NBA suspending remainder of the season after player tests positive for coronavirus

The NBA announced Wednesday evening that it is suspending play for the remainder of the season after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Gobert’s test result was reported shortly prior to tipoff of Wednesday’s game between the Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena.

That game was canceled.

According to the NBA communications office, Gobert was not in the arena Wednesday.

It was just a couple of days ago that Gobert appeared to joke about the coronavirus concerns by touching all the microphones as he exited a press conference.

The NBA, which played out its games Wednesday aside from the Jazz-Thunder matchup, will remain on hiatus until further notice to determine its next steps regarding the coronavirus pandemic.

Previously, the NBA had considered pushing back its season or continuing the season but playing without fans in the arena.

This story was originally published March 11, 2020 at 7:16 PM.