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Rip City loses one of his favorites
Ed Davis, the popular Portland Trail Blazers rescue center, signs a one-year contract with a $ 4.4 million stand-alone player with the Brooklyn Nets , an Oregon / OregonLive source, leaving Portland after a successful three-year stay.
The news was reported by ESPN .
Davis, whose colossal style of playing, infused, loved him both fans and teammates, quietly evolved to become one of the most important pieces on the list of Blazers during his time in Portland. He maintained an average of 5.3 points and 7.4 rebounds last season, when he became the NBA's best backup center, but his value for the Blazers' success extended well beyond the statistics. In many ways, Davis was the heart and soul of the team, one of his hardest workers – both during games and behind the scenes – and a respected figure in the locker room. Davis signed a $ 20 million free agent contract with the Blazers in the summer of 2015, just before LaMarcus Aldridge left for the San Antonio Spurs. His calm and consistent attitude helped the youth to rebuild the Blazers.
And unlike Aldridge, Davis grew to love Portland. He savored gourmet culture, embraced the passionate fan base and even welcomed his first children – twin sons – during his time here.
Last season, when it seemed that Davis could be a victim of the delivery time, he did not just say that he wanted to be here in the long run
"I hope I can withdraw here, "Davis told The Oregonian / OregonLive.
And the feeling was reciprocal.
Damian Lillard, triple captain of the All-Star and Blazers, openly lobbied in February for the team to sign a long-term contract with Davis, saying that he "would fight" for the keep as teammate.
"He's great, super important to our team," Lillard told The Oregonian / OregonLive in February. "He's one of those guys coming into the game, you know he's going to bounce back, you know he's going to be the backbone of our defense and our help. You know that 39, he cares about the team.He is not going to say: 'Oh, I must have a career year because I'm in a contract year.It will not come out with one purpose: do all he can to help the team. "
It's no wonder that when the news of Davis's departure broke on Saturday night, Lillard tweeted a heart broken emoji .
It's unclear why the Blazers would leave such a popular and important piece of their running list – especially on such a reasonable and short contract – and the news of Davis's departure was ultimately, it would seem that Neil Olshey, president of basketball operations, is betting that the Jusuf Nurkic start-up will return to Portland, the big Zach Collins – who emerged halfway through his rookie season – is ready to face a bigger role and a bigger Second-year man, Caleb Swanigan has more to offer amid a bloated list with high pay contracts.
Joe Freeman | [email protected] | 503-294-5183 | @BlazerFreeman
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