NBA Social: Looking back at the night the Association changed forever
By Alex Mcewen
The COVID-19 pandemic has swept across the world. When Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert contracted the virus, it changed the course of NBA history.
The year 2020 is shaping up to be one of the most historic in NBA history. First, the Association mourned the loss of former commissioner David Stern. Next, the league was shaken to the core, after Kobe Bryant, his daughter GiGi, and seven others perished in a tragic helicopter crash. Just as the NBA began to regain a sense of normalcy, an indefinite hiatus – which will last at least 30 days, but probably more – was announced due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thus far, three players have tested positive for the virus, Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert was the first player to test positive, followed by his teammate Donovan Mitchell and Pistons big man Christian Wood – all per The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
This may sound strange, with that said; Gobert testing positive for the virus might have been one of the best things to happen. It forced the NBA to make a tough decision and they chose correctly. The league put safety ahead of profit and if it saves one life or one-million lives, the decision was worth it.
Let’s take a look back at how it all unfolded.
This was prior to Thunder vs. Jazz
It really seems like this NBA with no attending fans thing might actually happen.. And *lives are more important duh*
— Stephen Dolan (@SteveThunderfan) March 11, 2020
But I haven't seen anyone but me mention yet and WILL SOMEONE TALK ABOUT what this is going to do to the salary cap??
Because it'll be more than what Morey did!
Leading up to the big moment
Something is going on here. Thunder head medical staffer Donnie Strack just grabbed the three officials and told them something. All players were just told to go back to their bench. We’re seconds from tipoff.
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) March 12, 2020
H/T to Josh Wilson
Let’s soak up this last night of basketball. If the league does what’s right there should be no more games for at least a month.
— Josh Wilson (@J_WilsonSports) March 12, 2020
Yes
There’s a lot about the events of the day that I don’t fully know so I’ll temper my criticism, but today’s game should have been postponed much earlier in the day. And I would say that even if the test had come back negative. https://t.co/DJ3js00NYq
— Jon Hamm (@JonMHamm) March 12, 2020
It sounds so cliche, but this is so much bigger than basketball
honestly . . . the NBA getting suspended could be one of the best things for the country in terms of how people respond to this pandemic. Sometimes it takes a disruption in the daily routine that people rely on and take for granted for them to realize the severity of something. https://t.co/GZeGBs6zjE
— Brady Klopfer (@BradyKlopferNBA) March 12, 2020
A visual Look from the night that changed league history
Kinda scary how fast things can spread
This is one of many reasons why the season had to be suspended. https://t.co/mjXtYmWnYZ
— Matt Ravis (@mattravis) March 12, 2020
Pretty much how we all felt on Wednesday
Haven’t tweeted tonight.
— Jacob Kniffen (@JacobKniffen) March 12, 2020
Obviously I’ve kept up with everything. I have pretty bad anxiety and tonight had been a rough one.
I love basketball. I love people more. Take precautions, protect yourself, and please do your part to protect others/your community.
Allen Iverson would be proud
Mark Cuban says the NBA has told teams that they can continue to practice. He adds that players have been told they should not have visitors from out of town.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) March 12, 2020
Steph’s calming message
2020 aint it. Don't know what to compare this situation to…just gotta buckle up and take care of yourself and those around you. Basketball will be back at some point but right now, protect yourself and stay safe out there!
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) March 12, 2020
I concur
The repeated declarations of "we are all safe" are in no ways encouraging if you're leaving Chesapeake
— Duncan Smith (@DuncanSmithNBA) March 12, 2020
This is going to make such a good documentary
Everytime I think the Thunder’s 30-for-30 is over, another chapter happens.
— Dillon Young (@dillonyoung) March 12, 2020
Motivating McCollum
I hope all the players take some time to really work on life outside of basketball . Using your resources and celebrity to your advantage . Take the meetings. Diversify and learn to explore other avenues of income while you’re still in the league. Bc when it’s over it’s over !
