DENVER -- Hours before the Warriors' matchup against the Nuggets on Tuesday, Chasson Randle, who signed a 10-day contract earlier in the day, dribbled along the baseline while getting instruction from a team assistant on the game plan.
The sight was notable, considering Randle's recent journey. A month ago, he was quarantined in his apartment a world away in China as the coronavirus ravaged through the country. Now, the guard is back in the NBA, hoping to stick with the Warriors.
"It's a blessing in disguise," Randle said following shootaround Tuesday afternoon. "You never wish anything ill upon anybody ... my heart, my thoughts, and prayers are with the people who are in China. But this is a great opportunity for me and I'm just happy I'm able to play basketball again."
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SIGN UP HERE Last fall, Randle had plans to finish his season with the Tianjin Pioneers, an organization located along the coast of North China. At the time, he was in the midst of a solid season, averaging 24.9 points, 4.1 assists and 3.4 rebounds in 32.6 minutes. Along the way, the virus -- which was first identified nearly 700 miles away in Wuhan -- was spreading throughout the country. As of March 3, 92,800 patients have been diagnosed, including more than 80,000 in China. As a result, the CBA suspended the rest of the season, putting Randle in basketball purgatory.
He got the news on Jan. 24, but couldn't leave until Jan. 26 as he waited for a flight home. With city officials considering quarantining whole regions, he stayed in his apartment, waiting for the green light to leave.
"It was like by the hour the numbers were increasing of people infected and those that were dying," Randle said. "So you were just trying to survive, while I was there."
Further complicating matters, Randle had to get clearance from FIBA to get out of his contract with the Pioneers. Nonetheless, the battered Warriors remained in touch, extending a contract.
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"Very thankful that they even gave me a look," Randle said. "With all of the things that were going on, they could have easily moved on and went to another player, but I'm greatly appreciative of the opportunity."
Randle has two seasons of NBA experience, averaging 5.4 points, 1.7 assists, 1.2 rebounds while playing with the Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks and Washington Wizards. In college, he helped lead Stanford to the Sweet 16 before losing to current Warriors teammate Andrew Wiggins and Kansas.
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Randle comes to a Warriors roster in flux. Of the 10 available players Tuesday, three are on 10-day contracts, and four weren't on the opening day roster. Prior to Tuesday's matchup, Warriors coach Steve Kerr said the team will use a simplified playbook when he's on the floor. But for Randle, it doesn't matter as long as he gets to be on a court again.
"I don't take anything for granted," Randle said. "This game has given so much to me. I've been blessed to be able to play and see so much of the world. I'm so grateful."