Trail Blazers Radio Voice Brian Wheeler to Begin Season on Medical Leave

Portland Trail Blazers radio play-by-play announcer Brian Wheeler will begin the 2018-19 season on medical leave. The Blazers sent out a press release today confirming that Rip City Radio broadcaster Travis Demers will take Wheeler’s spot until the medical issues are resolved.

The release:

PORTLAND, Ore. (September 21, 2018) – Portland Trail Blazers radio play-by-play voice Brian Wheeler will be on temporary medical leave when the 2018-19 NBA season begins, it was announced by Wheeler and team officials today. Beginning with the September 29 preseason opener against the Toronto Raptors in Vancouver British Columbia, NBC Sports Northwest (NBCSNW) Rip City Radio broadcaster Travis Demers will handle radio play-by-play duties.

“Continuing to steer my health in a positive direction is the top priority for me,” said Wheeler, who will call his 21st season behind the Trail Blazers microphone when he returns to the broadcast team. “I’m looking forward to being back in action as soon as I can.”

Co-host of the daily radio show “The Rip City Drive” alongside Chad Doing, Demers will be paired with color analyst and former Trail Blazers player Michael Holton for home games. For road games, Demers will team-up with Trail Blazers Insider Casey Holdahl.