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LaMarcus Aldridge And Now, The Envelope Please

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 11:54:00 -0800

When we arrive at hotels on the road, there’s usually a table set up in the lobby upon which various items sit. Things like bottles of water or Gatorade, cookies, fruit and those stubby glass bottles of pop that only hotels seem to stock. But the most important item, one that is a sight for sore eyes when you’re arriving well after 2 AM in the morning, is the envelope containing the keycard for your room and a sheet of paper that lists everyone’s room number and the location of the room the team will use for catered meals and meetings. On the front of each envelope is the first initial and last name of whomever it happens to belong to, with the room number typically handwritten on the flap. It’s a system far superior to the alternative of having 30-some odd people traveling with the team going to the front desk one-by-one to check in.

Wesley Matthews' Own Personal Temple Run

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:49:00 -0800

There’s a game for IPhone and IPad called "Temple Run" that is described by a site that reviews games developed for mobile devices, SlideToPlay.com, as follows: "In pretty much every treasure hunting adventure movie there’s one specific scene in which the plucky hero finally gets his hands on the treasure but then has to navigate a maze of booby traps in order to get out alive. Temple Run is this scene and nothing else.” The game has gained a significant level of popularity and pop culture notoriety similar to what was seen during the “Angry Birds” craze of 2011. Various members of the Trail Blazers, whom, even with this season’s condensed schedule, have a fair amount of idle time, enjoy playing the game (and talking trash about their scores on Twitter) as well.

Talking A Big Game

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 21:52:00 -0800

There was a time when LaMarcus Aldridge, when asked about being a leader, would note he was the type of person who preferred to lead with his play, rather than his words, do the talking. And at the time, it wasn’t that big of a deal. Brandon Roy was around to say what needed to be said, both on the court and in the locker room, and that gave Aldridge the luxury of

If The Gucci Loafer Fits, Kurt Thomas and Craig Smith Will Wear It

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 01:27:00 -0800

Kurt Thomas and Craig Smith were the last Trail Blazers to leave the locker room after Portland’s 98-78 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers January 8 at the Rose Garden. As Thomas headed toward the exits, he made a quick stop at Smith’s locker in an effort to thwart a potential disaster in the making. Smith was slowly tending to the last few buttons on his shirt when Thomas pointed down at a pair of black and white Gucci loafers placed neatly on the carpet.

Highlights: Trail Blazers 105, Clippers 97

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 23:39:00 -0800

Of the two teams playing at the Rose Garden Tuesday night, the Los Angeles Clippers have the high-flying, highlight-producing reputation, hence the whole "Lob City" moniker. But the Trail Blazers, having moved away from a more deliberate, halfcourt oriented offense, are fast becoming more frequent members of the Top Ten Plays crowd. And Tuesday night, the number of Trail Blazers highlights far surpassed those executed by the Clippers. In short, the Blazers beat the Clippers at their own game. The following are some of Portland's best plays from Tuesday's 105-97 victory. There's a little something for everyone, unless, of course, your a Clippers fan. I've got nothing for you guys.

Video: David Aldridge And Frank Isola Show Love

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:01:00 -0800

David Aldridge has long been one of my favorite NBA scribes, and he does nothing to change that opinion on today's edition of "The Beat" on NBA.com. Aldridge, along with Frank Isola of the New York Daily News and NBA TV, talk up our beloved Trail Blazers while discussing the best teams in the West and the worst teams in the East. Pretty easy to figure out where we fit in that equation.

Gerald Wallace, Reluctance and Windmills

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 01:32:00 -0800

Gerald Wallace possesses elite athleticism, even for an NBA player, but you’d hardly know it sometimes. His physical prowess is often on display when going toe-to-toe with the likes of Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant all within a 72-hour window, but when it comes showing off his vertical, Wallace chooses, more often than not, to play it low. Part of that can be attributed to his down-to-earth, understated southern swagger, with yet another factor being self-preservation. The guy hits the hardwood more frequently than just about any player in the league, so any activity that might lead to yet another collision with the court is avoided like grim death. Wallace is often times so averse to finishing above the rim that he makes plays more difficult than they have to be, if he’s able to finish them at all. There have been numerous occasions during this young season in which Wallace has tried to tip the ball in rather than slamming it home, and with mixed results.

