Sacramento Kings grappling with possible COVID-19 outbreak

The Sacramento Kings are grappling with a potential COVID-19 outbreak among the team and possibly other staff. 

An NBA source has confirmed with CapRadio that interim head coach Alvin Gentry tested positive for the virus this week. That source also says there are additional cases and at least four players in what the league refers to as “health and safety protocols,” and that the team canceled a planned practice Thursday.

ESPN is reporting that De’Aaron Fox, Alex Len, Terence Davis and Marvin Bagley are four of the Kings players.

The NBA’s rules for how to address COVID-19 can get a little complicated. If a player or coach enters its so-called protocols, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ve tested positive for the virus. It may indicate they’ve been in close proximity to someone who’s the virus, a possible exposure. 

This season, several players have entered these health-and-safety protocols, only to return and play games in the next few days.

A player has to grant a team permission to disclose to the public that they have tested positive.

To return to the court after a positive test, an individual will need at least negative COVID-19 tests in a 24-hour period. If not, they must stay inactive for at least 10 days. 

When LeBron James entered the health-and-safety protocols earlier this month, he reportedly had eight negative tests in a matter of days.

The Kings have a game in Sacramento on Friday night, and the NBA, which is in charge of the league schedule, would announce if that game happens or is canceled.

The virus is affecting other NBA teams this week, including the Chicago Bulls, who have had two games canceled with 10 players in the health-and-safety protocols. Five Los Angeles Lakers are in the protocols this week, including Russell Westbrook, and NBA Finals MVP Giannis Antentokuompo is also sidelined.