Toronto Raptors centre Khem Birch says he and his family had COVID-19
TORONTO - Khem Birch has finally rejoined the Toronto Raptors after recovering from COVID-19.
The Montreal centre spoke to the media for the first time this season after Monday morning's shootaround, and said he and his family arrived in Toronto on Sept. 18, and within the week they had all tested positive for the virus.
“I lost my smell and a little bit of fatigue,” Birch said of his symptoms. “But I think I can come back. I feel good now. I think game shape is different, just not playing. We'll see tonight.”
The Raptors, who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, hosted the Houston Rockets in a pre-season game Monday.
“We're all 100 per cent fully vaccinated too, so thank God,” Birch said of his family. “If we weren't it probably would have been worse.”
The 29-year-old Birch said his wife lost her sense of taste and smell while their daughter suffered no symptoms.
It wasn't the start to the season Birch had hoped for after signing a three-year US$20-million deal with Toronto in the off-season. Orlando bought out the Canadian late last season and he was impressive in his 19 appearances with the Raptors to end their 2020-21 season in Tampa, Fla., averaging 11.9 points and grabbing 7.6 rebounds a game.
Birch hopes he can bounce back quickly.
“I can probably feel good after tonight's game or (Tuesday),” he said. “I usually get in shape quick. Luckily, we have a whole week of practices before our first (regular-season) game. Right now I'm just gonna go out and play as hard as I can, not worry about the box score, just worry about getting the W.”
The Raptors are without fellow Montreal centre Chris Boucher, who had surgery last week to repair a dislocated finger. Pascal Siakam is recovering from shoulder surgery while Yuta Watanabe is sidelined with a calf strain.
Toronto hosts Washington on Tuesday to wrap up their pre-season. The Raptors open the regular season on Oct. 20 against the visiting Washington Wizards.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 11, 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING 4th Indian national arrested, charged with murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Homicide investigators in B.C. say murder charges have been laid against a fourth Indian national in connection to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Surrey gurdwara last year.
Man arrested after allegedly caught trespassing at Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Toronto police say a man has been taken into custody after he was allegedly caught trespassing at Drake's mansion in Bridle Path Saturday afternoon.
Wildfire that forced evacuation of Fort Nelson, B.C., caused by tree falling on wires, mayor says
The wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 3,000 people near Fort Nelson, B.C., was caused by a tree falling on wires, according to the municipality's mayor.
Eurovision Song Contest final kicks off after protests, backstage chaos and a contestant's expulsion
The 68th Eurovision Song Contest finally got down to musical business Saturday in the Swedish city of Malmo after days of protests and offstage drama that have tipped the feelgood musical celebration into a chaotic pressure cooker overshadowed by the war in Gaza.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
IN PICTURES Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Grand Bend, Collingwood and Guelph, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.
Ron Ellis, who played over 1,000 games with Maple Leafs, dead at 79
Ron Ellis, who played over 1,000 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs and was a member of Canada's team at the 1972 Summit Series, has died at age 79.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.