Marcus Camby And Champagne Every Night

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 17:13:00 -0800

After our first three home games this season, I’ve stood near the back of the locker room waiting for the crowd of reporters to disperse, trying not to be a part of the huddle mass of media who, through no real fault of their own, keep the players from being able to dress. You typically get better answers when you’re talking to players in smaller groups anyway, and since I’m not usually writing on deadline, I have the extra time to bide after games that most journalists simply don’t. I typically wait out the horde near Marcus Camby’s locker, which is near the corner of locker room, closest to the exit. And since the two lockers nearest Camby’s, those of strength and conditioning coach Bobby Medina and player development director Dean Cooper, are rarely occupied, he’s is afforded more personal space in the post-game locker room than most. So while LaMarcus Aldridge, Jamal Crawford, Gerald Wallace and Raymond Felton have to cut a path through a sea of reporters to get to their lockers, many times while donni

Ray Felton Schools Nolan Smith On The Tricks Of The Trade

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 17:02:00 -0800

Raymond Felton had been laying the groundwork for an opening night prank since before the start of training camp, though it's unlikely he knew it at the time. He was just trying to be a good vet by taking rookie guard Nolan Smith under his wing, offering advice on the intricacies of playing the point in the NBA. He even had the rookie and his family over for Christmas dinner. And Smith was appreciative.

My 2011-12 Season Predictions

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 10:06:00 -0800

The regular season is finally upon us. And after watching a full slate of Christmas Day games, I'm geeked to get the 2011-12 season underway tonight.

But before that, here are my predictions for the Trail Blazers and the league in general. Predictions are always a craps shoot, but in this late-starting, 66-game season, my guess is that these educated guesses

Basketball Is Back At Wells Fargo Fan Fest

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 22:27:00 -0800

After seven months of dormancy, Trail Blazers basketball returned to the Rose Garden Friday night. It was only an intrasquad scrimmage, with the “White” team, comprised mostly of the presumed starters, beating the “Black” team of substitutes 67-47, but the crowd on hand for the 2011 Wells Fargo Fan Fest showed their appreciation as though it was a regular season victory. Gerald Wallace, who finished the scrimmage with 14 points, six rebounds, three steals and three blocks in 29 minutes for the Black team, was named Fan Fest MVP. Wesley Matthews lead the Black team with 18 points and Nicolas Batum finished with 12 points despite going 0-for-7 from the three-point line. Elliot Williams, who missed all of last season after two knee surgeries, lead all scorers with 19 points in the losing effort.

Transcript: Chad Buchanan On Jamal Crawford, Brandon Roy

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:08:00 -0800

Today interim general manager Chad Buchanan addressed the media at the practice facility after the Trail Blazers used the amnesty clause on Brandon Roy, which allowed the team to sign free agent Jamal Crawford. This is what Buchanan had to say about adding Crawford, the decision to amnesty Roy and the roster going into the 2011-12 season.

Training Camp Day Four: Kurt Thomas Is Upon Us

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:53:00 -0800

There were new faces and change of paces at Day Four of the Portland Trail Blazers' 2011 training camp. With just 14 days left until the start of the regular season, Portland's front office, along with Nate McMillan and his staff, are making some tweaks that will hopefully yield positive results.

Video: Training Camp Scrimmage

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 15:44:00 -0800

Usually Nate McMillan limits the amount of live action the media gets to see at the end of practice, and with good reason. It's easier to ... correct behavior when there's not a pack of reporters and cameramen just a basketball court away. The possibility of distraction is always a problem, and that possibility is exacerbated by the compressed timeline leading up to the first game of the season the day after Christmas. There's no time to lose focus. Not this year. But sometimes, Coach throws us a bone and allows the media to watch the team run, as he did today after the second day of training camp. Maybe he thought, after the day we all went through Friday, that watching actual basketball would be the best thing for everybody.

