Published 11:42 IST, June 23rd 2020
NBA restart: Davis Bertans, Trevor Ariza to opt out of the remaining 2019-20 season
As per recent reports, Washington Wizards' Davis Bertans and Portland Trail Blazers' Trevor Ariza will be sitting out the NBA restart scheduled for July 30.
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The NBA has scheduled the 2019-20 restart for July 30 at the Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. However, ongoing protests and COVID-19 health concerns have caused many NBA players to consider sitting out for the remainder of the season. As per recent reports, Washington Wizards' Davis Bertans and Portland Trail Blazers Trevor Ariza have decided to sit out the NBA 2019-20 season.
NBA Disney World: Davis Bertans and Trevor Ariza among NBA players to sit out the NBA restart
Wizards forward Davis Bertans
One of the Wizards' key players, Davis Bertans was averaging a career-high 15.4 points per game when the 2019-20 season was suspended. If Bertans skips the season and enters free agency for the upcoming season, Bertans is reported to receive the biggest contract of his NBA career. As per reports, the COVID-19 concerns and his injury history caused Bertans to sit out the NBA season in Orlando.
Trail Blazers forward Trevor Ariza
Due to the strict health and safety precautions that will be followed in the bubble environment, NBA players will not be allowed to invite any guests or family members to Disney World at least till the first round of playoffs is over. As a result, Ariza has chosen to sit out the NBA season to take care of his 12-year-old son. As per reports, Ariza is involved in a custody case over his son, which includes a court-ordered one month visitation period.
Also read | NBA restart nears despite record one-day spike in COVID-19 cases in Florida: NBA restart
Kyrie Irving, Dwight Howard, Avery Bradley and Justice Winlow undecided for the NBA restart in July
After the NBA restart was announced, Brooklyn Nets' Kyrie Irving was reported to be against the season restart amid the ongoing protests against racial injustice in the USA. Irving conducted a conference call with over 80 NBA stars discussing the restart, protests and COVID-19 health concerns. While Irving is yet to make an official statement on the matter, he will have to miss the season due to his shoulder surgery.
Los Angeles Lakers' Dwight Howard recently stated that he thinks the NBA should not resume the season as it will distract everyone from the situation. However, his agent revealed that he is still undecided on his return. Lakers' Avery Bradley and Memphis Grizzlies' Justice Winslow are also reported to be against the restart, but are said to be unsure about playing at Disney World.
(Image source: NBA official site)
11:42 IST, June 23rd 2020