It may not be a big thing for most, but being the first player to undergo COVID-19 testing will forever stick in the minds of NBA fans, no matter how forgettable it may be. For now, most are aware that it is technically Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz who was the first NBA player to test positive for the coronavirus strain. However, cagers, who underwent the test beforehand remain unknown.
But according to ESPN, that player may have possibly been Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors. According to Ramon Shelburne, the former NBA MVP underwent several tests due to apparent flu-like symptoms. Curry tested positive for influenza-A but did not have COVID-19. It was not mentioned if the Warriors star actually took the test, but the Dubs could have done so for precautionary measures. The tests were administered back in Mar. 7.
The Warriors never made the tests public, probably for fear of creating a panic. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr believes that Curry was tested for it but tested negative. Curry has since gotten well from the flu and is now one of many known athletes helping out people across the globe due to the pandemic.
As for the Warriors, they, too, are part of the many teams who have gone into self-quarantine. The coronavirus has been a growing concern and isolation for the safety of people, and the prevention of spreading the virus has been the best recourse for now.
The last news on the Warriors and the coronavirus were that they have shut down as an organization. None of their players have undergone tests due to lack of testing availability according to Warriors team executive Bob Myers via Anthony Slater of The Athletic.
"I've been told by our doctors that we shouldn't be testing our asymptomatic people in California...We've been told there are not enough tests to do that," Myers said.
The coronavirus spread took a major twist when Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets tested positive for COVID-19 recently. Most are now concerned about its spread but the lack of coronavirus testing kits. Though NBA teams are now trying to get their players and personnel tested, the lack of kits has given his take, believing that testing should prioritize those who are sick rather than the healthy via his Twitter account.
"We wish them a speedy recovery. But, with all due respect, an entire NBA team should NOT get tested for COVID-19 while there are critically ill patients waiting to be tested. Tests should not be for the wealthy, but for the sick," Mayor Bill de Blasio said.
