Blazers' Announcer Brian Wheeler Won't Return For '19-20 Season

Trail Blazers radio play-by-play announcer Brian Wheeler, who "missed most of last season because of health issues, will not return" for the '19-20 season, ending his 21-year tenure. Wheeler started with the Blazers in '98, "replacing legendary broadcaster Bill Schonely in a controversial move that stung Rip City." But Wheeler "soon won over Blazers fans with his trademark enthusiasm, smooth voice and first-rate calls of NBA games" (OREGONLIVE.com, 7/12). 

No specific reason was given for his departure, but Wheeler has "missed large swaths of the past few seasons due to health issues related to scrotal lymphedema," a condition he has "struggled with" since '13. Wheeler was "one of the longest-tenured play-by-play broadcasters in the NBA" (WWEEK.com, 7/12).