November 11th, 2009

CD-R Describes the H1N1 Experience

The doctor made a diagnosis, saying it was treatable and should involve a full recovery, and yet all Chris Douglas-Roberts could think was that he didn't want to be that guy. He just wanted it to call it a toothache, because the alternative meant being first.

But Saturday's press release announced that Douglas-Roberts had contracted the H1N1 Virus, popularly known as the "swine flu," making his the first confirmed case among NBA players. Bed-ridden for a week, CD-R returned to practice Thursday, hoping he'd be able to make an appearance during the Nets' upcoming back-to-back dip in Orlando and Miami.

"It was tough, real tough," Douglas-Roberts said. "Mainly because you just feel so submissive when you’re sick. And having that, people hear 'swine flu' and think you’re about to die! So people try to keep away and all that. It really wasn’t like that. But that was the toughest thing. And having to watch the games. That was tough too."

Douglas-Roberts began to notice chills during last Wednesday's game against the Nuggets, and realized something was up for real when he still felt cold even as his post-game shower drenched him in heated water. Diagnosed the next day, Douglas-Roberts became the sixth Net to be sidelined, joining injured teammates Devin Harris (groin), Yi Jianlian (knee), Jarvis Hayes (hamstring), Keyon Dooling (hip) and Tony Battie (knee). Courtney Lee (No. 7) then strained his groin in the Philly game that Friday.

The 22-year-old swingman tried to keep positive, making light of the situation (notably on Twitter) in order to keep his own spirits high and alleviate others' concerns. But he was left fatigued, and with a frequent, painful cough that made staying in bed an easier choice.

"My mom was coming in with a mask on, and you know, I didn’t even want to walk around the house," Douglas-Roberts said. "When somebody walks around with a mask on, it just makes you feel real contagious, so I stayed in the bed, got up to go to the bathroom. I was weak though – couldn’t move around if wanted to."

Finally well enough to join the team at the PNY Center on Thursday, Douglas-Roberts participated in what he termed a "cerebral" practice that focused on film and teaching points. He did run through a half-court 1-on-1 session with Courtney Lee (more on that later ...), coming out winded, but seemingly upbeat about having had the chance to be back playing ball.

Admitting he probably needed more workouts while easing his way into game action, it's hard to bet against Douglas-Roberts playing this weekend. He'll travel, see how he's feeling after the morning shootaround and then talk with athletic trainer Tim Walsh to determine his official status. Coach Lawrence Frank said that Douglas-Roberts would come off the bench if eligible.

"I really needed (today) to get my heart rate up," Douglas-Roberts said. "I was tired, just by the 1-on-1 halfcourt, so that says a lot."

Lee's Little 'Zing'
Courtney Lee was matched up with CD-R at the end of practice, but seemed to tweak his strained left groin toward the end, leaning over with his hands clutching the fabric of his shorts as others called for Tim Walsh. Lee brushed it off, calling the feeling "a zing" that should prove minor as he erred on the side of caution, hoping to maintain eligibility for this weekend's games rather than sit out.

"I mean if right there if I felt real sharp pain to where I (couldn't) move, that definitely would have been the first thought in my mind," Lee said. "But it's like some people sprain an ankle real bad, others get a little tweak. This was like a tweak. So let's see how it feels tomorrow morning at shootaround."

Lee noted that it's been frustrating to sit out while watching three straight last-minute losses, but praised the play of the teammates able to suit up.

"The eight guys who played yesterday did an excellent job on D and playing for each other, getting each other shots," Lee said. "They're competing and playing hard, so credit them for that."

Orlando's Offense
The Nets' defense has played well for three straight games, limiting opponents to 88.3 points, .304 shooting from three and .444 shooting overall. The efforts have helped them to "shorten the game" (to quote the Coach), but repeating will be difficult against Orlando, which racked up 95 points on .493 shooting (6-21 3Ps) when the teams met at the IZOD Center opener on October 30th.

"Orlando has a ton of shooting, they can give you fits," Frank said. "They’ve lost 2 of their last 3, so obviously they’re going to come out with a purpose. They were disappointed they were down 15 at the half against Cleveland. They’ve got a guy in Dwight Howard, who – if he’s not in foul trouble, if he plays a lot of minutes – he puts a lot of pressure on your defense. Then you throw in Carter and Nelson. And (against us) Vince had 13 before you could say, 'Vince Carter.' If we continue to bring the effort, we’ll give ourselves a chance."