LA Clippers’ centre and forward player Montrezl Harrell has urgently left the bio-security NBA bubble in Orlando due to “unforeseeable family emergency” on Friday.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Montrezl had to leave on short notice, but the sources later confirmed that the 26-year-old is expected to join the side in the coming dates.
Can confirm that Montrezl Harrell has left the Disney World bubble to tend to a family matter but is expected to return, per a source with knowledge of the situation. @ShamsCharania was first. As of now, the Clippers have 1 center known to be in Orlando, Joakim Noah.
— Andrew Greif (@AndrewGreif) July 17, 2020
LA Clippers is not left with a very limited option in the centre position with just Joakim Noah on the side. The side’s second-best Ivica Zubac is also not available inside the “bubble” which might be concerning for the coach Doc Rivers.
The team management has duly excused Harrell for his family’s medical emergency and when he returns and tests negative for coronavirus, he will only have to self-isolate himself for just four days.
Harrell becomes the second player to be granted a permit to leave the NBA bubble due to a family emergency. Yesterday, New Orleans star rookie, Zion Williamson had to leave the bubble for the same reason after the team’s consent.
Harrell has been a vital cog of the Clippers and serves as the best sixth man in the roster this season. The 6’8″ forward has been averaging 18.6 points and 7.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists in over 23.17 minutes of the gameplay.
It is also confirmed that Harrell will not be a part of the side’s scrimmages against Orlando Magic (July 22), Washington Wizards (July 25) and Sacramento Kings (July 27)
LA Clippers are currently second in the Western Conference, only behind their arch-rivals Lakers. They will play their first match against the Lakers when the season resumes on July 30.
