The Sixers began training camp on Sunday and were immediately greeted with three positive COVID-19 tests.
Sixers’ rookie Tyrese Maxey, fan-favorite Mike Scott, and an unnamed player are the afflicted. All three are not with the team until they clear the league’s COVID protocols.
Players who test positive must undergo a cool-down period of 10 days followed by two days of individual work-outs. Thereafter, the players can return to the team if they pass a cardiac health screening.
The Sixers’ first preseason game is December, 15th against the Boston Celtics. It’s possible that Maxey, Scott, and the third player are available but obviously, their health and the health of the rest of the team is the top priority.
The Sixers rookie that the team selected with the 21st overall pick this year has fans waiting with bated breath. Considered a “steal”, Maxey boats an incredible amount of potential for a player drafted in the ’20s. Whenever he makes his debut, Sixer fans will be paying close attention.
Mike Scott meanwhile is in line for a promotion in terms of playing time. After starter Tobias Harris and Paul Reed (two-way contract), Scott is the only power forward on the roster.
It’s more out of necessity than deserved but a big year out of Mike Scott would be huge for a team with aspirations as big as Philly’s.
Then there is the unnamed player. Just who exactly are they? Is it someone with a smaller role like Ryan Broekhoff? Or one of the team’s new additions like Seth Curry?
Just how exactly this player’s absence will affect the team is yet to be determined. Hopefully, all three players can return to camp healthy sooner rather than later.
Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire
