NBL 2022: Bullets star Lamar Patterson opens up on Covid battle ahead of return to court

If Lamar Patterson thought his 2020/21 form struggles were tough, a bout of Covid, where he just ‘wanted to lay down all the time’ put everything into perspective.

Lamar Patterson describes Covid as like catching a decent strain of the flu where you feel drained and just want to sleep.

Thankfully, Patterson has made a full recovery, but the Brisbane Bullets forward felt like death warmed up for a three-day period during the team’s recent 10-day isolation when the majority of the squad caught the virus.

“It was crazy - I had headaches, sore throat, a fever, coughing, body fatigue and I had to use the bathroom a lot,” Patterson said.

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Lamar Patterson has opened up about his tough battle with Covid.

“I had all the symptoms, except for losing my taste and smell.

“It lasted for two or three days and then I was fine, but my energy levels were low, and I didn’t want to do anything, and I just wanted to lay down and try and fight it.”

Patterson believes he had the worst case of Covid within the Brisbane side based on his vast symptoms.

For all his struggles, he says his bout “wasn’t that bad” and he is feeling fit and focused on the Bullets’ next game against his former team, the New Zealand Breakers on Sunday.

He endured a difficult stint with the Breakers last season, struggling to produce his best form as the franchise’s marquee signing.

Injuries restricted him to just six games in New Zealand before he left to re-sign with Brisbane.

Flash forward a year and the smile is back on Patterson’s face at the Bullets.

Patterson struggled with injury during his time at the Breakers.

He has rediscovered his zest for hoops, and it’s paying off with consistent performances on the court.

Patterson is proud of the way he fought through his testing time in New Zealand.

“Obviously, it didn’t work out last off-season at the Breakers and I have no issues with it,” he said.

“I’ve just moved on – that is just how life works sometimes.

“The Bullets have always been home, and I’ve always been super comfortable here.”

Patterson wants to beat the Breakers, but he also has high respect for the franchise.

He remembers what it was like playing for the club impacted by Covid and being on the road, away from family and friends.

Lamar Patterson is loving life back in Brisbane.

Sadly, the pandemic continues to prevent New Zealand from playing at home, forcing them on the road for the foreseeable future.

“They’ve had it tough in the last few seasons,” he said.

“You know, not being able to play in front of their home fans, being away from family and living in hotels due to Covid.

“It is a tough lifestyle.

“I experienced that when I was there, so I understand and sympathise with them.”

Patterson, though, won’t give the Breakers too much reprieve, as he looks to build winning momentum at Brisbane.

The Bullets have impressed this season, especially in their upset win over the high-flying Hawks back in round 3.

Patterson has enjoyed playing alongside Nathan Sobey.

Patterson knows Brisbane weren’t highly rated in the pre-season predictions, but the team always believed they could succeed.

“We knew from day one that with the team we’ve put together we had the opportunity to be pretty good,” he said.

“We’ve got a new coach and a few new players, so it has taken some time to gel, but I feel like we’re on the right track.

“I feel like the group is in a good place to do something special despite the fact we haven’t played a game in two weeks.”

Patterson has particularly enjoyed playing alongside new recruit Robert Franks and star guard Nathan Sobey this season.

“Both those guys are great players,” he said.

“This is probably the first year where I’ve been part of the Bullets’ off-season, so being able to build a connection with those guys and finding other players to complement us.

“That allowed us to have a thought process going into the season and how we want to attack certain things.”

Fixtures gutted as Covid crunches NBL

The NBL has been forced to cancel two more Round 6 games amid its growing coronavirus crisis.

Cairns players have recorded positive Covid tests, meaning the Taipans’ two games against the Sydney Kings and Brisbane Bullets will be postponed.

The Taipans were set to host the Kings on Saturday night and the Brisbane Bullets next Tuesday, but both games will now be played at a later date.

Cairns’ Covid issues follow a nightmare 24-hours for the NBL, with positive tests causing a raft of changes to round 6.

Covid has forced the Cairns Taipans’ two Round 6 games to be postponed. Picture: Getty Images

Defending champions Melbourne United, Tasmania JackJumpers and the South East Melbourne Phoenix will sit out the round due to Covid cases.

It means United won’t play against the Illawarra Hawks on Sunday. The Hawks will now play against the Adelaide 36ers.

Tasmania, which has reported 10 positive cases, was originally supposed to play Sydney on Saturday night. .

Cairns v Phoenix, Illawarra v United, and the Phoenix v Tasmania games will be rescheduled.

South East Melbourne, which has not played in 21 days, had a number of close contacts and positive tests, including star forward Mitch Creek. Creek has since posted on Instagram that he has recovered from the virus.

Mitch Creek is one of the NBL stars who has tested positive. Picture: Getty Images

It meant the team could not provide the required eight players to enable games to go ahead.

The rare clash at Knox’s State Basketball Centre was a sellout ad Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer said he was shattered for the players and fans, but understood the health ramifications.

“The postponement of both games is disappointing, but postponing Monday’s game holds an extra level of disappointment for the team and the front office,” Greer said.

“The game was a sellout, and our entire organisation look forward to this game every year.

“The health and safety of our players and staff is the most important thing as we all work our way trying to find a way to live with Covid.”

The NBL released a statement on Thursday morning stressing that the health and safety of the players, coaches, clubs, staff, and fans is the league’s number one priority when considering these matters.

The NBL will continue to follow the advice of governments and health authorities.

Regular testing of all players and staff will continue, while further testing will be carried out on individuals impacted or those deemed close contacts.

Delly’s Melbourne United have been ruled out of Round 6. Picture: Getty Images

Round 6 will instead be played as follows:
 
Illawarra Hawks v Adelaide 36ers
Sunday January 9, 1pm AEDT
WIN Entertainment Centre
10 Peach, Kayo Freebies
 
Brisbane Bullets v New Zealand Breakers
Sunday January 9, 3pm AEDT
Nissan Arena
10 Peach, Kayo Freebies

Adelaide 36ers v Perth Wildcats
Wednesday January 12, 7:30pm AEDT
Adelaide Entertainment Centre
ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel