Toronto Raptors: NBA season suspended indefinitely
The NBA has suspended its season amidst COVID-19 pandemic, putting Raptors basketball on hold.
One day, we’ll all ask ourselves: “Where were you when the NBA world stood still?”
On Wednesday night the NBA’s patient zero revealed itself. Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz tested positive for COVID-19.
The announcement that the NBA had indefinitely suspended its season quickly followed. It is uncertain when the Toronto Raptors or any NBA team will play again.
It is also unclear whether or not the Raptors and other NBA teams will partake in any basketball activities in the time being. This information should hopefully be available by Thursday’s end.
Following Rudy Gobert's positive COVID-19 test, the NBA is in an indefinite suspension. https://t.co/h7YpWMrvGE
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 12, 2020
On Wednesday evening ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the NBA’s next steps would be announced Thursday. The situation snowballed much faster than anyone had expected.
Reporting with @ZachLowe_NBA: Consensus among owners on Board of Governors call with league office was either continue season with no fans in arenas -- or have NBA take a hiatus for a period time. NBA is expected to have a decision as soon as Thursday on next steps.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 11, 2020
We’ve officially entered uncharted waters.
The Toronto Raptors faced the Utah Jazz on Monday and it has not been pinpointed when or where Gobert contracted the virus. In all likelihood, anyone who recently came into contact with Gobert will be tested, for precautionary reasons.
This situation continues to develop more rapidly than anyone could have foreseen. Stay safe Raptors fans.
Story will be updated as more information becomes available.