The epic radio call of Damian Lillard’s buzzer beater three to knock of the Oklahoma City Thunder and advance the Trail Blazers into the second round of the NBA Playoffs will be Brian Wheeler’s last moment behind the microphone this season.
Through a press release Sunday afternoon, the Portland Trail Blazers announced their radio play-by-play voice, Brian Wheeler will take a leave of absence for the remainder of the NBA Playoffs. No details were given as to why Wheeler won’t be on hand for the Trail Blazers second round series against the Denver Nuggets, but health has been a concern for the veteran broadcaster in recent years.
This is Wheeler’s second leave of absence this season and fifth in the last five years. Missing broadcasts is still something new for Wheeler, who prior to 2013 compiled an impressive iron man streak of 1,359 consecutive games spanning 13 seasons.
Play-by-play duties for the Trail Blazers radio broadcast throughout the rest of the playoffs will be held by Travis Demers, who filled in for Wheeler during the first 19 games of the season. Demers also co-hosts Rip City Drive with Chad Doing on the Trail Blazers flagship station, NBC Sports NW Rip City Radio. The 2018-19 season was Wheeler’s 21st as the Portland Trail Blazers radio voice.
Brandon Contes is a freelance writer for BSM. He can be found on Twitter @BrandonContes. To reach him by email click here.
Brandon Contes is a former reporter for BSM, now working for Awful Announcing. You can find him on Twitter @BrandonContes or reach him by email at Brandon.Contes@gmail.com.
