/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57148241/usa_today_10326395.0.jpg)
When the Phoenix Suns open the 2017-18 season again the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday, October 18, the Blazers might be missing one of their best players.
Apparently, starting shooting guard C.J. McCollum has been suspended one game for leaving the bench during an altercation in a preseason game. And we Suns fans know ALL about that rule.
.@nba suspends CJ McCollum one game. Details here..(Video here - https://t.co/2NQQ62oLau) pic.twitter.com/83BXBY1Wj6
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) October 14, 2017
McCollum could appeal the ruling, I suppose, but we know from the 2007 playoffs that doesn’t delay the inevitable like it does in the NFL.
The Blazers can likely afford to miss McCollum against the Suns, considering the Suns are projected to be one of the worst teams in the league this season and the Blazers just dismantled them in Phoenix last week.
In McCollum’s absence, and in the wake of trading Allen Crabbe to New Jersey during the offseason, the Blazers will probably start Evan Turner, with Pat Connaughton probably coming off the bench in backup minutes. Anthony Morrow, Archie Goodwin and isaiah Briscoe were all waived by Portland on Friday.
Check out blazersedge.com for their reaction to the news.