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Utah Jazz big man Rudy Gobert has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, triggering the NBA to suspend the 2019-20 season. The virus, officially called COVID-19, is asymptomatic in nature. This means that a person infected with the virus may not necessarily show symptoms but can still infect other people.
Below is the Jazz's game schedule in the last two weeks. Prior to the postponed game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Jazz dueled with the Toronto Raptors. Gobert played 32 minutes in the contest and chipped in six points. He was even involved in an altercation which led to his ejection.
Recap of where the Jazz and Rudy Gobert have been the last two weeks: pic.twitter.com/sv9swuos2F
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 12, 2020
The Jazz themselves has released a detailed statement on Gobert's situation. According to the team, in the morning of the game, Gobert tested negative for influenza, strep throat, and an upper respiratory infection.
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As a precautionary measure, the Jazz then tested Gobert for COVID-19 — which yielded a preliminary positive result. Following this incident, the NBA suspended the season.
The Jazz just released this statement: pic.twitter.com/RkHPAPlX0P
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) March 12, 2020
Prior to the incident, there were whispers around the league — involving both players and league executives — that their precautionary measures against COVID-19 would be to play games without fans and with limited staff and crew. This was considered a drastic measure then.
Now, the league is entering an unprecedented situation. From the looks of it, the main priority is the containment of the virus. Fans would have to patiently wait to see what would happen to the 2019-20 season. It remains to be seen how the league will manage the incident, but they will reportedly use the suspension to find solutions to the problem.
