THE coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to strike the National Basketball Association (NBA). Three players of the Sacramento Kings while another from the Indiana Pacers have tested positive for the virus.
For the Kings, it was center Alex Len, forward Jabari Parker and guard Buddy Hield who have been diagnosed with the viral disease but are now recovering, Shams Charania of The Athletic said.
“I underwent testing yesterday in Sacramento and was found to be positive for COVID-19,” Len said in a statement. “I want to thank the Sacramento Kings for the great care and the NBA for putting the protocols in place to allow me to catch this early.”
“I have immediately entered isolation. I look forward being cleared and rejoining my teammates for our playoffs push,” the Ukrainian added.
For the Pacers, it was Malcolm Brogdon who tested positive for COVID-19 but is “feeling well” now. The shooting guard said he intends to join his team at Disney World in Orlando, Florida for the season restart on July 30.
“I’m doing well, feeling well and progressing well,” Brogdon said. “I plan to join my teammates in Orlando for the resumption of the NBA season and the playoffs.”
Earlier this week, Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic announced he was positive for COVID-19, delaying his possible return to Denver from Serbia.
It was also reported that two Phoenix Suns players have tested positive for the virus aside from four players of a “top Western Conference contending team.”
In another development, Brooklyn Nets formalized their acquisition of guard Tyler Johnson after letting go of reserve Theo Pinson while center Tyler Zeller swore his services to San Antonio Spurs until the end of the season.
Two-way player P.J. Dozier, meanwhile, signed a full NBA contract with the Nuggets while Houston Rockets made a two-year deal with David Nwaba. However, the shooting guard is already out for the rest of the season due to an Achilles injury.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Avery Bradley, for his part, became the third player to officially sit out in the NBA restart. The Lakers are eyeing veteran J.R. Smith as his replacement./PN
