Donovan Mitchell: Covid-19 Isolation Was ‘Tough’

Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell admits that the coronavirus pandemic has been ‘tough’, but that NBA players have excellent support. 

Donovan Mitchell was one of the first NBA players to be diagnosed with Covid-19. Along with teammate Rudy Gobert, he was placed in isolation for a period of two weeks.

Donovan Mitchell did not actually display any symptoms during the isolation period. However, he remained in isolation to prevent the spread of the virus to his fellow players and team staff.

It’s a decision that looks more sound by the day, considering that the NBA has been the most affected league.

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Mitchell reflected on his time in quarantine when he spoke to KSL SPORTS. Like most athletes at this time, his quarantine consisted of whatever exercise he could do and playing video games. 

“I’ve literally been down here in my basement playing Xbox, ps4 for hours upon hours of the day if I’m not working out,” Mitchell said.

“The first week was tough, I could be around my family but only for a short period of time because I was in isolation. Now we’re able to rewatch movies. Last night I was cooking, I was on Instagram live cooking and I learned how to make duck for the first time in my life.”

Mitchell has been allowed to return home after being cleared last Friday. With the league suspended, he has had to reimagine his own routine.

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“Thankfully I am back home so I have my stuff downstairs,” the Jazz guard said, 

“I have weights, I have a bike, I have a treadmill, I have a hoop outside, I am able to go for a little bit of a jog.

“It’s been tough,” Mitchell said, 

“But the NBA, and teams, and the NBAPA, and trainers have done a great job about sending us schedules and sending us things that we can do and tailoring it for the individual.”