Rookies Johnson and Gibson learning the ropes (Adam Fluck)

LONDON—The good news for James Johnson and Taj Gibson was that they remembered to bring their pink backpacks on Monday morning. One features Dora and Boots, while the other highlights several Disney princesses and characters from over the years.

The bad news, though, was that they forgot to bring the team’s practice gear, a rookie responsibility when the team is on the road.

As a result, Johnson, Gibson and Derrick Byars, the team’s other rookie, ran stairs at the conclusion of practice at the O2 arena in London as teammates cheered and jeered.

Ah, life as an NBA rookie.