Rockets guard Russell Westbrook announced Monday that he tested positive for COVID-19 and is in quarantine.
Westbrook, James Harden and Luc Mbah a Moute have not been with the team in Florida for the NBA’s restart training camp, though Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni said he had hoped they will arrive in the middle of this week.
“I tested positive for COVID-19 prior to my teams departure for Orlando,” Westbrook posted on social media. “I’m currently feeling well, quarantined, and looking forward to joining 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.”
Westbrook averaged 27.5 points on a career-best 47.4 percent shooting in 53 games with the Rockets this season. The 2016-17 MVP, Westbrook has been among the league’s top players during the latter half of the season, averaging 31.7 points on 52.7 percent shooting along with 8.1 rebounds and 6.8 assists since Jan. 1.
D’Antoni was optimistic on Sunday that his absent players would be joining the team soon.
“We’re still expecting them in a few days,” he said. “It’ll be soon. It’s not going to be long. You never know, but we think we’ll get them back in here by the middle of the week.”