Video: Elliot Williams, Nolan Smith Get Up

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:08:00 -0800

We typically give the players their space during informal workouts prior to the start of training camp, as we spend plenty of time together (certainly more than they would like) during the season. Usually some of us will sit on the bench at the practice facility and watch pickup games, maybe talk a bit with the players about the summer, but generally, we try to stay out of the way while guys get themselves ready for the season. Which is why we usually don't do much in the way of video or photos during these informal runs, much to the dismay of many of you out there who ask for footage every single year.

Remembering The Roster

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 11:55:00 -0800

It took a little longer than usual, but the 2011-12 NBA season if finally upon us. Or at least, it almost is. The ratification of a new collective bargaining agreement, free agency, training camp, media day (and the day-long live video chat that goes along with it), Wells Fargo Fan Fest and two preseason games all have to be squeezed in before the start of the

Make Time For Fast Break

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:39:00 -0700

Last night, the Hollywood Theater on 42nd and Sandy hosted a one night showing of Fast Break, the 1978 documentary focused on the individual players and personalities who helped the Trail Blazers win their only NBA World Championship. If you didn't make the show last night or have yet to see Fast Break, you're doing yourself a disservice.

Arvydas Sabonis Elected President (Of Lithuanian Basketball Federation)

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:55:00 -0700

It's been a rather eventful summer for Arvydas Sabonis. In the span of a few months, Sabas was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, returned to Portland for the first time since retiring, only to be greeted by thousands of fans at Pioneer Courthouse Square to celebrate said Hall of Fame induction, acted as ambassador during Lithuania's hosting of EuroBasket 2011 and suffered a heart attack which, at least for now, will keep the big man from indulging in some of his favorite pastimes. Though of these events brought attention to a man who would rather live out his days in relative anonymity, Sabonis approached each with humility, humor and a touch of self-deprecation. Very presidential.

Singularity in Basketball?

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:34:00 -0700

Team owner Paul Allen and Mark Grieves, Vulcan's director of knowledge systems, have published an article in Technology Review disputing the argument of Raymond Kurzweil that "the Singularity," which, as I understand it, is the point where computers become smarter than humans, is only 35 or so years away. According to some, the Singularity would result in humanity being "completely and irreversibly transformed."

Bucky Buckwalter: Bound By Basketball

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 20:12:00 -0700

As a young boy growing up in La Grande, OR, Morris "Bucky" Buckwalter had hopes that basketball would take him somewhere. He'd spend hours shooting on a hoop made out of timber with a rim that occasionally had to be bent back into shape. His father, a salesman for the Utah Woolen Mills who attended the University of Utah and gained an appreciation for the game by watching the Utes, instructed Bucky and his brothers on the finer points of a game invented by Dr. James Naismith roughly 60 years prior.

Vintage Features: Meet Rod Strickland

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 15:57:00 -0700

There's something about the mid-90's Trail Blazers teams that feels so anonymous to me. I think back to the years immediately following the last trip to the NBA Finals in 1992 and nothing of consequence comes to mind. That's probably due to a combination of five-consecutive first round exits that followed losing to Michael Jordan's Bulls in the Finals, the staggered departures of franchise mainstays Clyde Drexler, Terry Porter, Jerome Kersey and Mark Bryant and the poor state of my long-term memory, of which roughly 95 percent is consumed by plot lines from The Simpsons and Beverly Hills 90210.

Habitat For Humanity Build Gets Off To Quick Start

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 14:44:00 -0700

When you're playing for a Nate McMillan team, you better come ready to compete from the opening tip. He's not a man who suffers turnovers or mistakes, and if he thinks one of his players isn't up to the task on any given night, he won't hesitate to make a change, and quickly. He doesn't care about your reputation, how much money you make or how many years you've been in the league. If you're not able to fill your assigned role, you're getting the hook. But on Thursday, it was McMillan who was on the receiving end of an early substitution at the Habitat For Humanity build in the Rockwood neighborhood in Gresham.

