Toronto Raptors center Serge Ibaka (9) guards against Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) in the first half during an NBA basketball game Monday, March 9, 2020, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert has tested positive for COVID-19, multiple reports said, even as the NBA decided to postpone the games until further notice due to the fast spreading virus.
Utah also released a statement saying that one of its players tested positive for COVID-19, though it did not name Gobert.
“When it was determined that the individual would be tested, we immediately informed the league office. The health and safety of our players, our organization, those throughout the league, and all those potentially impacted by this situation are paramount in our discussions,” the statement read.
The Jazz were supposed to play Oklahoma City at Chesapeake Energy Arena Thursday but the game was initially delayed then eventually postponed entirely.
Within minutes following the news of Gobert’s test, the NBA decided to suspend the 2019-21 season.
There were also reports of Thunder point guard Chris Paul approaching the Jazz bench but was told to get away.
The Thunder said Oklahoma City’s players left the arena a few hours later, but the Jazz remained in quarantine three hours after the game was called. The Thunder said their players were not tested for coronavirus, and that they are following the direction of the NBA and health officials.
Thunder coach Billy Donovan said before the game that he was confident in NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s leadership.
“I think the thing that everybody is looking at right now is the safety and the health, not only of the players, but of fans and everybody,” he said. “Obviously, this has gotten into a situation where it certainly has a lot of people really, really nervous. Everybody should try to take the proper precautions.”