The Houston Rockets – and the NBA – just got a major blow, as Russell Westbrook recently announced that he tested positive for Covid-19 prior to his team’s trip to the Orlando bubble and has quarantined:
“I tested positive for Covid-19 prior to my team’s departure to Orlando. I’m currently feeling well, quarantined, and looking forward to rejoining my teammates when I am cleared. Thank you for all the well wishes and continued support. Please take this virus seriously. Be safe. Mask up! #whynot,” the All-Star point guard said on a statement.
https://twitter.com/russwest44/status/1282719257369866240
Westbrook and James Harden hadn’t joined the Rockets’ party ahead of their trip to Orlando but were expected to rejoin them a couple of days later. Now, Westbrook will have to be isolated for, at least, 14 days and have two negative test results before being cleared to attend the Orlando bubble.
This comes as a major concern as the season is about to begin in 18 days. There have been plenty of concerns regarding the NBA’s capacity of keeping the players safe and this is a prime example of why.
Moreover, it seems like the Houston Rockets just can’t catch a break in the playoffs. They entered the Orlando bubble as one of the biggest dark hoses and we were all looking forward to watching Russell Westbrook and James Harden – as well as every other superstar – at their best in the playoffs.
Westbrook’s timetable could still allow him to join his team assuming he’s no longer sick a couple of weeks from now. Still, his health should always come first, even if this may be the biggest shot he could ever have at winning an NBA Championship.
Hopefully, he’ll get well soon enough and join his team. The game isn’t the same when the best players can’t hoop. Here’s to a speedy recovery, Brodie.
