The NBA season is set to restart in about a week. The Phoenix Suns will play their first exhibition game this Thursday, without backup center Aron Baynes.
Baynes’ status was up in the air, until he announced a positive coronavirus test on Wednesday.
Before the Suns left for the Orlando NBA Bubble two weeks ago, two players tested positive for coronavirus. The team kept the identities of both players secret until Wednesday.
“As soon as we get those two negative tests, then they’ll get me on a plane and get out to Orlando as quickly as I can,” Baynes said in an interview with the Athletic.
A player needs two consecutive negative tests to enter the bubble. Point guard Ricky Rubio also tested positive. He’s with the Suns in Orlando.
There have been zero positive tests within the bubble at Walt Disney World Resort. Players are allowed to leave the bubble for emergencies and return after consecutive negative tests.
The Suns said two other players were not with the team for personal reasons. All three are expected to join the team before the Suns begin in-season play on July 31.
