Blazers Bench Two-Way Players for Playoff Road Trip

Franchise's cost-cutting measures leave young talent at home for opening games

Apr. 20, 2026 at 3:06am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball court scene, with sharp planes of bright red, blue, and green colors representing the competing teams, conveying the fractured and unbalanced nature of the Blazers' playoff experience.The Blazers' cost-cutting measures during the playoffs leave fans and young players feeling neglected compared to the Spurs' fan-friendly presentation.San Antonio Today

The Portland Trail Blazers made headlines for not providing free fan T-shirts for Games 3 and 4 of their first-round playoff series. But the team's cost-cutting efforts went even further, as they left their three two-way contract players - Caleb Love, Chris Youngblood, and Jayson Kent - at home for the first two games in San Antonio, rather than bringing them on the road trip.

Why it matters

The Blazers' decision to bench their two-way players during the playoffs is seen as a disappointing move that prioritizes cost savings over providing developmental opportunities and team camaraderie. Fans are frustrated by the team's perceived penny-pinching, especially compared to the Spurs' fan-friendly playoff presentation.

The details

According to reports, the Blazers were the only lower-seeded playoff team that did not bring their two-way players to the opening games. Two-way players are typically still included on the team's bench during the postseason, even though they are ineligible to play. Rookie guard Caleb Love in particular had a strong regular season for Portland, averaging 10.4 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 49 games. But the team opted to leave him and the other two-way players at home to cut costs for the road trip.

  • The Blazers made the playoffs for the first time in 5 years this season.
  • The team's new controlling owner, Tom Dundon, officially took over on April 1, 2026.

The players

Caleb Love

A rookie guard on a two-way contract with the Blazers, who averaged 10.4 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 49 regular season games.

Chris Youngblood

One of the Blazers' two-way contract players who was left at home for the playoff road trip.

Jayson Kent

One of the Blazers' two-way contract players who was left at home for the playoff road trip.

Jrue Holiday

The Blazers' starting point guard who missed time during the regular season due to injury.

Scoot Henderson

The Blazers' starting shooting guard who missed time during the regular season due to injury.

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What they’re saying

“Seeing the Spurs' universally beloved court and T-shirt designs for Game 1 from their TV screens probably made Blazers fans feel even more neglected.”

— Renzo Pocholo Salao, Author

What’s next

The Blazers will host Games 3 and 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Spurs, where they will have another chance to provide a more fan-friendly experience.

The takeaway

The Blazers' decision to bench their two-way players and not provide free fan giveaways during the playoffs highlights the team's cost-cutting priorities under new ownership. While the moves may save money in the short term, they risk alienating the team's fanbase at a time when the Blazers are trying to rebuild momentum after a long playoff drought.