Yet another NBA player has decided to opt out of the NBA season restart in Orlando. Brooklyn Nets veteran Wilson Chandler has informed the franchise he will not take part in the “bubble” in Florida.
Wilson Chandler to Nets: ‘My family has to come first’
Malika Andrews of ESPN first broke the news that Chandler has opted out of the NBA season restarting in Orlando. She shared a direct quote from Chandler, who noted “the health and well-being of my family has to come first.”
Recently, Chandler took to Twitter to back up Kyrie Irving, who has been advocating players not participate in the Orlando restart.
The NBA has allowed players to opt out of the Orlando restart without incurring any penalties.
Chandler, a 33-year-old former first-round pick out of DePaul, appeared in 35 games for the Nets prior to the NBA season being suspended in March. He averaged 5.9 points and 4.1 rebounds per game.
Other NBA players have opted out of the Orlando restart
To this point, Wilson Chandler is the fourth player to opt out officially.
- Portland Trail Blazers veteran forward Trevor Ariza opted to spend time with his 12-year-old son in the midst of a custody battle, rather than attend.
- Washington Wizards veteran forward Davis Bertans, set to be a free agent after the season, wants to avoid potential injury and prepare for next season.
- Los Angeles Lakers veteran guard Avery Bradley is sitting out due to his 6-year-old son, who has a history of respiratory illness.
It remains to be seen if anyone else will opt out. Chances are, Chandler won’t be the last.