BOSTON Celtics guard Marcus Smart joined the growing list of the National Basketball Association (NBA) players who have tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The veteran made the admission through his social media accounts on Friday but has said that he is asymptomatic.
“I was tested five days ago and the results came back tonight, which were positive. I’ve been self-quarantined since the test. Thank goodness. COVID-19 must be taken (with) the highest of seriousness,” Smart said.
“I’ve had no symptoms and I feel great. But the younger generation in our country MUST self-distance. This is not a joke. Not doing so is selfish. Together we can beat this, but we must beat it together by being apart for a short while,” he added.
Prior to the suspension of NBA matches, Smart and the Celtics clashed with the Utah Jazz, where two players in Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert were positive for the said virus.
Meanwhile, two unnamed members of the Los Angeles Lakers were also positive for COVID-19 after their match against the Brooklyn Nets. To recall, the Nets had 4 players, including inured star Kevin Durant, who tested positive for COVID-19.
“We learned today that two Lakers players have tested positive. Both players are currently asymptomatic, in quarantine and under the care of the team’s physician,” Lakers said in a statement.
“All players and members of the Lakers staff are being asked to continue to observe self-quarantine and shelter at home guidelines, closely monitor their health, consult with their personal physicians and maintain constant communication with the team,” it added.
The Philadelphia 76ers also said that “three members of (their) organization” were positive for COVID-19, while the Denver Nuggets also announced one coming from them./PN
