Evan Fournier to enter protocols, miss debut as Celtics add to most games lost

The Boston Celtics have lead the league this season in a novel statistical category it would prefer not to have — namely games lost by players to COVID-19 precautions and infections.

And with news that newy-traded for shooting guard Evan Fournier has been placed in the NBA’s health and safety protocol ahead of what would have been his debut with the team against the Oklahoma City Thunder, joining veteran big man Tristan Thompson and second year wing Romeo Langford in the protocol. These latter two are expected to return to action soon, but it is unknown how long Fournier will have to remain on the sidelines.

Fans and teammates alike eager to see the Frenchman’s fit with the team will have to continue waiting indefinitely, with details to remain sparse per the league’s policy on such information.

In the meantime, the Celtics will forge ahead with 106 days missed total between their players, leading the Dallas Mavericks by a full week as the next-worst hit team, and the the Toronto Raptors next-worst after that with 89 days missed.

With just 27 games remaining to integrate Fournier, one has to hope the stay is a short one in the protocols for a team that may have paid a higher price on anticipated goals than any in the 2020-21 season (h/t ESPN’s Tom Haberstroh for the data sourcing.)

This post originally appeared on Celtics Wire. Follow us on Facebook!