Shockingly and unfortunately, the 76ers will not be able to play for a championship this season, and neither will any other NBA team – at least anytime in the near future. Due to the coronavirus outbreak, the league announced that the season will be suspended indefinitely. In a rapid turn of events, the league went from one of competition to one in hysteria. So how exactly did this happen, and what does this mean for the remainder of the season?

On January 20, 2020, the first known cause of Covid-19 was confirmed in the United States. After spreading for over a month in China, the virus had finally reached the United States in Washington state. Throughout the remainder of January and throughout February, the virus continued to spread within the state and across the country. However, the world of sports was not impacted until March 10 when the Ivy League announced that it would cancel all basketball tournaments and limit the number of spectators at all spring sports. One day later Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz tested positive for coronavirus. In an enormous display of irony, Gobert had “mocked” the virus only two days before, touching every microphone during a press conference to show his disbelief in the severity of the disease. It was unknown exactly how many people came into contact with that equipment, but it was a truly concerning occurrence for the league. Well, karma really came around quickly, and Gobert tested positive for the virus less than two days later. On March 11, the NBA canceled the rest of the season indefinitely. The following day, commissioner Adam Silver released a statement that the NBA intended to resume the season when it becomes safe for everyone who is involved.

For the time being, the league is unsure of what exactly the rest of the season will bring. By March 18, the virus had continued to spread throughout the league. The entire Brooklyn Nets and Oklahoma City Thunder teams were tested for Covid-19. Although all Thunder players and staff tested negative, multiple people within the Nets organization tested positive, including superstar Kevin Durant. On March 19, the NBA sent a memo to all 30 teams that they must close all training and practice facilities until further notice. This left players with little opportunity to practice and work out other than at their own homes as the league continued to try and sort out what would happen with the season. Later in the day, the Sixers and Nuggets confirmed cases within their organization (three and one, respectively). The Lakers also confirmed cases within their organization during the same evening. Covid-19 has continued to make its way through the league, and it seems that the virus will set the timetable for when the league will return.

Around the league, there is hope that games could be resumed by late June or, at the latest, August. However, there is truly too much uncertainty at this point. Adam Silver believes that the league can salvage some of the season and still play for the fans, but the season must end with enough time to give players time to rest and recover before next season starts. Overall, we are truly in uncharted territory as a nation and around the world. Although the suspension of the NBA is saddening, it pales in comparison to the current state of affairs around the world. Stay healthy everyone!