Phoenix Suns small forward Trevor Ariza has returned to the team after missing the past two games due to a personal issue.
Trevor Ariza didn’t play for the Suns in their win over the San Antonio Spurs last week. Moreover, while he was in constant communication with Phoenix head coach Igor Kokoskov, he remained away from the organization in Saturday’s showdown with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
No further details were provided about the personal issue Ariza is facing. However, there were speculations that he could be traded, especially with the Suns’ top brass choosing not to provide a specific timeline for his return.
Nonetheless, according to Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic, the 14-year NBA veteran has re-joined the team.
Trevor Ariza has returned to the #Suns after missing two games with personal/family matters.
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) November 18, 2018
Ariza, who signed a one-year, $15 million deal with the Suns over the summer, was expected to provide a much-needed veteran presence for the team’s young core. In the 13 games he played so far, he averaged 10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists.
It remains to be seen when will he feature again, though Ariza could see action in the Suns’ Monday night game versus the Philadelphia 76ers.
The question for Phoenix now, though, is who will start in the small forward post. Ariza started in all the games he played in for the Suns, but rookie Mikal Bridges got the spot in his absence.
Bridges, the no.10 overall pick of the 2018 NBA Draft, has impressed so far and even had his best performance of the season against the Thunder. He posted an all-around effort of 14 points, four steals, two rebounds, two assists and two blocks in 30 minutes of action.
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