NBA announces 1 positive COVID-19 test after Chris Paul enters protocols
Jun 16, 2021, 2:48 PM | Updated: 2:52 pm
Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul was placed in the NBA’s health and safety protocols after reportedly testing positive for COVID-19 despite being fully vaccinated. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
(Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
After Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul entered the NBA’s health and safety protocols, the league announced Wednesday that one player out of 164 tested for COVID-19 since June 9 returned a positive result.
“Anyone who has returned a confirmed positive test, or has been identified as having been in close contact to an infected person, is isolated or quarantined until they are cleared under the rules established by the NBA and the Players Association in accordance with CDC guidance,” according to the league’s press release.
Paul has tested positive for COVID-19 even though he received a Pfizer vaccine in February, according to Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro.
His coronavirus case is the first in the NBA in three weeks.
It’s unknown if the point guard has symptoms.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania first reported Wednesday morning that Paul was entering the NBA’s health and safety protocols. At this time, he is sidelined indefinitely and his status for the upcoming Western Conference Finals is unknown.
“I mean, it’s like anything else when we’ve had guys in the past that had it or been in that situation where you have to go in the protocols, there’s a natural concern for the person,” Suns head coach Monty Williams said after practice Wednesday.
Paul averaged 16.4 points and 8.9 assists during the regular season.
He is coming off a four-game series sweep of the Denver Nuggets in which he averaged 25.5 points and 10.3 assists per outing while shooting 63% from the field.
