble burst.