Per multiple reports, the former Indiana basketball star, Thomas Bryant, has tested positive for COVID-19. Both him and Gary Payton II are the first players of the Washington Wizards to test positive prior to traveling to the “Orlando Bubble.”
Both players will not travel to Orlando, FL for the time being. They are hopeful they will be able to join their teammates in the near future.
The news was first hinted at yesterday when Wizards head coach Scott Brooks gave a video conference call and disclosed that several players were not able to make the trip and did not disclose the exact nature as to why at that time.
Currently, it is believed that coronavirus stays in the body for 10-14 days. It is not known when Bryant and Payton II contracted the virus or if there are any other team members that have previously tested positive. There have been multiple other reports in the previous months of players contracting the virus and needing to shut down practice temporarily. Approximately 10% of all NBA players that were scheduled to play in the restart have tested positive so far.
The Washington Wizards are scheduled for their first exhibition game on July 22 and to play their first regular season game on July 31. At this point, it is likely that both players will be able to join the Wizards late this month or early next month.
Bryant and Payton II will now remain in isolation until they satisfy public health protocols and cleared by a physician. There is no report that Bryant has any COVID-19 related symptoms.
The NBA season will still be scheduled to officially start July 30 with the completion of regular season with “seeding” games. Of course, this will continue to be an evolving matter and health officials will monitor the situation to ensure the safety of the teams.
(Featured Photo: Geoff Burke / USA TODAY Sports)
