Harrison Barnes to the rescue?

Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes has been cleared by the NBA protocol and is on his way to Orlando Friday to join his teammates in the Bubble.

Barnes originally tested positive for the Coronavirus back on July 5, prompting the immediate shutdown of the team’s practice facility in Sacramento. However, he was not identified as the fourth member of the team to test positive until July 14.

According to head coach Luke Walton, Harrison is expected to be ready for the squad’s opener on July 31 against the San Antonio Spurs. He originally came into the team’s mini-camp back in Sacramento in great shape and is expected to have a quick ramp up before the 8-game restart.

He must first clear a two-day quarantine once he arrives in Orlando but can be present for the team’s final scrimmage on July 27 vs the Los Angeles Clippers. It is unlikely he will participate in that contest though.

All in all, this is great news for the Kings as Barnes brings a skilled veteran presence to the forward spots and allows the team to utilize a whole new set of dynamic lineups in their push for the final playoff berth.