Three Sacramento Kings Players Test Positive for COVID-19
A trio of Kings players have reportedly tested positive for COVID-19. Forward Jabari Parker tested positive several days ago, the team announced Wednesday. Later, The Athletic's Shams Charania reported guard Buddy Hield had also tested positive. Center Alex Len released a statement Wednesday night announcing he, too, had received a positive test result.
In a statement, Parker said that he is progressing in his recovery and "feeling well."
"I look forward to joining my teammates in Orlando as we return to the court for the resumption of the NBA season," Parker added.
He has been self-isolating in Chicago following his positive test.
Parker, 25, is in his first season with Sacramento, having been acquired by the team in a Feb. 6 trade with the Atlanta Hawks. He has appeared in just one game with the Kings this season and 33 games overall.
After getting drafted No. 2 overall in the 2014 NBA draft by the Bucks, whom he averaged 15 points and 5.5 rebounds for over four seasons, Parker has gone on to play for the Bulls, Wizards, Hawks and now Kings. The 25-year-old has a $6.5 million player option for next season which appears likely to be exercised.
Hield, 27, was drafted by the Pelicans in 2016 but traded to the Kings during his rookie season. He's averaging 19.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists this year, while shooting 39.5% on 3-pointers.
Len, 27, was traded to the Kings in February. In nine games since the trade, he's averaged 6.6 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game, all coming off the bench.
According to The Athletic's Sam Amick, the Kings' decision to sign veteran guard Corey Brewer on Tuesday was a response to the revelation of Parker's positive test.
Sacramento (28-36) is tentatively set to resume the season on July 31 as the No. 11 team in the Western Conference and is 3.5 games behind the eighth-seeded Grizzlies.