UNC Basketball Alumni: Harrison Barnes announces positive COVID-19 test

Former UNC Basketball standout Harrison Barnes announces he has tested positive for COVID-19 and wont be in Orlando right away

The NBA world is descending in Orlando for the restart as players and staff members have already reported to the bubble for practices. While we have received a small glimpse of what life is like in the ‘bubble’ so far, things are still on schedule to get going in late July.

But as hundreds of players are there, a few remain at home quarantining due to COVID-19.

Among them is former UNC Basketball standout Harrison Barnes who has announced via Twitter that he has tested positive for COVID-19. Barnes posted this message on his Twitter account Tuesday afternoon:

Barnes was supposed to be with his Sacramento teammates this week in Orlando for the bubble restart but that is now delayed. Instead, he will quarantine and then head to Orlando when he is cleared.

The announcement from Barnes comes a day after Houston star Russell Westbrook also announced he tested positive for COVID-19 and will not travel just yet. Overall, the NBA has done a solid job with the bubble and limited the number of positive tests. That’s key if they want to get this thing going on time.

The 28-year-old Barnes averaged 14.7 points and 4.8 rebounds 64 games with the Kings before the season was postponed. The Kings sit at 28-36 overall and are fighting for the eight seed in the West and the chance to make the playoffs. They play their first game on July 31st but it’s unknown if Barnes will be able to play.

For more on Barnes and other former UNC Basketball players in the NBA, please check back with Keeping it Heel.