Blazers’ Jusuf Nurkic, Anfernee Simons, Eric Bledsoe Out For Rest Of Season

The Trail Blazers have ruled out center Jusuf Nurkic and guards Anfernee Simons and Eric Bledsoe for the remainder of season, per a team press release.

Given that the Blazers (27-47) aren’t going to the playoffs, that means those three have been ruled out for the final eight games.

Nurkic is suffering from plantar fasciitis in his left foot, and Simons from patellar tendinopathy in his left kneel. Both injuries have responded well to treatment and rehabilitation, per the team, but clearly both players need more time.

Meanwhile, Bledsoe has yet to appear in a game for the Blazers after being acquired in a February trade with the Clippers. He received a platelet-rich plasma injection last week to address the tendinopathy in his left Achilles tendon, per the team.

“Bledsoe technically has one more year left on his contract, but only $3.9MM of his $19.4MM salary for 2022/23 is guaranteed, so he appears likely to be waived in the offseason,” wrote Luke Adams of Hoops Rumors.

Bledsoe has been traded three times since August and four times since November 2020.

All of these injuries are just more a long line for the Blazers this season, who were already without star point guard Damian Lillard since January. Lillard underwent abdominal surgery and while recovering, has not returned.

Nassir Little (shoulder) and Joe Ingles (ACL) were also previously ruled out, and Trendon Watford (knee) is questionable to return for the final eight games.