Virtual fans at the NBA Bubble games have been a great idea. They’re weirdly a great part of the game. Instead of looking at an empty backdrop when the camera pans away from the court. NBA made money off these virtual experiences by selling this sponsorship to Michelob Ultra who became the official beer of the NBA. One of the trends has been for families of players to appear on the screen. On Sunday, Duece Tatum, Jayson Tatum’s kid appeared with the virtual group. Then yesterday for the Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo was joined by his girlfriend Mariah and son Liam as part of the virtual fans. Of course, Liam could not have looked cuter.

Giannis' son, Liam, is by far the cutest virtual fan of the bubble ♥️

(via @espn) pic.twitter.com/A2YRsYZN4e

— The Crossover (@TheCrossover) August 4, 2020

Giannis has to be motivated by the fact that his girlfriend and baby can start joining him in Orlando for round two and later. That is the rule put in place by the NBA to have families allowed into the Orlando bubble by the second round of the playoffs. With pandemic, Giannis was able to spend all sorts of time with his kid that he would not have had if things were normal. Antetokounmpo doesn’t have that luxury anymore. But hopefully, they will be reunited again.

Charlie.