Pacers’ Duarte, Jackson placed into health and safety protocol
Indiana Pacers rookies Chris Duarte and Isaiah Jackson on Thursday were reportedly among the players placed into the NBA’s health and safety protocol, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Duarte and Jackson join Malcolm Brogdon and Jeremy Lamb in the protocol. The team lost head coach Rick Carlisle to the protocol earlier this month but has mostly avoided a serious outbreak on the roster until this week with four players now sidelined.
Players and coaches entered into the health and safety protocol that are vaccinated can now be cleared to return after six days, compared to the previous 10-day isolation period. Individuals can still be cleared sooner if they return two negative PCR tests at least 24 hours apart.
Duarte has emerged as one of the top rookies and a key player for the Pacers. He had scored in double figures in six straight contests prior to entering the protocol, averaging 14.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists during that span. He ranks second in total scoring among all rookies.
Jackson, who was the 22nd pick, has played sparingly this season but has drawn praise from Carlisle for his potential and ability on defense. He has played four games in the NBA G League, averaging 13.5 points 7.5 rebounds and three blocked shots.
Over 200 players have entered the health and safety protocol in the month of December alone as 10 games have been postponed as a result. Teams have called up over 80 players from the NBA G League to replace those in the protocol.
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