After one of the most surreal and weirdest days in the history of the NBA on Wednesday, the Pelicans began the next step in the league’s fight against the spread of the coronavirus on Thursday. The team was thrown front and center into the oddest of circumstances on Wednesday night in which the league announced the suspension of the season at the conclusion of that night’s games. The news came an hour before the scheduled game between the Pelicans and Kings and, after some confusion and resistance, the game was eventually called off.
NOLA.com’s Christian Clark detailed the night that followed for the Pelicans. After the conclusion of the game, New Orleans’ team left the arena, boarded a bus, had a meal together and then boarded a flight before landing in New Orleans at roughly 5 a.m. this morning.
The team, meanwhile, supported the league’s decision with a statement released on Thursday.
The New Orleans Pelicans released the following statement regarding the NBA’s decision to suspend the season:
Last night, the NBA postponed our game against the Sacramento Kings out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of fans, players, coaches and staff. We fully support the NBA’s decision to suspend the season until further notice. The health and well-being of fans, players, coaches and staff will always be our organization’s top priority.
In addition to the constant communication we are having with the NBA, our team’s medical experts are fully engaged in conversations with local, state and federal health officials to ensure we are taking the necessary steps regarding COVID-19.
Under the guidance of our medical experts, all team employees are being advised on the appropriate measures that should be taken if they feel ill and experience symptoms, which includes seeking immediate medical attention.
As we continue to gather information and closely monitor the evolving situation, we will provide updates to our fans, ticketholders and team partners as they become available.
We extend our thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by the public health pandemic, and thank our Pelicans family for their continued patience, support and understanding.
Internally, the team is instructing players to remain cautious and isolated for the coming days.
From Clark’s piece:
The Pelicans are telling players they shouldn’t get tested unless they are exhibiting symptoms, which include fever, coughing or shortness of breath and can appear between two and 14 days after exposure. They have also encouraged players to stay at home as much as possible.
The Pelicans have not released any information on if players have been tested for the coronavirus. So far, the only players in the league to test positive are Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell.
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