Portland Trail Blazers forward Trevor Ariza has decided to sit out for the conclusion of the 2019-20 season.
Portland Trail Blazers forward Trevor Ariza is opting-out of participation in the NBA’s Orlando restart of the season, committing instead to a one-month visitation window with his young son, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2020
Sources: Ariza has been involved in a custody case over his 12-year old son, and mother’s choice of granting a court-ordered one month visitation period during league’s quarantine of teams in Orlando left Ariza to choose those parenting responsibilities over competing in restart. https://t.co/STYQi2RGDW
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2020
Ariza, 34, was traded to the Trail Blazers from the Sacramento Kings midway through the season.
In 21 games with the Blazers this season, the journeyman put up 11.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.6 steals per game.
Without Ariza, the Blazers’ chances of making the postseason get even harder.
The Blazers are the No. 9 seed in the Western Conference standings. They are 3 1/2 games behind the Memphis Grizzlies for the final playoff spot.
Blazers superstar Damian Lillard will have to bear on a ton on his shoulders. The point guard is putting up 28.9 points, 7.8 assists and 4.3 boards per game this season.
The Blazers went to the Western Conference Finals last season.
