Shockwaves were sent through the basketball world on Wednesday when the NBA announced that the 2019-20 season is being suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak. In addition, Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert has reportedly tested positive for the coronavirus, which led to Wednesday's Jazz-Thunder game being abruptly cancelled.
This is obviously unfamiliar territory for everyone and many were shocked by the NBA's decision to suspend the season. In a statement, the NBA says it will "use this hiatus to determine the next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic."
Following the NBA's announcement, many players took to social media to express their opinions on the season being suspended. Many shared the same sentiments and understand that it's about the safety of everyone involved.
LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo and many others tweeted out their thoughts on the NBA season being postponed.
Man we cancelling sporting events, school, office work, etc etc. What we really need to cancel is 2020! 🤦🏾♂️. Damn it’s been a rough 3 months. God bless and stay safe🙏🏾
— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 12, 2020
2020 aint it. Don't know what to compare this situation to…just gotta buckle up and take care of yourself and those around you. Basketball will be back at some point but right now, protect yourself and stay safe out there!
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) March 12, 2020
Basketball becomes secondary... Take care of yourselves and your family. Wash your hands often.
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) March 12, 2020
Such a weird night but I am truly thankful for each and every person during this 22yr journey.
— Vince Carter (@mrvincecarter15) March 12, 2020
If this is really it, I thank everyone for your love and support for all these years.
B E Z✌🏽
2020 is being very bad year!! stay safe folks🙏
— Luka Doncic (@luka7doncic) March 12, 2020
Well I just hope this will not last long, and I hope everyone stays safe! Take care people, be smart and don’t panic that doesn’t help!
— Bogdan Bogdanovic (@LeaderOfHorde) March 12, 2020
See you soon! 🤗💜
Man... This stuff crazy... Praying for EVERYBODY in this tough time🙏🏽
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) March 12, 2020
Anybody else lost? All sports canceled, all concerts, all events., work! WTF! This is a time to work on family, your passion (if its not your job already) and your side job from home! pic.twitter.com/lXhUh1JYq3
— Javale McGee (@JaValeMcGee) March 14, 2020
Help us #flattenthecurve and prevent the spread of COVID-19 by staying inside. pic.twitter.com/iiMbYDqnkm
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 16, 2020
So.. are we all not gonna get tested or what? @NBA
— Patrick Patterson (@pdpatt) March 12, 2020
Isaiah Thomas gave a shoutout to Mark Cuban for how he has handled everything.
Always respected Cuban from afar https://t.co/71Ze1D6V4F
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) March 12, 2020
One of the rare real-time reactions was that of Phoenix Suns star guard Devin Booker, who was playing video games on the streaming platform Twitch when he found out that the season was being suspended and he dropped a few (NSFW) expletives as he was in a state of shock.
Booker logged off of Twitch shortly after hearing the news.
One of the more sobering moments actually took place before the NBA officially made the suspension announcement. Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown was doing a live stream on Instagram and spoke about the impact that the coronavirus is having around the world.
Earlier tonight, before the NBA announced the season was supsended, Jaylen Brown went on IG live to talk about coronavirus: “This is urgent. The way they stop viruses is by shutting things down.” pic.twitter.com/0rm2Y7UxzC
— Nicole Yang (@nicolecyang) March 12, 2020
"This is urgent," Brown said. "The way they stop viruses is by shutting things down."
Just minutes after Brown conducted the live stream, the NBA's announcement came down.
No one truly knows how long the NBA season will be put on hold or if it will even return at some point this year. Right now, everyone's safety is the top priority.