Toronto Raptors guard Gary Trent Jr. has joined guard Dalano Banton and forward Pascal Siakam in the NBA's health and safety protocols, the team announced Monday.
Gary Trent Jr. has joined Siakam and Banton in health and safety protocols. Raptors doing individual work only for the time being.
— Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) December 20, 2021
Trent Jr. is averaging 16.8 points per game this season, Siakam is averaging 19.1 points per game, and Banton, a rookie from Rexdale, Ont., is averaging 4.1 points.
The Raptors announced earlier on Monday that they have stopped practising as a team, instead working with coaches individually.
It's a precautionary measure being introduced as Toronto's game against Orlando on Monday night was postponed due to a COVID-19 outbreak on the Magic. But the Raptors have also been hit by the virus.
Toronto's new practice regimen will feature just one player and one coach drilling at one net at a time.
There are six nets at the Raptors' practice facility but a team spokesperson says they'll likely limit practice to four of the hoops.
All players and team staff will be tested before entering the OVO Athletic Centre.
Toronto's next game is Wednesday in Chicago.
Monday's game against Orlando at Scotiabank Arena was one of several that the NBA postponed. Sunday's games between Denver and Brooklyn, Cleveland and Atlanta and New Orleans and Philadelphia were postponed, while Tuesday's game between the Wizards and Nets has also been scratched.
The Raptors are well-versed in COVID-19 challenges. The team suffered a major outbreak that impacted several key players and most of the coaching staff last March, and tumbled down the Eastern Conference standings during that time, missing the playoffs.
Team president Masai Ujiri also announced he had tested positive from his Giants of Africa event on Dec. 5. Forward Precious Achiuwa just returned to the lineup on Saturday after being in COVID protocol for 10 days due to a close contact.
-- With files from Canadian Press
