New Delhi, Oct. 18 -- Jeremy Sochan's four preseason appearances did not earn him a place on Portland's opening roster. The Trail Blazers waived the 23-year-old forward Saturday, leaving a former lottery pick facing another search for minutes and the club with an unfilled standard-contract slot.

Portland's October 17 announcement confirmed the release and his four preseason games. Luke Adams of Hoops Rumors reported that Sochan was on a non-guaranteed Exhibit 9 contract and would become an unrestricted free agent Monday if no team claimed him on waivers. The release itself does not establish that he has cleared.

The move leaves the Portland Trail Blazers with 17 players under contract, according to Adams: 14 on standard deals and three ...