UPDATE: July 2 — Nine more NBA players have tested positive for Covid-19 between the dates of June 24-29, per multiple reports. The initial 16 players who tested positive was released on June 23.
Sources: Nine NBA players have tested positive for coronavirus out of 344 players tested between June 24-29; overall 25 players tested positive since testing began June 23.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 2, 2020
Here’s the official statement from the NBA and NBPA on the test results. It also states that 10 team staff members have tested positive out of 884 conducted tests.
NBA on further testing of players and staff: pic.twitter.com/694TamEWWB
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2020
The number may seem small, but it’s growing. More players are coming back with positive tests as the NBA grows closer to sending teams to Orlando for the season restart.
The NBA released results from a recent Covid-19 test of the League’s players that took place on Tuesday. It came back and 16 of 302 players have tested positive for coronavirus. Those players will remain in self-isolation and need to be cleared before returning.
NBA and NBPA announce 16 of 302 tested players tested positive for COVID-19. They will remain in self-isolation and then must be cleared by a physician. pic.twitter.com/pBLSAdYEac
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 26, 2020
We had a few names already confirmed on social media and through reports in recent days. Among those names are Denver Nuggets C Nikola Jokic, Sacramento Kings G Buddy Hield and Indiana Pacers G Malcolm Brogdon. All three, along with the other 13 players will have to self-quarantine and have two negative tests pop up within 24 hours in order to be cleared for Orlando.
This is somewhat good news for the League, since this is roughly 5.2% of the NBA players testing positive for Covid-19. That’s a very small portion of the League, so it shows that almost every player practiced safe social distancing. It still doesn’t mean everything is A-OK heading into July.