The Phoenix Suns’ guard Chris Paul has landed in the NBA’s health and safety protocol, and is out indefinitely. Paul, the president of the National Basketball Players Association, has not said if he is vaccinated. It is unknown if he tested positive or came into contact without someone who tested positive for COVID-19. The NBA does not require fully vaccinated individuals to quarantine if they are exposed to COVID-19, but has not announced specific rules for vaccinated players who test positive.
The 11-time All-Star helped lead the Suns to the Western Conference Finals with a four-game sweep of the Denver Nuggets last week. Paul, 36, averaged 16.4 points, 8.9 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game and made a league-best 93.4% of his free throws in 70 starts this season. He joined the Suns in an off-season trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder. Paul is averaging 15.7 points and 8.7 assists per game this postseason.
The NBA is expected to release the Western Conference Finals schedule within the next few days, and could start as early as Sunday. The Suns will face the Utah Jazz or Los Angeles Clippers. The Western Conference Semifinals series between the Jazz and Clippers is tied at 2-2.