Magic's James Ennis tests positive for COVID-19, recovers and joins team in NBA bubble
ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando Magic forward James Ennis III said Wednesday he tested positive for COVID-19, but he has recovered and joined the team for practice in the NBA bubble at Disney World.
Ennis said during a videoconference he had a headache for four to five days and experienced some nausea, but he’s feeling better and practiced with the Magic Wednesday for the first time since entering the NBA bubble.
He described his situation as “all good now” and is focused on getting back into game shape, but he went through a difficult stretch.
“It was tough. I was just quarantined … in a separate room for about two weeks,” Ennis said. “I’m just happy to be back on the court. Trying to get my legs under me and trying to get back in rhythm. I did have symptoms. I had a headache for like four to five days. The first 24 hours I was down and like throwing up, but now my health is better.
“When I got it, it was like man, it’s always something for me … always have a speed bump. I just talked to my mom and she said everything happens for a reason. God has stayed with us … one day at a time, itching to get back and now I’m on the court, so it’s all good now.
“I’m rusty, honestly … gotta shake the dust off, stay in the gym.”
Ennis, 29, joined the Magic in February after getting traded by the 76ers. In 12 games for the Magic this season, including 10 starts, Ennis was playing a pivotal reserve role. He averaged 6.4 points and 3.2 rebounds per game.
Ennis said teammate Michael Carter-Williams had been checking up on him during his quarantine.
“I was hurt for him. It was a tough situation,” Carter-Williams said. “I just tried to check up on him to make sure his spirits were good.”
The NBA suspended its season on March 11 after Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19. The league closed its practice facilities due to the rampant spread of coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, and spent months crafting its plan to resume play in Orlando this month.
The Magic checked into the Grand Floridian last week and quarantined until players registered multiple negative tests, then began team practices. The team announced two Magic players did not enter the bubble — an unnamed player later identified as Ennis who tested positive for COVID-19 and Markelle Fultz, who the team stated was healthy but resolving a personal issue. Both have now joined the team in the bubble.
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