Cleveland Cavaliers rookie Evan Mobley has been reportedly cleared from the NBA’s health and safety protocols, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Mobley was one of six Cavaliers players in the health and safety protocol as the team experienced a recent coronavirus outbreak. He will reconvene with the Cavaliers but his game status on Tuesday versus the New Orleans Pelicans is not yet known.
The Cavaliers went 3-1 without Mobley in the lineup as the team was forced to sign several replacement players with so many sidelined in the health and safety protocol. He may need a practice or two to get his conditioning back so it is possible he does not play against the Pelicans.
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Players and coaches entered into the health and safety protocol that are vaccinated can now be cleared to return after six days, compared to the previous 10-day isolation period. Individuals can still be cleared sooner if they return two negative PCR tests at least 24 hours apart.
Mobley, who was named the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for October and November, is averaging 13.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.8 blocked shots in 25 games. He leads the rookie class in rebounding and blocks while he is fifth in scoring.
The Cavaliers are allowing 7.6 points per 100 possessions more on defense when Mobley is off of the court. With Mobley cleared to return, the Cavaliers will get their defensive standout back in the lineup.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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