Thunder reports zero positive coronavirus tests
No Thunder player or staff member has tested positive for the coronavirus since the NBA's testing period began June 23, a team spokesman said Thursday.
All 17 Thunder players have reported back to Oklahoma City for mandatory individual workouts. The team will fly to Disney World next week in preparation for the 22-team season restart.
Twenty-five NBA players have tested positive for COVID-19 since June 23 out of the 351 players who have been tested, the league announced Thursday.
Ten team staff members across the league have tested positive out of 884 tested.
Per NBA rules, “any player, coach or team staff member who tested positive will remain in selfisolation until they satisfy public health protocols for discontinuing isolation and have been cleared by a physician.”
SGA ready to return
Shai GilgeousAlexander sat in an office at the Thunder's practice facility Wednesday, the first day of mandatory individual workouts.
The young guard looked happy in the familiar surroundings.
“Honestly, I just wanted to get back to playing basketball,” GilgeousAlexander said. “For me, there was no second guess at all. I'm a hooper. I love to hoop. Not to say that the guys that don't want to play aren't, but for me I just knew I wanted to play basketball as soon as possible.”
A handful of players across the NBA have opted out of playing in the bubble at Disney World, but no Thunder player has publicly made that decision.
“The opportunity to get back on the court is something that I think is important to all of them,” Donovan said.
The whole team isn't likely to be together until it flies to Disney World on Wednesday for training camp. Until then, players will participate in individual workouts with coaches.
For Gilgeous-Alexander, that means one hour of weight lifting and another hour of getting shots up.
“It's not too much hanging around the facility,” he said. “It's get in, get your work in, and get out.”
Paul to produce documentary
Chris Paul is producing a documentary series that will offer a close look at the challenges HBCU (historically Black colleges and universities) basketball programs face.
Paul's Ohh Dip!!! Productions will team up with Emmy-winning Roadside Entertainment to produce the series that will follow HBCU teams over the course of a season.
“HBCUs historically have been at a competitive disadvantage with their basketball programs facing many challenges with funding, recruitment, misperceptions and exposure,” Paul said in a release. “With the current racial awakening in our country prompting young athletes to look at where they play, it's now more important than ever to shine a light on HBCUs and showcase their value in sports and society.”
Paul was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, home to historically Black Winston- Salem State. Most of Paul's family attended HBCUs, but Paul went to Wake Forest as one of the top prospects in the 2003 class.
Paul has financially supported HBCUs, and he's given them exposure through his pregame outfits. Paul wore a Langston University hat before a game this season.