As many NBA players prepare for the ramp-up to the league’s resumed season, Washington Wizards forward Davis Bertans has become the first to withdraw from the restart in Orlando.
Wizards’ Davis Bertans will sit out NBA’s return
The Washington Wizards are just a few weeks away from potentially returning to the court with a chance to earn a spot in the NBA Playoffs. They will now have to do it without one of their key players, with Bertans set to sit out.
Following a trade to Washington this offseason, Bertans has enjoyed a breakout season. The 27-year-old averaged 15.4 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, shooting 42.4% from deep and averaging 3.7 three-pointers made per game.
While he is a core part of the Wizards’ rotation, Bertans is also thinking about his future. After months away from the game due to the league’s shutdown, NBA players are being asked to ramp up their activity quickly and return next month.
For Bertans, who is set to become a free agent, the chances of contracting COVID-19 or suffering an injury outweigh the reward of a short return. As a result, he will sit out for the rest of the season and be healthy when free agency begins in October with a chance to cash in.
While he won’t take part in the resumed season, he is expected to train with his teammates before they leave for Orlando.
Fortunately, the organization is fully supporting him. Given how impactful he has been for the Wizards, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he re-signs with them this offseason.