Russell Westbrook joining Rockets teammates in NBA bubble after COVID-19 diagnosis
Houston Rockets star Russell Westbrook announced in a now-deleted Instagram post on July 13 that he tested positive for COVID-19. He planned on heading to Orlando to join his team in the NBA bubble, but the diagnosis initially delayed the journey. One week later, he is heading to Florida.
According to ESPN's Tim MacMahon, Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni confirmed that Westbrook will land in Orlando on Monday. This does not mean that he can immediately rejoin James Harden and his teammates, however. Westbrook will still have to spend two days in mandatory quarantine once he arrives inside the bubble. Additionally, he will have to test negative for the coronavirus twice. Only then can he join his team for practice sessions. 스포츠토토하는법
"I tested positive for COVID-19 prior to my team's departure to Orlando," Westbrook wrote on Instagram on July 13. "I'm currently feeling well, quarantined, and looking forward to rejoining my teammates when I'm cleared. Thank you all for the well wishes and continued support. Please take this virus seriously. Be safe. Mask up! #whynot."
Westbrook – in his first season with the Rockets after arriving from the Oklahoma City Thunder – was averaging 27.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game prior the league's suspension.
D'Antoni added: "Any time you miss a key piece like that, it makes it a little bit more difficult, but I know he'll be ready. So on one side, we're just anxious to get him.
"It'll give everybody a little pep in their step, but there was no doubt before. The energy has been great. These guys have been practicing hard, so it's just one step closer to being whole. We can get him in there and work on a couple of things and get ready."
The Rockets are sixth in the Western Conference with a 40-24 record, nine and a half games behind the Los Angeles Lakers and five and a half adrift of the second-placed Los Angeles Clippers.
