Several Boston Celtics players have contributed to a wider effort to help inform the public about the dangers of the coronavirus pandemic gripping the U.S. and the world.
Shooting guard Jaylen Brown called for more celebrities to use their platform to such an end in a recent interview, and it seems he is getting his wish.
Along with Brown, forwards Jayson Tatum, Semi Ojeleye, and Gordon Hayward, centers Tacko Fall, Enes Kanter and Vincent Poirier, and particularly guard Marcus Smart have been vocal in such efforts.
Around the NBA, a number of prominent voices have also been active in asking the public to maintain physical distancing, self-quarantine and to use proper hygiene in order to prevent the spread of the virus in public service announcements (PSAs).
WE CAN BEAT THIS, BUT THIS IS SERIOUS AND WE NEED TO TAKE EVERY PRECAUTIONS. https://t.co/zxMqVB9AWk via @YouTube
— Karl-Anthony Towns (@KarlTowns) March 25, 2020
This includes the player whose positive diagnosis for COVID-19 led to the shutdown of the NBA on March 11 — Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz — and teammate Donovan Mitchell (who also tested positive).
Today saw Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns deliver a heart-wrenching plea after revealing his mother had contracted the virus and was in a medically-induced coma.
Former Celtic Al Horford (now with the Philadelphia 76ers) delivered such a PSA as well, as did retired ex-Boston center Jason Collins, who revealed a positive diagnosis on Twitter earlier in the week.
A message from @jaytatum0 pic.twitter.com/WN4WmXWdK1
— NBA (@NBA) March 13, 2020
Other prominent players delivering PSAs of caution and solidarity include Bismack Biyombo (Charlotte Hornets), Kevin Love (Cleveland Cavaliers), Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets), and Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors).
Others include Victor Oladipo (Indiana Pacers), Khris Middleton (Milwaukee Bucks), Danilo Gallinari and Chris Paul (Oklahoma City Thunder), Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers), Ricky Rubio (Phoenix Suns), and rookie Rui Hachimura (Washington Wizards).
I was tested 5 days ago and the results came back tonight, which were positive. Ive been self quarantined since the test, thank goodness. COVID-19 must be taken w the highest of seriousness. I know it’s a #1 priority for our nations health experts, & we must get more testing ASAP pic.twitter.com/xkijb9wlKV
— marcus smart (@smart_MS3) March 19, 2020
Several other retired players also recorded similar messages, including Magic Johnson, Gary Payton, Pau Gasol, and Grant Hill.
WNBA players Courtney Williams (Atlanta Dream) and Layshia Clarendon (New York Liberty) have also recorded their own PSAs.
Boston head coach Brad Stevens joined Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse in making PSAs as well.
While the above is far from an exhaustive list, it’s heartening to see the unity in message coming from the league and sport in such a difficult time.
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