Jazz Conley In Quarantine Due To Close COVID-19 Exposure
Dec 4, 2020, 4:05 PM
Mike Conley (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Mike Conley was one of two players who missed the Utah Jazz first group practice due to COVID-19 restrictions. Conley said he was in close contact with someone near his family who had the virus.
As a result of NBA protocols, Conley must remain in quarantine until he provides seven tests showing he’s tested negative for COVID-19.
The Jazz point guard said he hopes to join his team beginning next week.
Mike Conley said he had close contact with COVID-19 so he wasn't at @UtahJazz practice today.
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 4, 2020
“I have to pass a certain amount of negative tests,” Conley said of the league’s requirements. “I’ve had a bunch of negative tests in a row, but I think I have to reach up to seven per my case. So hopefully we get to that on Monday.”
Training camp officially opened for the Jazz on December 1, though players were limited to individual workouts through the first three days of camp before gathering in a group setting on Friday.
Conley’s restrictions serve as a reminder of just how different the NBA season might look in light of the ongoing pandemic.
Bojan Bogdanovic was a full participant in the @UtahJazz first group practice.
Meanwhile, Derrick Favors is making a quick adjustment to his new teammates. #TakeNotehttps://t.co/QlSmthTmFx
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 4, 2020
“In my situation right now, I’m not positive for COVID at all,” Conley said. But effectively, I’m going to miss 8-10 days. It feels like I’m not doing anything.”
The guard said NBA teams are going to have to find strength from within to deal with changes brought to the league as a result of COVID-19.
“Our resiliency is going to be key,” Conley said. “Just being able to know that one night you’re going to have your full team the next night two or three guys might not be there.”
The Jazz open their three-game preseason schedule on December 12 against the Phoenix Suns. The team will travel to Portland to face the Trail Blazers to open the regular season on December 23.
