Bradley, Bertans Among Handful of Players To Sit Out NBA’s Return

As of this past week, players were asked to notify their teams whether they plan to join them in Orlando next month during the NBA season’s return.

The overwhelming majority will be present, but a handful of names have chosen to sit the remainder of the season out for one reason or another. Citing injury, family, and social justice as some of the key factors to their decision, NBA teams will look to fill the gaps through the signing window.

LaMarcus Aldridge and Bojan Bogdanovic have already been ruled out after undergoing surgery, while the likes of DeMarcus Cousins, John Wall, Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving will sit out the remainder of the games despite being cleared to return to the floor. With an unprecedented format, teams will be extra careful with their top players preferring to prioritize long term health over an unpredictable finish to the season.

After enjoying a career season, pending free agent Davis Bertans has opted to sit out the remainder of the season in anticipation of a major pay day. With the Washington Wizards’ chances to compete as slim as could be, Bertans has chosen to prioritize his health and future contract over playing in the bubble.

Other notable players who have opted to sit out were Avery Bradley, who was very vocal on the topic of social justice, as well as Trevor Ariza who will remain with his family. Willie Cauley-Stein will remain with his wife as she is expected to go into labour this  summer.