NBA star Russell Westbrook tests positive for COVID-19

Russell Westbrook during the 69th NBA All-Star Game at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, February 16, 2020. /VCG

NBA star Russell Westbrook revealed Monday (July 13) he has tested positive for COVID-19 as the league gears up for its return in Florida later this month.

Houston Rockets star Westbrook, the 2017 Most Valuable Player and one of the biggest names in the NBA, said in a statement he was feeling well and was in isolation.

"I tested positive for COVID-19 prior to my team's departure to Orlando," Westbrook said on social media.

Russell Westbrook of the Houston Rockets shoots during practice as part of the 2019 NBA Japan Games at a training facility in Tokyo, Japan, October 6, 2019. /VCG

"I'm currently feeling well, quarantined and looking forward to rejoining my teammates when I am cleared. …Please take this virus seriously. Be safe. Mask up!" the 31-year-old added.

Westbrook has been one of the Rockets' key players this season after his move from the Oklahoma City Thunder, averaging 27.5 points per game. The Rockets are currently the sixth seed in the Western Conference with a 40-24 record.

His teammate James Harden did not travel with the team to Orlando either, but reasons are unknown.

Twenty-two teams began arriving last week at the Disney ESPN Wide World of Sports complex in Orlando, where they will be housed in a quarantined bubble to train ahead of the scheduled July 30 restart.

LeBron James, #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers, during practice as part of the NBA Restart 2020 in Orlando, Florida, July 13, 2020. /VCG

The NBA on Monday said 322 players have been tested for COVID-19 since arriving on the campus on July 7 and two have returned confirmed positive tests while in quarantine.

The positive test rate of 0.6 percent illustrates that the NBA is largely succeeding in keeping its players isolated from the coronavirus outbreak that is gripping Florida.

(With input from agencies)