Chris Paul out indefinitely after reportedly testing positive for COVID-19
The Suns will give an update on his status on Saturday (June 19).
Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul has been sidelined from the NBA playoffs for an indefinite amount of time after he reportedly tested positive for COVID-19.
According to The Athletic, the NBA star entered the league’s health and safety protocols and his status for the start of the Western Conference Finals is “up in the air.” Paul is reportedly fully vaccinated and received the Pfizer vaccine back in February. The Suns will provide a health update on his status on Saturday (June 19), however, Coach Monty Williams will speak to reporters on Wednesday (June 16).
The Suns are set to face off against the winner of the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Clippers playoff matchup. Currently, the series is tied 2-2 and Game 5 is scheduled for Wednesday (June 16). If that series ends with a winner in Game 6, the Suns’ first game could be on Sunday (June 20).
Paul’s absence could be devastating for the Suns. He is currently averaging 15.7 points, 8.7 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game. Last Sunday (June 13), he scored 37 points in the team’s 125-118 win over the Denver Nuggets.
CP3 started trending on social media after fans began discussing the news. Twitter user @Vada-Fly tweeted, “Chris Paul contracting COVID-19 AFTER being vaccinated…. Is the MAIN REASON I still wear my mask daily…. This COVID shhhht ain’t over. Retweet this so someone else gets a message they may need.”
“The shit that Chris Paul has gone through in his pursuit of an NBA Championship is insane,” tweeted @protectedpick. “Even beyond the actual injuries, it must be completely emotionally exhausting. I have gained so much respect for him this year.”
Writer David Gardner tweeted, “There’s like a 1% chance of testing positive for COVID after being vaccinated. This may be Chris Paul’s unluckiest break in his career.”