Like most of us, news that the NBA was postponing the season over concerns about the spread of the coronavirus pandemic took Boston Celtics present and past by surprise.
News broke Wednesday night of the league decision to suspend games indefinitely while a strategy was devised on how to best move forward in light of recent developments involving the league with the growing pandemic.
The decision was made swiftly by the NBA after a presumptive positive result came back on testing of the coronavirus for Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert.
Soon after, a Jazz-Oklahoma City Thunder contest about to tip off and several other games were canceled for the time being, reports USA Today’s Jeff Zillgitt.
Celtics legend Bill Russell took time to praise the NBA’s quick decision to play it safe with the postponement of games, pointing out that for players his age, it’s especially important to take care.
David Stern would be proud of Adam Silver & his decision to suspend the rest of the @NBA season. It was the correct call.Keeping everyone safe is priority #1 in times like these. Its a great concern for my generation, be smart and safe. @MSNBC #coronavirus #CoronavirusPandemic
— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) March 12, 2020
Shooting guard Jaylen Brown took to Instagram to ask fans to take the virus seriously and to minimize opportunities for the virus to spread.
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
He also did the same in a series of tweets on Twitter.
Everyone can play a role in slowing down the spread of this Virus
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) March 11, 2020
It may not be about you but there are people who are at risk elderly and people fighting off other infections etc please stay home if you can
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) March 11, 2020
Please do not dismiss this !
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) March 11, 2020
Our hospitals and health care can only hold so much it’s NOT ABOUT YOU please take the proper precautions
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) March 11, 2020
Two way center Tacko Fall declined to make a statement, but retweeted an article on Gobert’s situation.
Rookie center Vincent Poirier also declined to say anything personally on social media, but retweeted ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski’s announcement of the suspension.
The NBA has suspended the season.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 12, 2020
Center Enes Kanter has been active on social media on the topic of the coronavirus, repeatedly admonishing fans to wash their hands.
— Enes Kanter (@EnesKanter) March 12, 2020
Stay Safe Everyone! 🙏
— Enes Kanter (@EnesKanter) March 12, 2020
💦🧼👏
— Enes Kanter (@EnesKanter) March 12, 2020
Very important message!!
Game Time 🏀👍 pic.twitter.com/zUQlNfUW3g
— Enes Kanter (@EnesKanter) March 10, 2020
Forward Grant Williams tweeted out support for NBA legend Vince Carter, who plans to retire after the current season…whenever it actually ends.
Appreciate all you’ve done for the game OG! Much respect and thanks for being an inspiration. https://t.co/ZIhNxeRiJA pic.twitter.com/0sO3UdzZPt
— Grant Williams (@Grant2Will) March 12, 2020
For now, the team remains in Milwaukee in self-quarantine, reports The Athletic’s Jared Weiss, and the league will likely release new information about plans to resume play — or not — soon.
Until then, all we can do is wait.
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