Oregon NBA team the Portland Trail Blazers has announced two new sports medicine additions and promotions for its 2023-24 season, including orthopedic surgeon Evan Ellis, MD, and sports medicine specialist Courtney Watson, DAT.
Dr. Ellis, who has served as a team co-physician since 2014, has been promoted to director of health and performance. Dr. Ellis is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Rebound in Portland, specializing in knee and shoulder injuries, sports medicine, cartilage repair and ACL reconstruction.
Dr. Ellis has also served on the medical staff for NFL team the St. Louis Rams (now the Los Angeles Rams) and NHL Team the St. Louis Blues, according to an Oct. 2 press release.
Dr. Watson joins the Trail Blazers after spending 15 seasons with the WNBA team the Los Angeles Sparks, serving as director of sports medicine and head athletic trainer.
Dr. Watson was also the first female athletic trainer in professional boxing, treating champion Floyd Mayweather.