The Portland Trail Blazers just suffered a major blow to their roster, as starting center Deandre Ayton will be sidelined for at least four weeks due to a left calf strain.
Ayton suffered the non-contact injury during Monday’s loss to the Denver Nuggets, immediately grabbing his calf before heading to the bench. Blazers insider Sean Highkin confirmed via X that Ayton will be reevaluated in a month, keeping him out until at least March 15—and possibly longer.
What This Means for the Trail Blazers
Portland has been playing some of its best basketball recently, but losing Ayton is a massive setback for the team’s frontcourt rotation. While the Blazers are unlikely to compete for a playoff spot this season, his absence could force the coaching staff to shut him down longer—especially if the team falls further down the Western Conference standings.
For now, rookie center Donovan Clingan is expected to step up, with Robert Williams III (knee) possibly emerging as a depth option once he’s healthy.
Ayton’s Impact This Season
Before his injury, Ayton had been a solid presence in Portland’s lineup, averaging:
✔ 14.4 points per game
✔ 10.2 rebounds
✔ 1.6 assists
✔ 1.0 blocks
✔ 56.6% FG / 66.7% FT
He had played in 40 games this season, though he had already missed time earlier with various injuries.
Ayton finished his last game against the Nuggets with 10 points, five rebounds, and a block in just 19 minutes before exiting with the injury.
A Rocky Start to Ayton’s Trail Blazers Career
The former No. 1 overall pick was acquired by Portland in the three-team blockbuster trade that sent Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks and Jrue Holiday to the Boston Celtics.
Despite flashes of dominance, Ayton has yet to establish himself as the franchise centerpiece the Blazers hoped for when they acquired him from Phoenix.
Over his seven-year career, he has averaged:
✔ 16.4 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1.0 BPG
✔ 59% FG, 75.5% FT
He was a key part of the Suns’ run to the 2021 NBA Finals, but questions remain about whether he can elevate his game beyond a solid double-double contributor.
What’s Next for the Blazers?
With Ayton sidelined, Portland will need to:
- Develop rookie Donovan Clingan, giving him valuable starting reps.
- See if Robert Williams III can return and provide defensive depth.
- Evaluate their long-term frontcourt strategy, especially as they continue their rebuilding process.
With the playoffs essentially out of reach, the bigger question is whether the Blazers prioritize Ayton’s health over rushing him back—or if this injury will mark a turning point in their evaluation of his long-term future in Portland.
