Jazz’s Mitchell feeling ‘fine’ during virus recovery

After testing positive for the coronavirus earlier this week, Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell said he feels “fine” in a video released on the NBA’s Twitter account Saturday afternoon.

“What’s up everybody? Donovan Mitchell here. Just wanted to say thank you guys so much for your continued support, man. It means a lot to me,” Mitchell said in the video.

A message from @spidadmitchell pic.twitter.com/YtChd3eNng

— NBA (@NBA) March 14, 2020

Mitchell tested positive for the virus Wednesday night, after Utah’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder was postponed following the positive test of fellow Jazz All-Star Rudy Gobert shortly before tipoff. Utah’s entire travel party — as well as three local media members — were tested that night, with only Mitchell and Gobert testing positive.

Mitchell’s father, Donovan Mitchell Sr., who is the director of player relations and community outreach for the New York Mets, was tested for the virus after visiting his son earlier this week. The test came back negative on Friday, the team announced. The Mets had told the elder Mitchell not to report back to training camp in Florida for the fear of potentially spreading the virus through the team.

In the wake of the positive tests for the Jazz players, several teams that played against them recently — including the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics — have gone into self-isolation over the past few days.

The Toronto Raptors, the last team to play the Jazz, on Monday in Salt Lake City, had their entire travel party tested for the virus Wednesday night. The team announced Friday night that all the tests — except for one that was still pending — came back negative. Those members of the travel party who were asked to remain in self-isolation will continue to do so, the team said.

“We will all practice social distancing and good hand hygiene, and — most importantly — carefully monitor our health,” the Raptors said in the statement.

“We continue to be in close contact with public health authorities and infectious disease experts, and are very grateful for their guidance. As always, we appreciate the support of our fans, families, and friends.”

The Mitchell video is the latest in a series of them posted on the NBA’s account over the past 24 hours from stars around the league. The prior two — from Celtics forward Jayson Tatum and Pacers guard Victor Oladipo — both stressed the importance of washing hands and being mindful of others to the league’s fans.