Portland Trail Blazers forward CJ Elleby is getting more playing time than was anticipated at the start of the season.
Lately, injuries and health and safety protocols have held starters and key reserves out, paving a spot in the rotation for Elleby. The second-year pro has filled in as a solid role player off the bench.
In his latest piece for The Athletic, Jason Quick detailed how Elleby’s close relationship with Portland veteran Norman Powell helped prepare him for this opportunity.
The friendship between Elleby and Powell, which blossomed last season, seemed unlikely given their differences — Elleby is more laid-back and Powell more intense.