OKC Thunder: Adam Silver suspension update and Kevin Love gesture dominate day 1

The OKC Thunder and peers entered the first day of the suspended season with news from Adam Silver and a gesture by Kevin Love that reminded us all of the bigger picture.

One day has passed since the NBA announced the season suspension and already it feels like weeks have passed. Although the offseason doesn’t have games there is the draft, Summer League, free agency and of course other sports to assuage our sports appetites. For the OKC Thunder no doubt there was extra tension as they were the team last exposed to one of the two players who tested positive for COVID-19.

The OKC Thunder were tested for a fever on Wednesday night shortly after the game was postponed and then sent home to self-quarantine. A followup up test for the coronavirus will take place for each of the team players. Likewise, teams who came into contact with the Utah Jazz (like the Raptors who last played them) are being tested.

These are the early days of the suspension as everyone navigates these foreign waters. As per Adam Silver, the league will reevaluate in 30 days. That doesn’t mean games will presume in a month but clearly the hope is the season can be salvaged. The following is the statement the NBA released:

Initially, teams were told they could practice. That directive has been massaged to state players (who are healthy and not quarantined) can arrange workout sessions independently.

As for the two players who tested positive they both took to social media. Rudy Gobert reached out to extend his apologies and encourage others to learn from his mistake.

Donovan Mitchell thanked well-wishers and specifically cited OKC Thunder authorities who were helpful with the testing process.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9pEkQOAOB0/?utm_source=ig_embed

Kevin Love, the Cavaliers, and Mavericks have all stepped up during this trying time to help make sure the arena employees continue to receive salaries.

It’s a wonderful gesture by both organizations but for Love to step us as an individual deserves praise and hopefully, others will follow his lead. His post on Instagram is moving and sincere.

"It’s important to know that those with a mental illness may be vulnerable to the effects of widespread panic and threat. Be kind to one another. Be understanding of their fears, regardless if you don’t feel the same. Be safe and make informed decisions during this time. And I encourage everyone to take care of themselves and to reach out to others in need — whether that means supporting your local charities that are canceling events, or checking in on your colleagues and family."

Love also noted how stressful situations like these can be particularly taxing on individuals who suffer from mental health issues and encouraged patience and understanding to help those affected.

As we enter day two of the suspension I leave you with Kevin Love’s message and gesture. Let’s help each other as we navigate the pandemic and use this opportunity to reach out to our loved ones and those less fortunate.  Have a safe and happy day.

For more information on the coronavirus please note the following sites:

Oklahoma State Department Help Center: 877-215-8336.  (Weekdays: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays:  9 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Oklahoma State – dedicated coronavirus site: click this link
The World Health Organization – click this link 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – click this link