Russell Westbrook revealed today that he tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, just before the trip to Orlando.
Massive blow for the Houston Rockets
The former MVP and the most important player of the Rockets, along with James Harden, shared the news about his health issues today.
Westbrook wrote on his Twitter account that his results after a test for COVID-19 came back positive and that he won’t be joining his teammates in Orlando for some time.
“I tested positive for COVID-19 prior to my team’s departure to Orlando. I’m currently well, quarantine,d and looking forward to rejoining my teammates when I am cleared,” Russ wrote, among other things.
He also thanked everyone for the support he received and warned all the people to be careful and protect themselves.
It seems that the superstar has no symptoms or any problem virus may cause, and that probably means that his absence would be short-term. After seeing Nikola Jokic and Novak Djokovic recovering from Coronavirus after just a few days, the same scenario is expected in Westbrook’s case, which removes the worries of all the Rockets’ fans.
In 53 games this season, the No.0 averaged 27.5 points, 7 assists, 8 boards, and 1.7 steals, shooting 47.4% from the field, all this in 35.9 minutes. He is a vital piece in Mike D’Antoni’s small-ball basketball philosophy because Westbrook can cover multiple positions and helps the team with a diverse skillset.
Once rivals double-team Harden or play pressing on him all over the court, Westbrook is there to attack the basket. It is no wonder why he takes the 7th place on the scorer’s list right now.
However, the former MVP’s role is much greater than just scoring. His relentless defense is covering up all other teammates who aren’t very gifted in this aspect of play. Also, Westbrook’s physicality is speeding up the game, and giving an edge to the Rockets on both sides of the court.
Harden stays in Texas
Besides Westbrook, the other star player and the league’s top scorer, James Harden also didn’t travel to Florida but stayed at home. This is something that immediately raised a massive suspicion regarding his current condition.
Some are suggesting that he too has COVID-19, while others say that the Beard didn’t head for Orlando because of some personal matters.
Anyhow, D’Antoni said that he hopes all three players (including Luc Mbah a Moute) arrive at the bubble before the restart of the campaign, which starts on July 30.
The Rockets are opening it against their state rivals, the Dallas Mavericks, on August 1, and after that two days later clash with the NBA-best Milwaukee Bucks, Then they have meetings with the Trail Blazers, the Lakers, Kings, Spurs, Pacers and the 76ers in the end.
Right now, they occupy the sixth position in the East, with 40 wins and 24 losses, the same as OKC Thunder. D’Antoni’s guys are one game behind the Jazz and two and a half games behind Denver.
