Boston Celtics wing Josh Richardson, who has evaded questions about his vaccination status, tested positive for COVID-19 on Dec. 10. He missed only two games before registering the required negative tests on consecutive days and returning to practice five days later. Richardson played two more games, scoring a season-high 27 points on Saturday, before reentering the NBA's health and safety protocols on Sunday.
In between, six more Celtics entered protocols, including Grant Williams, a vice president in the players' union and vocal vaccine advocate. Players can return from a COVID-19 diagnosis after 10 days or two negative tests 24 hours apart.