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) March 12, 2020
The official release
Below is information from the NBA about what happened at tonight’s Thunder game, as well as the announcement that the NBA is suspending game play after tonight. https://t.co/BdjRBYQ5vX
— Mayor David Holt (@davidfholt) March 12, 2020
Woj bomb
Adrian Wojnarowski said minutes ago on ESPN that there is optimism the NBA regular season will eventually start back up but on a truncated schedule.
— Oleh Kosel 🇺🇦 (@OlehKosel) March 12, 2020
Not good news for those teams (see Pelicans) trying to move up inside the playoff bubble.
If this was it, thanks legend
Such a weird night but I am truly thankful for each and every person during this 22yr journey.
— Vince Carter (@mrvincecarter15) March 12, 2020
If this is really it, I thank everyone for your love and support for all these years.
B E Z✌🏽
Potentially a year without a champion, just wow
Marc Cuban is a GOAT
Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, on ESPN now, brings up hourly arena workers and says "we'll put together a program for them"
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) March 12, 2020
Excellent foresight
Earlier tonight, before the NBA announced the season was supsended, Jaylen Brown went on IG live to talk about coronavirus: “This is urgent. The way they stop viruses is by shutting things down.” pic.twitter.com/0rm2Y7UxzC
— Nicole Yang (@nicolecyang) March 12, 2020
It did not take that long
I give it a few days before the inevitable of cancelling the NBA season happens. It’s just a reality now. https://t.co/O3tdhCSXKz
— Shai Gilgreatness-Alexander (@Jhickness9) March 12, 2020
AD is someone who should be guiding others through this storm
I’ll never understand the booing. I LOVE basketball. Sports will NEVER trump my importance and presence as a father, husband, brother, son or friend. Other people’s livelihood has been altered by these suspended games. Let’s keep SPORTS and it’s importance in perspective here!! https://t.co/FHc2XHp7ES
— Antonio Daniels (@adaniels33) March 12, 2020
Rudy Gobert breaks his silence
Good idea
All technical fouls fees & load management & tampering fees from this year should go to the staff workers nationwide.
— VP (@VP90244) March 11, 2020
Everything is literally in flux
Beyond crowning a champ, is there any benefit to resuming the NBA season if it isn't in the next few weeks? Messes up the summer events (draft, LVSL, FA, etc.,) and would likely result in pushing back the start of the 2020-21 season, so you're not really getting any added revenue
— Brady Klopfer (@BradyKlopferNBA) March 12, 2020
But, life goes on
#MomLife
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9vVi6eHjSc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Pretty much the perspective of all sports media personalities
I am minimally affected compared to others but holy crap has my job changed in the last 24-48 hours.
— Matt Ravis (@mattravis) March 12, 2020
Let’s get after it
Haven’t played video games in seven years. Who trying to get the smoke on NBA2K13?
— Shai Gilgreatness-Alexander (@Jhickness9) March 15, 2020
Perfect time to pick up a new skill
Day 3 with no NBA and Giannis is trying to find a new hobby 🤣
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 15, 2020
(via @mariahdanae15)pic.twitter.com/ldHDD6d0nc
When you can’t go out, cook at home
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9v_D7SlfYj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
*Inserts chin-scratching emoji
NBA: Suspended
— Brady Klopfer (@BradyKlopferNBA) March 15, 2020
MLB: Suspended
NHL: Suspended
MLS: Suspended
NCAA: Suspended
F1: Suspended
EPL: Suspended
UFC: Can't get half their fighters into the country so finding last-minute replacements so they can keep their next month of events scheduled what are you dooooiiiiiing
Preach Pat
It’s going to get worse.. Be smart. Isolate.. Stay safe!
— Patrick Patterson (@pdpatt) March 16, 2020
Family time
Hard to find a high note within the difficult situation unfolding before our very eyes, but this photo shared by Nina Westbrook of her husband Russell Westbrook holding their son Noah really stood out.
Noah appears to be so happy that he is spending time with his dad, unaware that and more importantly, he doesn’t care his dad is not playing professional basketball right now, he is just happy to be spending quality time with Russ.
Next. NBA Draft: Profiling the 5 best point guard prospects from the 2020 class. dark
At this time, it’s unclear what will happen next. Stay safe, everyone.