OKC Thunder players and peers keeping themselves and fans entertained

OKC Thunder players and their peers are under self-quarantine but staying active and keeping fans entertained via Tik Tok and social media.

While we await test results for the OKC Thunder players I received a few questions regarding what happens following a negative result. More accurately, the question was whether players would need to be tested more than once if their initial test was negative.

Based on what I’ve read and the information available that doesn’t seem to be necessary if the players follow the current guidelines. Assuming that was the case then the initial test would be definitive.

Even players who are asymptomatic but have COVID-19 would then test positive as there would be enough of the virus present to show up as a positive in the test. The best example of this is Donovan Mitchell who tested positive but is asymptomatic.

Presumably, players are by themselves so the videos (as per below) of Darius Bazley, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Chris Paul may have been filmed prior to the quarantine. It could also suggest Thunder players tested negative but no formal word was released to that effect from the team yet (so let’s not jump to that conclusion). The only notes on the OKC Thunder site are regarding tickets and Adam Silver’s message to fans.

As noted, all players who elect to work out at team facilities will be tested for fever prior to being allowed entry to the facility. In terms of testing for fever Zach Lowe offered insight via his tweet:

Since that initial request, the league has broadened its stance allowing players to come to their team facilities to work out (one at a time). Players can also travel out of their current market within the U.S. (and presumably Canada) if they consult with their team prior as per Shams Charania’s tweet.

Every player on every team came into some contact with either players or referees. That means all players will be looking at the social distancing and self quarantines through the initial 14 days.

One of the players many fans were tweeting their concerns over was former OKC Thunder big man Serge Ibaka who guarded Rudy Gobert for 36 minutes on Monday, March 10th and even kissed the ball following Gobert’s free throw. As per Shams Charania, his test (like all the Raptors players) came back negative.

Ibaka is keeping active at home in self-quarantine. Fans are familiar with Ibaka’s YouTube series “How Hungry Are You?” and the big man seems to have gotten creative on Twitter by naming a  series he’s posting on social media called “How Bored Are You?” In his latest tweet, Ibaka shows off his housekeeping skills by loading the dishwasher. But in the following tweet, he shows how you can work out and stay in shape with limited items as he created his own home gym.

On a more humorous front, OKC Thunder sophomore standout Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is practicing his dance moves. The Canadian showcases some real talent on his home dance floor as he replicates “the Dougie”. Not very surprising the guard is that smooth on the dance floor considering how gracefully he moves on the hardwood.

In another Tik Tok video, SGA enlists Darius Bazley in his routine and yes that is Chris Paul making a cameo appearance in his run by move near the end.

Meanwhile, there are a number of players who’ve stepped up either cover the costs or help to pay employees of the arenas they play in. Rudy Gobert has donated money to both his Jazz and the OKC Thunder (as well as his native France).

More from Thunderous Intentions

• Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
• Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
• 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

Others include Kevin Love for the Cavaliers, Giannis Antetokounmpo for the Bucks, Zion Williamson for the Pelicans, and Blake Griffin for the Pistons as well as owners who’ve stepped up.

As Rachel Nichols notes owners like Mark Cuban (Mavericks), Tony Ressler (Hawks), and Dan Gilbert (Cavaliers) have making big donations to offset lost salary. And, the Warriors sent out a social media message that the owners and players are contributing $1 million dollars to a relief fund.

Other owners may also be actively seeking to help out by as Keith Smith noted sometimes there are unions involved which require mandates to be met and can take time to meet those criteria.

For the moment, players and fans alike are doing their best to practice safe distancing and staying at home.

T.I. will keep you posted as news becomes available but for now, please stay safe and healthy!

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