As most know, Rudy Gobert was the first NBA player to be diagnosed with COVID-19. It happened in a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder with Donovan Mitchell also contracting the coronavirus. It appears that the point of origin of the virus has been traced with reports that the French cager had high-risk guests coming from high-risk areas staying with him at the time.
Gobert was reportedly nursing a fever over 100- degrees, a reason why the Jazz deemed it necessary for the 27-year-old to take necessary tests at the time. Utah initially had Gobert take tests for influenza A and B as well as upper respiratory infections. All these game back negative, leading the Jazz to take a COVID-19 test. After collaborating with Thunder physicians, this was where it was found that the 7-foot-1 cager tested positive for the coronavirus strain, ESPN reported.
At the time, Gobert may have overlooked the seriousness of contracting the virus. Most may recall how Gobert playfully touched the microphones during a press conference, something they drew a howl from people who witnessed it. Not long after, Mitchell also tested positive with the Jazz star visibly disappointed from the actions of Gobert. It appears the playfulness of Gobert extended up to the locker room - something that thankfully did not tap other Jazz players.
Gobert apologized for his actions, but reports claim that both he and Mitchell have a slight falling out. While it is understandable, the said rift is not expected to get out of hand and likely something resulting from the frustrations brought about by the coronavirus.
As for the guests that Gobert had, there was no mention of actions taken on them. Gobert could do the next best thing and encourage these people to undergo COVID-19 testing if they still haven't done so. The French center has done his part in helping out people affected by the COVID-19 issue, pledging $500,000 to arena workers who are now left with no income, CNN reported. An update on Gobert's condition remains unknown.
As for the NBA, the league remains on pause with no word on whether the season would push through or not. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends holding off games for eight weeks, possibly longer depending on the coronavirus situation. The NBA originally suspended play for 30 days, but it is apparent that with the CDC moratorium, this will be longer than that.
