NBA Will Halt 2019-20 Season for Minimum of 30 Days
By Brady Williams
Wednesday night, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the United States surpassed 1,400. With mounting concerns about large public gatherings, the NBA saw fit to suspend the current season. Things have escalated at an alarming rate, but now, some of the confusion can be quelled as the league has offered at least some indication as to how long this halt might last.
As relayed by Bruce Arthur of the Toronto Star, the league has informed teams that the 2019-20 season will be delayed for at least 30 days. No further details have been given at this time.
The NBA has told its teams that the league will be suspended for 30 days, minimum.
— Bruce Arthur (@bruce_arthur) March 12, 2020
The suspension follows the revelation that Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, as well as Jazz teammate Donovan Mitchell.
With the World Health Organization declaring the virus a global pandemic, all major American sports leagues have halted progress, with the exception of the XFL. The NCAA Basketball Tournament has advanced from simply removing spectators to canceling the entire event. Major League Baseball will postpone the start of its season, and the NHL is also suspending its own schedule.
Instagram post from Rudy Gobert, the player whose positive coronavirus test sparked the NBA to suspend the season: pic.twitter.com/R0MDHbPaI4
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) March 12, 2020
Infected players are a potential danger to teammates, opponents, staff, and fans. With no clear timeline in place, this 30-day suspension is truly the only sure thing in the NBA right now.