As testing ramps up around the NBA, former Milwaukee Bucks Jabari Parker and Malcolm Brogdon have tested positive for COVID-19.
With coronavirus cases surging in multiple states around the US once again, the NBA’s plans to return to play are undoubtedly getting more and more complicated with every passing day.
Given the current plan is still to resume the 2019-20 season in a campus-style environment at Walt Disney World in Florida at the end of July, teams around the league have been starting to move toward the next stages of their preparations before either staging training camps in home markets, or in some cases traveling to Florida in the very near future.
More from Bucks News
- Bucks 2023-24 player profile: Can MarJon Beauchamp take a leap?
- Piecing together the Milwaukee Bucks’ dream starting 5 in 5 years
- Predicting Thanasis Antetokounmpo’s 2023-24 stats for the Bucks
- Grade the trade: Bucks land reputable backup guard in swap with Pacers
- New workout video should have Milwaukee Bucks fans excited
With that, it seems as if coronavirus testing has ramped up in recent days and will likely continue to do so in the days ahead.
While all remains quiet on the Milwaukee Bucks‘ specific plans on that front and, indeed, the outcome of any tests they may have carried out already or are planning to in the very near future, with multiple players from around the league testing positive over the past couple of days, a couple of notable former Bucks were among those to reveal on Wednesday that they have contracted COVID-19.
Following on from news of Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic testing positive on Tuesday, Indiana Pacers guard Malcolm Brogdon and Sacramento Kings forward Jabari Parker also announced through their teams that they are currently quarantining after receiving their positive test results.
In both players’ statements, they mentioned that they are currently feeling well, and that they are intent on joining up with their teams to participate in the season’s resumption in Orlando.
In a statement that was shared by the Indiana Pacers via Twitter, Brogdon said:
"“I recently tested positive for the COVID virus and am currently in quarantine. I’m doing well, feeling well and progressing well. I plan to join my teammates in Orlando for the resumption of the NBA season and playoffs.”"
Meanwhile, Parker’s statement, which was released via the Kings’ website, reads as follows:
"“Several days ago I tested positive for COVID-19 and immediately self-isolated in Chicago which is where I remain. I am progressing in my recovery and feeling well. I look forward to joining my teammates in Orlando as we return to the court for the resumption of the NBA season.”"
According to multiple reports, Parker wasn’t alone among Sacramento players who’ve tested positive, with Buddy Hield and Alex Len also said to be dealing with the virus at present.
With Parker being a former second overall pick and Brogdon having won Rookie of the Year in Milwaukee, both are significant figures in the franchise’s recent history, and were very popular figures during their time with the Bucks.
Hopefully both players will make full and speedy recoveries and be back to playing basketball very soon.