By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The latest COVID-19 case surfacing in the NBA has entered Jayson Tatum into the league’s health and safety protocols. The Boston Celtics confirmed his addition on Monday.
Tatum, 23, had returned a positive COVID-19 test in January. As a result, he missed multiple games. He later admitted to dealing with the aftereffects for several weeks following his return to action.
“Just running up and down the court a few times, it’s easier to get out of breath or tired a lot faster,” he had pointed out about one month after the positive test early in the 2020-21 NBA Regular Season, “I’ve noticed that since I’ve had COVID. It’s just something I’m working on.”
The Celtics made the Playoffs but suffered a first-round exit at the hands of the Brooklyn Nets. They currently rank ninth in the Eastern Conference standings carrying a 16-17 record. Tatum, a starter in all 33 games so far, has put up 25.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, one steal, and 0.8 blocks per contest.
Besides Tatum getting sidelined again by the coronavirus, German Dennis Schroder, Enes Kanter Freedom, Bruno Fernando, Justin Jackson, C.J. Miles, Aaron Nesmith, and Josh Richardson are listed as out ahead of tonight’s away game versus the Minnesota Timberwolves after being placed in the health and safety protocols by the Boston organization. Grant Williams remains in the health and safety protocols but is listed as questionable. Marcus Smart is questionable as well with a right hand laceration.
Spanish Juancho Hernangomez is among the healthy available players for the team coached by Ime Udoka.
Photo Credit: Getty Images