Wizards’ Bradley Beal Placed in Health and Safety Protocols

Wizards star shooting guard Bradley Beal has been placed in the league’s health and safety protocols, the team announced in a press release.

Bradley Beal (health and safety protocols) will not play in Monday night’s preseason game vs. Charlotte.

He will return to the team upon receiving clearance under the current NBA guidelines.

— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) October 9, 2022

Wizards coach Wes Unseld Jr. said Beal tested positive for COVID-19 and is experiencing mild symptoms, per Chase Hughes of NBA Sports Washington. Beal isn’t expected to miss much time and will be eligible to return “upon receiving clearance under current NBA guidelines,” as the team stated.

He signed a five-year, $251 million maximum contract to remain in Washington this past offseason.

His scoring average dipped by eight points from 2020-21, but he still led the Wizards in at 23.2 points at the time of a wrist injury, and was also averaging 6.6 points and 4.7 rebounds. 

Beal, 28, suffered a torn ligament on the wrist and underwent surgery less than a month later.

Washington finished 35-47 in its first season under Unseld, failing to qualify for the postseason.