Utah Jazz guard Mike Conley has left the NBA bubble one day before Game 1 of the team's first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets. Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Conley leaves NBA's Orlando bubble for birth of son

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 8/16/20

Utah Jazz guard Mike Conley has left the NBA bubble one day before Game 1 of the team's first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets.

Conley returned to Columbus for the birth of his son, the team announced Sunday.

Mike Conley update:

Mike departed Orlando this morning and returned to Columbus, Ohio for the birth of his son.
— utahjazz (@utahjazz) August 16, 2020

Upon his arrival back to the NBA's bubble, Conley will have to quarantine before joining the team for basketball activities.

Conley is among a few NBA players who are expecting new additions to their families this summer. Boston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward is expecting the birth of his first son next month.

While they've faced the difficult decision of remaining in the bubble or leaving for childbirth, both players noted they'd be leaving Orlando for the special moment.

Many NBA players have left the bubble and returned successfully, without contracting COVID-19.

Conley will miss the first two games of the Jazz's series against Denver, and possibly the third.

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