Nets star forward Kevin Durant has entered the NBA’s health and safety protocols, as relayed by Shams Charania of The Athletic.
The Nets have been among the team’s hardest hit by the protocols, and recently announced the return of point guard Kyrie Irving (at least for road games) to lend a helping hand.
Durant has placed himself firmly in the league MVP conversation yet again, averaging 33.1 points, 9.0 rebounds and 6.7 assists in December alone. Despite all the missing bodies, the Nets entered Saturday on a four-game win streak.
The Nets have seven other players currently in the protocol — LaMarcus Aldridge, DeAndre’ Bembry, Bruce Brown, Jevon Carter, James Harden, James Johnson and Paul Millsap.
Durant will need to be in the protocols for 10 days or return two negative tests in a 24-hour span before returning.
The NBA reportedly has a vaccination rate of 97 percent, but like the NFL and NHL, is experiencing a major outbreak of positive tests and players entering protocol. The Associated Press reported Thursday evening that about 8 percent of NBA players were in protocol.
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