By Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net
Ricky Rubio revealed in a zoom call with reporters that the reason he just joined the Phoenix Suns in Orlando on Tuesday (21/6) was that he had tested positive for coronavirus. After clearing protocols, the Spanish guard traveled to Florida and had his first practice with the team in the Walt Disney World Resort Wednesday.
“It was COVID-19,” Rubio said when asked about the reason behind his absence. “But I tested negative and I came back here in the bubble two days ago.”
“Health-wise, I’m good,” Rubio later said while discussing his overall physical condition. “Of course, being out 3-4 months, your legs feel it, your lungs feel it. It’s just something I got to work on. I got to figure out a way to give my best to the team but at the same time stay focused on my health.”
Rubio is expected to participate in Thursday’s scrimmage against his former team Utah Jazz. The Suns hinted that Rubio will actually play in the match by tweeting a photo of him and Devin Booker and mentioning that the duo will appear on the court together.
Earlier on Wednesday, Suns center Aron Baynes told Shams Charania that he tested positive for coronavirus and hasn’t produced a negative test yet.
When asked about absent players, Suns coach Monty Williams had said that he’s not going to talk about who’s with the team and who’s not because he’s restricted from discussing medical-related matters. “It’s a tough one for me because medically, I can’t talk about stuff. You guys (the media) know me. I don’t ever want to be rude to you guys. I understand you have a job to do, but there’s a limit on what I can talk about.” Williams had mentioned.
Rubio was reported to not being spotted among Suns players in the bubble, something that led to speculation regarding his absence.
When the NBA shut down on March 11, Rubio was averaging 13.1 points, 8.9 assists and 4.6 rebounds.