Ishmail Wainright, the Uganda Silverbacks Forward will now feature for the NBA’s Portland Trailblazers after he was scooped up by the franchise coming from a waiver by the Phoenix Suns. The Mailman as he is commonly referred to had appeared in 105 games for the Suns over the past two seasons.
Wainright had easily established himself as a fan favorite since first landing with the Suns in 2021, though a new regime under owner Mat Ishbia and coach Frank Vogel opted to move in a different direction.
After Suns’ massive trade with the Portland Trail Blazers/Milwaukee Bucks that saw the team take on Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little and Keon Johnson, the team had two roster spots to clear on their bench ahead of the 2023-24 season.
You’ve been part of my life these past few years. The Valley of the Sun has adopted me as a brother. For that I’m truly grateful.
– Ish said in his parting message to the Phoenix.
The Mailman has been an important pillar for the Uganda Silverbacks recent campaigns in Africa since his commitment to the team in 2020.
It’s not about playing but this team is a family for me. I am proud to be Ugandan and will be ready always to play.
Wainright told FIBA in 2021.
Wainright will miss Portland’s NBA opener against the Clippers due to culf injury but expected to return to NBA action soon.
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