Westbrook in quarantine after positive COVID test
Rockets star Russell Westbrook has tested positive for coronavirus and is quarantining, he announced on Twitter on Monday.
“I tested positive for Covid-19 prior to my team’s departure to Orlando,” Westbrook said in the post. “I’m currently feeling well, quarantined, and looking forward to rejoining my teammates when I am cleared. Thank you all for the well wishes and continued support. Please take this virus seriously.”
Westbrook, co-star James Harden and Luc Mbah a Moute all did not travel with the team to Orlando as the Rockets entered the bubble as part of the NBA’s planned restart. Harden still hasn’t joined his teammates in the bubble. The Rockets haven’t disclosed why he didn’t travel with the team, though coach Mike D’Antoni told reporters he should arrive “in a couple of days.”
According to the league’s protocols, players can enter the bubble once they have no symptoms and receive two negative tests within a 24-hour period. When the three players arrive in Orlando, however, they will have to quarantine again for 48 hours in their rooms and produce two more negative tests within 24 hours before they can rejoin and practice with the team.
“These are things that people are dealing with,” D’Antoni told reporters Sunday.
Rockets reserve forward Bruno Caboclo also accidentally broke quarantine in the bubble and will now have an extended quarantine period, according to ESPN.
D’Antoni was optimistic the uncertainty around the team will diminish come playoff time, adding that all three players are working at their “home bases.” The Rockets held their first practice since their hiatus on Saturday.
➤ Kings center Richaun Holmes also announced on Twitter on Monday that he “briefly and accidentally” crossed the campus line at the NBA’s Disney bubble in Orlando, Fla. to pick up a food delivery. He said that he is on the second day of his mandatory 10-day quarantine per league rules.
“I apologize for my actions and look forward to rejoining my teammates for our playoff push,” Holmes wrote.