Four more NBA players, all on the Brooklyn Nets, have tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19), including Kevin Durant, the team announced today. The total number of confirmed cases in the NBA is now seven, with only four specific players identified to the public.
A statement from the Brooklyn Nets: pic.twitter.com/QnETcDEHCJ
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) March 17, 2020
The Nets did not reveal the names of any of the players, but the two-time Finals MVP Kevin Durant told The Athletic that he tested positive, is feeling fine, and not showing any symptoms. Two of his teammates are also reportedly asymptomatic, while one has been displaying symptoms.
“Everyone be careful, take care of yourself and quarantine,” Durant told The Athletic. “We’re going to get through this.”
Durant joins Rudy Gobert (Utah Jazz), Donovan Mitchell (Utah Jazz) and Christian Wood (Detroit Pistons) as the only known players who tested positive for COVID-19.
All of the players are currently isolated and being cared for by team physicians.
The Nets organization, which paid to have a private company test the team for the virus upon returning from San Francisco, is working to notify those who were in contact with the players.
The news caused an uproar among citizens due to the treatment and expediency at which wealthy athletes are able to get access to and results of tests.
“We wish them a speedy recovery,” New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted on Tuesday night. “But, with all due respect, an entire NBA team should NOT get tested for COVID-19 while there are critically ill patients waiting to be tested. Tests should not be for the wealthy, but for the sick.”
The Los Angeles Lakers organization plans to test its players on Wednesday and have them all enter a 14-day self-quarantine. The Lakers played the Nets on Tuesday, March 10, just before the league suspended all games.
In the coming weeks, or even sooner, it is likely that more players across the league will test positive for the virus.
The future of the season still remains unclear, with Adam Silver and other representatives working to figure out how best to move forward.
Photo: (Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
