If the Blazers hope to sneak into the Western Conference playoffs, they will reportedly do so without the services of Trevor Ariza.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that Ariza, whom Portland acquired in a January trade with Sacramento, will not take part in the 2019-20 season restart in Orlando. Instead, the veteran forward plans on taking advantage of a one-month visitation period with his son — a window that coincides with the league’s current hiatus and upcoming restart. Ariza is involved in a custody case with his son’s mother.
NBA players have until Wednesday to inform teams of their decision to play or sit out the remainder of the season.
At 29-37, Portland is currently 3.5 games behind Memphis for the eighth and final playoff spot out West. They will also have to fend off other outside-looking-in teams, including New Orleans, Sacramento, San Antonio and Phoenix.
Ariza played a key role in shoring Portland’s injury-decimated frontcourt, averaging 33.4 minutes and 11.0 points while shooting 40.0 percent from 3-point range in 21 games with the Blazers.
