SALT LAKE CITY — Sacramento Kings forward Jabari Parker and Indiana Pacers guard Malcolm Brogdon both released statements through their respective teams saying they tested positive for COVID-19.
Parker noted that though he tested positive for the coronavirus, he still plans to join the Kings in Orlando when the 2019-20 season resumes in July.
“Several days ago I tested positive for COVID-19 and immediately self-isolated in Chicago which is where I remain,” Parker said. “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.”
Parker, who owns a home in South Jordan and is well known in Utah as being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has often been mentioned in trade rumors and linked to the Utah Jazz, and has even said he’s thought about playing for the Jazz.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that Sacramento’s Buddy Hield also tested positive for the coronavirus. The Kings currently sit at 11th in the Western Conference, 3.5 games out of the 8th seed.
Brogdon was sidelined for three games before the NBA’s season was suspended with a hip injury but has since recovered and too mentioned he is looking forward to the resumption of the NBA season with the Pacers, currently the 5th seed in the Eastern Conference.
“I recently tested positive for the COVID virus and am currently in quarantine,” Brogdon said in a statement. “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.”
The Jazz joined the rest of the league in mandatory coronavirus testing on Tuesday, with all of their players back in the Salt Lake City area with the exception of Bojan Bogdanovic who is recovering from a wrist surgery in May, which will keep him sidelined for the remainder of the 2019-20 season and playoffs.
Following mandatory testing, teams will stay in their home markets and will take part in voluntary individual workouts through the end of the month. Starting July 1, players will take part in mandatory individual workouts for a week.
The 22 teams that will be a part of the NBA’s season restart are supposed to begin traveling to Orlando on a staggered timeline between July 7 and 11 during phase four of a six-phase plan to return to play, which was outlined in a manual sent to teams and players by the National Basketball Players Association.