FILE - In this Jan. 28, 2020, file photo, Miami Heat forward Derrick Jones Jr. reacts after being called for a foul during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Boston Celtics, in Miami. A person with knowledge of the situation says Miami forward Derrick Jones Jr. has tested positive for the coronavirus. His result came in shortly after the Heat and other NBA teams began mandatory testing in preparation for next month's resumption of the season. Jones still plans to play when the Heat get back on the floor at the Disney complex near Orlando next month. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)
The Associated Press
MIAMI (AP) - A person with knowledge of the situation says Miami forward Derrick Jones Jr. has tested positive for the coronavirus, a result that came in shortly after the Heat and other NBA teams began mandatory testing in preparation for next month's resumption of the season.
Jones, the reigning NBA slam dunk contest champion, still plans to play when the Heat get back on the floor at the Disney complex near Orlando next month, said the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday because neither the Heat nor the player revealed the result publicly.
League officials have expected that positive tests would be inevitable, and believed that starting a testing regimen now - roughly five weeks before games begin at Disney - will give players with positive results time to recover and get back with their teams before those contests start July 30.
A small number of NBA players publicly revealed Wednesday that they had tested positive, including Sacramento teammates Jabari Parker and Alex Len and Indiana's Malcolm Brogdon. All-Star Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets has also tested positive, a person with knowledge of that situation told AP on Tuesday.
Jones will be a free agent when this season ends. He's averaging a career-best 8.9 points this season for the Heat, who have clinched a postseason berth.
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FILE - In this Feb. 10, 2020, file photo, Miami Heat forward Derrick Jones Jr. (5) dunks over Golden State Warriors guard Andrew Wiggins (22) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Francisco. A person with knowledge of the situation says Miami forward Derrick Jones Jr. has tested positive for the coronavirus. His result came in shortly after the Heat and other NBA teams began mandatory testing in preparation for next month's resumption of the season. Jones still plans to play when the Heat get back on the floor at the Disney complex near Orlando next month. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)
The Associated Press
Miami Heat forward Derrick Jones Jr. dunks the ball against Charlotte Hornets forward Jalen McDaniels (6) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 11, 2020, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
The Associated Press
Miami Heat forward Derrick Jones Jr. (5) celebrates a three-point shot during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets, Wednesday, March 11, 2020, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
The Associated Press