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NBA Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar commends the National Basketball Association for suspending the season because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The NBA season was suspended on Wednesday after Utah Jazz All-Star Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19. On Thursday, Jazz high-flyer and former Slam Dunk Contest champion Donovan Mitchell tested positive as well.
Abdul-Jabbar is proud that the NBA didn't use money as motivation and instead looked out for the well-being of its players and fans:
“What makes the actions of the NBA and other sports so significant is that they are doing this voluntarily, without coercion from the federal government,” Abdul-Jabbar wrote for The Guardian. “They could have dragged their feet – as the federal government did – and wrung every last dollar out of the public before closing their doors. But they put public health above self-interest, which is something the Trump administration can’t say. They are leading by example, which is something Trump himself hasn’t done.
“Just a couple days ago, while the CDC and every other health advisory group was emphasizing not shaking hands, Trump waded into a group of fans to shake their hands.”
The NBA season will be on hold for at least the next 30 days, but most likely more.
It is also worth noting that the NBA isn't the only league which won't be active, as Major League Baseball has canceled Spring Training and the NHL is suspended as well.
Even if the NBA has to start up again in July or August, that wouldn't be that big of a deal for owners and fans. At the end of the day, we just want basketball back as soon as possible, assuming the coronavirus has died down.
