It has been a very fascinating and unique few years for the NBA.
Due to social strife, historic achievements, and a global pandemic, the league has been through a lot and has seemingly grown stronger because of it.
March 9 marks the anniversary of a very memorable moment that will live in NBA history forever.
Three years ago, Rudy Gobert, then of the Utah Jazz, wrapped up a press conference with what he considered to be an innocent joke.
There was a lot of talk about the growing coronavirus pandemic and Gobert made light of it by touching microphones and tape recorders before leaving the press area.
Just days later, Gobert was the first NBA player diagnosed with the coronavirus.
Ballislife.com replayed the infamous moment on Twitter, giving fans another chance to experience every second.
3 years ago today… pic.twitter.com/F42MfcUsls
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) March 9, 2023
As we all know, the entire NBA shut down on March 11, 2020, after Gobert’s positive diagnosis.
What followed was a one-of-a-kind few months that featured an extended hiatus, the Orlando bubble, and a postseason that will hopefully never be repeated.
In the end, the Los Angeles Lakers claimed victory in the Finals over the Miami Heat.
The games in the bubble were truly bizarre and fascinating, featuring no fans, with teams and staff who were locked down and unable to visit family or friends.
Meanwhile, the rest of the world was experiencing the new normal of the COVID pandemic.
COVID wreaked havoc on the league for multiple years and it changed the way the league – and the world – worked.
In many ways, it all started three years ago when Gobert made a simple joke, unaware that he was about to change history.
NEXT: Kyrie Irving Talks About His Bad Public Perception
