Ex-NBA star Isaiah Rider is breaking his silence on his recent arrest ... telling TMZ Sports he had no idea he was violating a protective order -- because he claims he was never served!!
We broke the story earlier this week -- the 1994 Slam Dunk champion was arrested on December 4 in Arizona and charged with one count of interfering with judicial proceedings.
It all stemmed from a protective order his wife filed for in July 2025 -- his ex, Vanessa, said in the application Rider was aggressive with her and their son on numerous occasions.