New York (AFP)
Prior to the resumption of the NBA season, 25 NBA players have tested positive for Covid-19 since testing began last week, the North American Basketball League and the players' union announced Thursday.
According to the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association, these 25 positive tests come from 351 player tests since the controls began on June 23. To this must be added ten club staff members who have also tested positive for Covid-19 in the past week.
New Orleans Pelicans youth player Zion Williamson, 19, supported the NBA on Thursday with a video conference.
"I have confidence in the NBA. In the bubble, we will be in a safe environment. It's crazy," added Williamson, shaking his head.
The NBA season has been on hiatus since March 11, following the announcement of a positive test by Rudy Gobert, the hub of the Utah Jazz.
"We're really going to start playing again. There are a lot of procedures to follow, but I'm excited," said the Pelicans rookie.
Any player, coach or member of staff of a team whose test is positive must isolate himself until he respects the health protocols and receives the authorization of a doctor.
The NBA plans to resume on July 30 with 22 teams that will play games without spectators in a protected environment at Disney World, Florida.
Teams are scheduled to travel to Orlando from Tuesday to next Thursday to host training camps and preparatory games for July 9-29.
The regular season games, eight for each team, will begin on July 30 with the Los Angeles derby between the Lakers and the Clippers, as well as a match pitting Utah Jazz against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Once these games are over, and after the classification matches that may be necessary, the NBA play-offs are expected to start on August 17 and the NBA finals will be played from September 30.
© 2020 AFP