After a period of individual workouts at Chase Center in San Francisco, the Golden State Warriors were able to open group practice sessions at training camp on Monday. Yet, the Warriors were missing a pair of significant factors on the first day of practice.
Three-time All-Star Draymond Green and 2020 No. 2 overall pick James Wiseman were absent for Golden State’s first group practice at training camp.
After Steve Kerr mentioned Green and Wiseman missed practice in a post-practice press conference with media, the Warriors coach declined to specify the reason why both players were out. Kerr told reporters, “you can make your own deductions.”
According to Connor Letourneau of the San Francisco Chronicle, Green and Wiseman missed the opening practice due to testing positive for the coronavirus.
Via The San Francisco Chronicle:
Forward Draymond Green and rookie center James Wiseman — the No. 2 pick in last month’s draft — missed the Warriors’ first group practice of training camp Monday after testing positive for the coronavirus, a league source confirmed with The Chronicle.
On Tuesday of last week, general manager Bob Myers announced the Warriors would delay their first day of practice due to two players testing positive for coronavirus.
Per league protocols, both players would need to quarantine away from the team for 10 to 12 days and record two negative COVID-19 tests before rejoining the Warriors on the practice floor.
The Warriors aren’t the only team in the NBA navigating through positive coronavirus tests. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, 48 players around the league have tested positive for COVID-19 during the initial testing phase from late November. After a trio of positive tests, the Portland Trail Blazers made the decision to shut down their facility.
Via @ShamsCharania on Twitter:
48 NBA players have tested positive for coronavirus out of 546 tested during initial testing phase from Nov. 24-30, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 2, 2020
Although he wasn’t available for Golden State’s first practice, Kerr said he’s “not worried” about the former Defensive Player of the Year.
When he’s ready to go, he’ll be out there. I’m not worried about Draymond [Green]. He’s got a better feel for what we do than anybody. He’ll be fine once he gets rolling with practice.
With Wiseman not on the floor for practice yet, Kerr said the Warriors coaching staff is showing film along with giving him some homework to work on.
It’s unfortunate, but it’s just the way it goes. Our coaching staff has been showing him tape the last few days. He’s still getting some homework in between now and the time he will be able to play again. It’s not ideal, but nothing’s ideal for anybody in 2020.
Listen to Kerr’s full post-practice presser via Warriors SoundCloud.
While it’s still unclear when Green and Wiseman will officially be able to return to practice, both players will likely miss Golden State’s first preseason game against the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, Dec. 12 at Chase Center.