Deandre Ayton was poised to make his comeback on the court for the Portland Trail Blazers, marking his return since December 23. However, Mother Nature had other plans.
Trail Blazers reporter Casey Holdahl shared that head coach Chauncey Billups had confirmed the readiness of the big man to play in Wednesday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets, despite a previous knee injury that had kept him sidelined.
Despite Ayton’s determination, he faced insurmountable challenges in reaching the arena due to treacherous weather conditions. Holdahl reported that Ayton “tried for hours to combat the sheet of ice leading out of his neighborhood, and the team sent people out to help as well, but to no avail.”
This setback means that Portland will have to confront another opponent without the valuable presence of the big man, whom they acquired in the offseason trade that also involved sending Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Ayton has showcased his skills in 24 games this season, maintaining an impressive double-double average of 13.1 points and 10.8 rebounds. In a season marred by a 10-29 record, he has stood out as a bright spot for a team that finds itself largely playing out the string in a challenging campaign.
Looking ahead, Portland is set to remain at home for a Friday game against the Indiana Pacers. The hope is that Ayton will be fully prepared and able to reach the arena for that crucial matchup.
