Multiple players from the New Orleans Pelicans were the first from the NBA that were publicly acknowledged to have received a COVID-19 vaccine. Sindarius Thornwell and Nicolo Melli self-identified as receiving the vaccine.

Sources tell ESPN that a small number of players outside of the Pelicans have also received a vaccine dose, but those who did so have preexisting conditions.

The NBA has been sensitive to the public relations aspect of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and not wanting players to "skip the line", perhaps as a response to the way the league secured tests during an early point in the pandemic before they became widely available.

The NBA is hoping players choose to vaccinate as soon as doses become available to them.