It was reported Wednesday that Phoenix Suns star Chris Paul was placed in the NBA’s health and safety protocols. At the time, it was unknown whether or not he tested positive for the coronavirus.
Later in the day, John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM reported that Paul did test positive for COVID-19. The 36-year-old received the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in February, per Gambadoro.
Paul will be sidelined indefinitely, and his status for the Western Conference Finals is unclear. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the isolation period for a vaccinated individual could be shorter than an unvaccinated individual.
The Suns await the winner of the Los Angeles Clippers-Utah Jazz series, which is currently tied 2-2. If Paul is unable to compete in the Western Conference Finals, it’ll be a huge blow for the Suns, who are back in the conference finals for the first time since the 2009-10 campaign.
Paul is averaging 15.7 points, 8.7 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game this postseason. His best performance of the playoffs came in Game 4 against the Nuggets when he put up 37 points, three rebounds and seven assists.
