For the first time in more than a week, the Houston Rockets were almost at full strength in practice Wednesday, thanks to veterans John Wall, Eric Gordon, and DeMarcus Cousins coming back into the team.
All three veterans and rookie guards Mason Jones were all subject to a seven-day quarantine, since the NBA decided after contact to find they were a close associate of the advanced COVID-19 case. However, they regularly tested themselves negatively, and were cleared to get back in the team in time for Wednesday’s use at the Toyota Center.
Wall replaces David Nwaba in the starting lineup when Houston (0-2) host Sacramento (3-1) Thursday. At the same time, Gordon and Cousins should be major off-the-bench wars. For the All-Stars Wall and Cousins, who each lost last season due to injury, it will be their first Rockets tour and their first regular-season game action from 2018-19.
So far, the only rotation player expected to remain absent is reserve guard Ben McLemore, who tested positive for COVID-19. Its positive result gives it a longer timeline to go back to teammates than those quarantined (but testing negative) after opening.
Following Wednesday’s practice, Wall, Cousins, and head coach Stephen Silas were brought to the media for interviews. Here is an example of what each had to say after a difficult week away from the team.
John Wall, guard
DeMarcus Cousins, center
Stephen Silas, head coach