This archive report was first published on 13 July 2020.
Published on July 13, 2020, NBA star Russell Westbrook has tested positive for COVID-19, just as the league gears up for its return in Florida later this month.
Westbrook, the 2017 Most Valuable Player and a key player for the Houston Rockets, revealed his positive test result in a statement on Twitter.
"I tested positive for COVID-19 prior to my team's departure to Orlando," Westbrook said. "I'm currently feeling well, quarantined and looking forward to rejoining my teammates when I am cleared. Thank you all for the well wishes and continued support," he added.
Westbrook's positive test result comes as the NBA prepares to resume its season on July 30 after a four-month shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.
As well as Westbrook, fellow Rockets players James Harden and Luc Mbah a Moute also did not travel to Orlando, although the team has not given a reason for their absence.
Westbrook is one of several NBA players to have tested positive for COVID-19, joining a list which includes Brooklyn's Kevin Durant, Boston's Marcus Smart, and Utah Jazz duo Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell.
