By Bugra Uzar/ Buzar@eurohoops.net
After opting to sit out the resumption of the 2019-20 NBA season, Trevor Ariza traveled to Turkey and found himself in the BJK Akatlar in Istanbul to practice.
Ariza, 35, committed to a one-month visitation window with his young son that prevented him from joining the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA bubble set up in Orlando. Prior to the hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, he averaged 11.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per match after his late-January trade to the Blazers.
At Besiktas’ home arena, the veteran forward and UCLA alum is attempting to stay in shape ahead of the 2020-21 NBA season, which will mark his 17th in the league.
Despite his absence, the Blazers made it to the playoffs while in Orlando. The first round of the postseason saw them being eliminated by the Los Angeles Lakers in five games.
