Houston Rockets point guard Russell Westbrook, one of the best players in the NBA in recent years, announced on Monday that he has tested positive for coronavirus and has been placed in quarantine, less than three weeks before the restart of the competition.

"I tested positive for COVID-19 before my team's trip to Orlando," Westbrook said on his Twitter account. "I'm feeling good, I'm in quarantine, and I hope to join my teammates when I'm authorized."

The 31-year-old point guard, and nine-time All-Star, hopes to be able to arrive in time to play the end of the NBA season, which starts on July 30 at the Disney World sports complex in Orlando.

The Houston Rockets, who are currently in sixth place in the Western Conference, traveled to Orlando last Thursday without Westbrook and their other star player, James Harden. AFP