NBA Center Rudy Gobert Says His Sense Of Smell Might Return 'A Year' After Coronavirus Battle

Four months after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert contracted COVID-19, the player is still reporting his sense of smell as being ‘missing in action.’ The NBA player was one of the earliest cases of the dreaded virus in pro sports, and his case was first confirmed on March 11, which resulted in the lockdown of the 2019-20 NBA season until further notice.

According to TMZ, the 28-year-old player and member of the French Men’s Basketball Team said that his sense of smell isn’t normal just yet. Reports have come out claiming that loss of taste and of smell is one of the common symptoms of a person suffering from coronavirus.

Gobert, when asked about his condition, said that “The taste has returned, but the smell is still not 100%.”

Asked for further clarification, the Utah Jazz star said that he can smell just a little, but not from far. He has also reportedly consulted specialists, who told him that his condition might last a year.

It can be remembered that the player infamously joked about COVID-19 by touching a bunch of microphones and other similar devices at a press conference. He tested positive soon after.

The NBA has also restarted since that incident, but another player has reportedly tested positive for the virus. DeAndre Jordan of the Brooklyn Nets, as per NBC Sports, has come out and admitted that he tested positive for the virus. He also effectively ruled himself out for the season.

In a tweet, Jordan said that he only found out the results last night and had it confirmed today. He said that he will not be joining the team in Orlando, which means more time for Jarrett Allen.

Former coach Kenny Atkinson wanted to play Allen more than Jordan. With Jordan and reserve center Nicholas Claxton out, the Nets find themselves without a traditional center.

The NBA resumes with 22 teams playing each other for the remainder of the season in Orlando. The Nets also find themselves not the only shorthanded team in Orlando, what with the current pandemic still affecting everyone else, including the players themselves.