The restart of the 2019-20 NBA campaign is just a few days away, but Los Angeles Clippers forward Montrezl Harrell has not yet returned to the bubble at Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
Harrell's status remains unknown after leaving the Disney facility two weeks ago to tend to some urgent personal matters.
Since Harrell will have to undergo mandatory quarantine upon his return, the Clippers have already scratched him off for their highly anticipated match-up against rivals Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, July 30.
According to Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes, the Sixth Man of the year front runner has already tested negative for COVID-19 during his time away from the bubble — which is certainly good news for the Clips.
Yahoo Sources: Los Angeles Clippers forward Montrezl Harrell still tending to a private matter and will miss restart opener against Los Angeles Lakers. His return to bubble unknown. https://t.co/Qx02tuVFFY pic.twitter.com/F11KdflVht
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 29, 2020
Montrezl Harrell has had a monstrous season for head coach Doc Rivers prior to the hiatus. The 6-foot-7 bruiser averaged career-highs of 18.6 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 63 games. The former second-round pick will be an unrestricted free agent in the offseason and is expected to entertain plenty of offers from other teams.
The Clippers (44-20), on the other hand, are still one of the favorites to win it all this year. They still have a chance to snatch the top seed from the Lakers in the West, as they are just 5.5 games behind.
Harrell's possible prolonged absence will indeed be a big blow to the Clippers' title aspirations, considering they have had multiple players exit the bubble so far.
Patrick Beverley is also doubtful to play, while Lou Williams is already expected to miss the Clippers' first two games of the restart. The three-time Sixth Man of the Year is currently serving a 10-day quarantine.
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