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Nikola Jokic, James Harden finally arrive in NBA bubble after multiple delays

Nikola Jokic has arrived.

After being delayed by a COVID-19 infection and then travel complications, the Denver Nuggets’ All-NBA center is inside the NBA bubble at Disney World.

Jokic was initially scheduled to join his teammates in Denver from his native Serbia last month before the report of his coronavirus infection. The Nuggets arrived inside the bubble last week without their best player.

James Harden finally made his appearance, too.

Harden did not join the Houston Rockets when they arrived at Disney World last week, though coach Mike D’Antoni didn’t provide an explanation. Fellow star Russell Westbrook announced on Monday that he had tested positive for the coronavirus, too, adding to the speculation surrounding Harden’s absence.

Harden, though, arrived on Tuesday night.

Report: Jokic makes it through quarantine

The Denver Post reports that Jokic has passed the NBA’s 48-hour quarantine but hasn’t been cleared physically to practice yet. He’ll need to undergo testing by the team before joining the Nuggets on the practice court, according to the report.

Nikola Jokic has joined his teammates after a COVID-19 infection and travel delay. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Nikola Jokic has joined his teammates after a COVID-19 infection and travel delay. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

As of Monday, the Nuggets were still shorthanded in Orlando regardless of Jokic’s status. Sources told Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes that Gary Harris, Michael Porter Jr. and Torrey Craig had not yet arrived.

Jokic’s arrival is, of course, good news for Denver. Jokic followed up his All-NBA season with averages of 20.2 points, 10.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists before the NBA’s COVID-19 hiatus. He’s showing up to Disney World significantly lighter than he was in April and will be one of the stories to watch as the third-place Nuggets look to upend the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers in the Western Conference.

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