Jabari Parker Tests Positive For COVID-19

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Jabari Parker tested positive for COVID-19. According to a release from the Sacramento Kings forward, the test occurred several days ago. Despite the positive test, Parker plans to join his team when the NBA season resumes in Orlando.

“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 court for the resumption of the NBA season.”

Statement from Jabari Parker: pic.twitter.com/fn0WncpLi8

— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) June 24, 2020

Parker has appeared in just one game with the Kings since being traded by the Atlanta Hawks in early February. The NBA has been suspended since March 11 when Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for the virus.

Parker Not The Only Player Testing Positive For COVID-19

Parker isn’t the only player to test positive for COVID-19 as players prepare to resume the season. Earlier Wednesday, Indiana Pacers guard Malcolm Brogdon confirmed he had received a positive test.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, “one Western Conference playoff team had four positives in past weeks.”

Denver Nuggets All-Star center Nikola Jokic tested positive for the virus in Serbia last week. “He’s been asymptomatic since testing positive last week,” Wojnarowski tweeted. “Jokic is expected to be cleared to travel to Denver within a week.”

Additionally, the Arizona Republic’s Duane Rankin that two members of the Phoenix Suns received positive tests.

Two Phoenix #Suns players have tested positive for COVID-19, sources have informed @azcentral. (w/video). #COVID19 https://t.co/hvUzZuTHDL via @azcentral pic.twitter.com/geDPVhhw1n

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) June 23, 2020

“The positive tests led to Suns temporarily shutting down voluntary workouts at Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum,“ The sources told Rankin.

Players who test positive for the virus will be “isolated and retested” according to ESPN. The retest will be administered to make sure there isn’t a false positive. Players who are confirmed positive will receive treatment and ordered to rest for at least 14 days.

Players will then undergo a cardiac test before they are allowed to resume exercising.

The NBA is prepared for positive tests during its return. According to the 100 plus page safety protocol memo given to teams, “the occurrence of a small or otherwise expected number of COVID-19 cases will not require a decision to suspend or cancel the resumption” of the season.