Spurs, short-handed and reeling, get back on practice floor
DeMar DeRozan will be absent from Wednesday’s game following the recent passing of his father.
The San Antonio Spurs are currently grappling with a coronavirus outbreak. Simultaneously, they are also dealing with the repercussions of a lethal icy storm that has impacted millions in Texas. Additionally, one of their top players is grieving the loss of a parent.
Considering all these factors, basketball appears to be a secondary concern for the Spurs at the moment.
However, they returned to work on Monday, conducting a comprehensive practice for the first time since the announcement last week that a minimum of four players tested positive for COVID-19. They will be missing at least six players when they make their comeback to the court on Wednesday in Oklahoma City.
“Popovich, donning a cap with the San Antonio Food Bank logo, shared his long-held belief, “There’s always someone, or some group, who has it harder than you do. Given our place in society, we are incredibly fortunate.”
The Spurs announced that five players – Rudy Gay, Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, Quinndary Weatherspoon and Derrick White – are currently not with the team due to health and safety protocols and will not join the club on their trip to Oklahoma City. Coach Popovich stated that NBA rules have prevented all of them from returning to San Antonio following the outbreak that occurred during the Spurs’ road trip last week.
DeMar DeRozan will also miss Wednesday’s game due to personal reasons. He disclosed late last week that his father had passed away.
“Dealing with the loss of a parent is challenging,” said Popovich. “However, I’ve been communicating with him. He is a very mature and kind individual. Currently, he is doing what is necessary for his family.”
When a player is marked as ‘out’ due to protocols, it usually indicates that they have either tested positive for COVID-19, are suspected to have tested positive, or are sidelined due to contact tracing procedures. Additionally, before a positive player is given the green light to return, they must first pass a series of medical examinations. Consequently, there is uncertainty as to when any of the five players sidelined due to virus-related causes might be able to return.
Our next three games have been postponed in accordance with the NBA's Health and Safety Protocols. pic.twitter.com/q9cOsJXNvi
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) February 16, 2021
One positive roster update may be the return of LaMarcus Aldridge, who hasn’t played since February 1 due to right hip flexor discomfort. He may be prepared to play again, with the Spurs set to make the final decision on Tuesday.
Popovich stated that Aldridge made it through Monday’s practice without any issues.
“Popovich stated, “I’m certain he was likely a bit out of breath.”
Last week, the NBA initially announced that four players from the Spurs had contracted COVID-19, but did not disclose any names. The team’s last game was on February 14, where they triumphed over Charlotte. This marked their fifth victory in six games, enhancing their standing to 16-11. This is the first time they have been five games above the .500 mark since April 2019.
Shortly after the team received news of four positive tests, a series of road games against Detroit, Cleveland, New York, and Indiana were postponed. In addition, two Hornets games were also delayed out of caution, allowing time for complete contact tracing studies.
The number of games canceled due to virus-related issues this season rose to 29 with those postponements, excluding several other games that were rescheduled to fill schedule gaps.
#SpursFamily, let's come together and help each other recover from this week’s winter storm.
If you can, please consider donating or volunteering with @safoodbank at the several distribution sites this weekend ➡️ https://t.co/Op6Ph5pbJ9 pic.twitter.com/3LDFBP88yL
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) February 19, 2021
The Spurs have become the fourth team this season to experience an unplanned break of at least a week due to issues related to the virus. Boston had a seven-day gap between games, while Memphis and Washington had breaks of 12 and 13 days, respectively.
The storm then arrived, essentially incapacitating a large portion of Texas for several days.
On Monday, Popovich emphasized perspective, attempting to put the absence from a few basketball games into its appropriate context.
“Self-pity or complaining isn’t on the cards,” said Popovich. “It’s unmerited and inappropriate. We should only express gratitude for what we have. So, during this time, we should consider all those who have endured severe hardships. As per numerous reports, it didn’t have to be this way,” he added.
