LeBron James, Tristan Thompson and More NBA Stars React to Season Suspension Amid Coronavirus Scare

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LeBron James, Tristan Thompson and More NBA Stars React to Season Suspension Amid Coronavirus Scare

Playing it safe. LeBron James, Tristan Thompson and more NBA stars chimed in with shocked statements after the league announced that the rest of the current basketball season would be put on pause amid health and safety concerns. The league made their unprecedented decision after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for coronavirus on Wednesday, March 11. The following day, a statement from the Jazz confirmed that a second player, Donovan Mitchell, had contracted the virus. "The NBA is suspending game play following the conclusion of tonight's schedule of games until further notice. The NBA will use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic," the league stated on Wednesday night. [jwplayer fWKUVB9Y] Current and former basketball players quickly weighed in on the surprising development as concern over the illness continued to spread. James, 35, tweeted in disbelief, "Damn it's been a rough 3 months. God bless and stay safe." His comment seemingly referenced the recent passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, which sent shock waves through the NBA community in January. Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry echoed James' plea for fans to stay safe and healthy, writing in response to the news, "Basketball will be back at some point but right now, protect yourself and stay safe out there!" Shortly after the Utah Jazz confirmed that they were "working closely with the CDC" regarding their two infected players, Mitchell, 23, broke his silence on his diagnosis. "Thanks to everyone who has been reaching out since hearing the news about my positive test," he wrote in a lengthy statement on Instagram on Thursday, March 12. "We are all learning more about the seriousness of this situation and hopefully people can continue to educate themselves and realize that they need to behave responsibly both for their own health and for the well being of those around them." The University of Louisville alum continued, "I appreciate the authorities in Oklahoma who were helpful with the testing process and everyone from the @utahjazz who have been so supportive. I am going to keep following the advice of our medical staff and hope that we can all come together and be there for each other and our neighbors who need our help." Scroll down to see how other NBA stars responded to the league's decision to postpone the current season amid the COVID-19 scare. [podcast_block]

Credit: Shutterstock (3)

LeBron James, Tristan Thompson and More NBA Stars React to Season Suspension Amid Coronavirus Scare

Playing it safe. LeBron James, Tristan Thompson and more NBA stars chimed in with shocked statements after the league announced that the rest of the current basketball season would be put on pause amid health and safety concerns. The league made their unprecedented decision after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for coronavirus on Wednesday, March 11. The following day, a statement from the Jazz confirmed that a second player, Donovan Mitchell, had contracted the virus. "The NBA is suspending game play following the conclusion of tonight's schedule of games until further notice. The NBA will use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic," the league stated on Wednesday night. [jwplayer fWKUVB9Y] Current and former basketball players quickly weighed in on the surprising development as concern over the illness continued to spread. James, 35, tweeted in disbelief, "Damn it's been a rough 3 months. God bless and stay safe." His comment seemingly referenced the recent passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, which sent shock waves through the NBA community in January. Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry echoed James' plea for fans to stay safe and healthy, writing in response to the news, "Basketball will be back at some point but right now, protect yourself and stay safe out there!" Shortly after the Utah Jazz confirmed that they were "working closely with the CDC" regarding their two infected players, Mitchell, 23, broke his silence on his diagnosis. "Thanks to everyone who has been reaching out since hearing the news about my positive test," he wrote in a lengthy statement on Instagram on Thursday, March 12. "We are all learning more about the seriousness of this situation and hopefully people can continue to educate themselves and realize that they need to behave responsibly both for their own health and for the well being of those around them." The University of Louisville alum continued, "I appreciate the authorities in Oklahoma who were helpful with the testing process and everyone from the @utahjazz who have been so supportive. I am going to keep following the advice of our medical staff and hope that we can all come together and be there for each other and our neighbors who need our help." Scroll down to see how other NBA stars responded to the league's decision to postpone the current season amid the COVID-19 scare. [podcast_block]

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LeBron James

The Los Angeles Lakers star made his thoughts on the first three months of 2020 clear in a shocked tweet on Thursday morning. "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 🙏🏾," he wrote. 

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Tristan Thompson

Nearly speechless over the surprising development, Thompson simply commented that "this is crazy," alongside a series of shocked emojis.

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Stephen Curry

"2020 ain't it," Curry tweeted after news of the season's suspension made headlines. "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!"

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CJ McCollum

"I hope all the players take some time to really work on life outside of basketball. Using your resources and celebrity to your advantage," the Portland Trail Blazers athlete tweeted. "Take the meetings. Diversify and learn to explore other avenues of income while you’re still in the league. Bc when it’s over it’s over!"

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Jeremy Lin

The former New York Knicks star, who currently plays overseas in China, sent an empowering message to fans on Twitter. "Not gonna lie, I'm scared. But need to remind myself that God is ALWAYS in control. Always. Revelation 1:17 🙏🏼🙏🏼," he wrote.

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Bill Russell

"David Stern would be proud of Adam Silver & his decision to suspend the rest of the @NBA season," the 86-year-old basketball legend tweeted, referencing the league's late commissioner. "It was the correct call. Keeping everyone safe is priority #1 in times like these. It’s a great concern for my generation, be smart and safe."

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Myles Turner

Instead of lamenting over his inability to play the rest of the season, Turner praised those providing medical care to people affected by the disease. "Shoutout to all the medical workers and hospital employees out there though man," he wrote via Twitter.

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Trae Young

The Atlanta Hawks point guard couldn't help but be shocked by the league's decision. "Man ... This stuff crazy ... Praying for EVERYBODY in this tough time 🙏🏽," he tweeted.

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Enes Kanter

"Prayers up for my brother Donovan Mitchell. Hoping for a quick and safe recovery," the Swiss athlete said.

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Garrett Temple

"Thoughts are with everyone affected by this, directly and indirectly (people who can’t work and support their families because of the league suspension)," the Brooklyn Nets star wrote on Thursday. "Take this seriously and make sure to take all the necessary precautions!!!"

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Evan Fournier

The French athlete gave a positive update on Gobert, 27, who was the first player to test positive for the disease. "Was just on the phone with Rudy. He is doing good, man. Let's not panic everyone. Love you all," he tweeted.

Given the constantly evolving nature of COVID-19, Us Weekly wants our readers to have access to the most accurate resources. For the most up-to-date coronavirus information, guidance, and support, consult the CDC, WHO, and information from local public health officials. If you’re experiencing coronavirus symptoms, call your primary care provider for medical advice.