Habitat For Humanity Pays Off

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 12:43:00 -0700

Rick and Nona King seemed to do everything right. They met at church and courted for around two years before getting married. A few years later, they had their first child, a son. Another couple of years, another son. With a household of four, it made sense to squirrel away any savings they could muster in an attempt to buy their own home. "We tried to buy a house once and within our price range," said Nona, "but everything was like the lowest level. There were houses with floors leaning, a lot of different … interesting things. So ok, let's not do it yet. Let's wait."

Vintage Features: Life On The Road

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 13:07:00 -0700

Having traveled with the team on and off for the last four seasons, I can say from experience that all of the sentiment expressed by the players during this Blazers Broadcasting feature entitled "Life On The Road" from the 1991-92 season is true. It's great for the first couple of years, but the shine wears off after that. Then again, you get a completely different perspective covering the team while on the road, so any vicissitudes associated with barnstorming across the country with the Trail Blazers are well worth the inconvenience.

Live Chat Recap With Arvydas Sabonis: There Will Be Break Dancing

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 11:27:00 -0700

During the course of a 20 minute interview, most of which was comprised from questions from all of you faithful viewers out there, Arvydas spoke candidly on a whole range of subjects including playing against Shaq, being tired of basketball after his retirement, officiating and break dancing. It's worth watching, I promise, especially since it's impossible to convey Sabas' nuances in written form, but if you're short on time, you can read some of the finer points of the interview below.

Sabonis: 'Better I am not main man, ok?'

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 09:42:00 -0700

Maybe the best thing about Arvydas Sabonis being inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame this weekend is that we're now being treated to some great vintage Arvydas content. Sabas tended to be a tad reclusive, so there's not a ton of stories and videos about the Lithuanian superman available (at least in English), but what is out there is now being "floated up," as we say in the internet content business.

Vintage Features: Uncle Cliffy Arrives

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 12:18:00 -0700

Having the opportunity to meet my all-time favorite Trail Blazers is one of the great things about working for the team. And in a week and a half, I'll hopefully check Arvydas Sabonis off the list of icons who I've meet since starting here in 2007 (tickets to the meet-and-greet with Sabonis, which are only $50 and are tax deductible, are available for purchase here). If I do have the opportunity to meet Sabas, there will be just one name remaining on my list of my favorite former Trail Blazers who I would like to meet. That name is Clifford Robinson.

Rip City Magazine Rewind: Arvydas Sabonis Sudden Impact

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 12:30:00 -0700

It was announced this week that former Trail Blazers great and Hall of Famer Bill Walton will present Arvydas Sabonis at the 2011 Naismith Hall Of Fame induction ceremony on August 12. A very appropriate choice considering the similarities between the two. Both are former Trail Blazers centers who were the best passing bigmen of their generations. And as we know all too well, both careers in Portland were cut far too short.

Rip City Magazine Rewind: Sabas Speaks Out!

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 17:40:00 -0700

We had planned on releasing the Rip City Magazine Rewind's in chronological order, but after hearing that Arvydas Sabonis is going to be in Portland starting on August 18, we decided to move up Sabonis' covers. Not that I needed much reason to highlight more Sabonis stories.

Arvydas Is Coming

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 20:57:00 -0700

Arvydas Sabonis has always preferred to stay close to home. His career as a one of the greatest centers to ever play the game has taken him all over the world, but that was a requirement of the work rather than a perk, at least for Sabonis.

"I prefer to stay home," said Sabonis in an 1997 Rip City Magazine interview, "play with my kids, take hot

Bits And Pieces Of The 2011-12 Schedule

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 08:35:00 -0700

I haven't had a whole lot of time to digest the team's 2011-12 schedule, thought that didn't stop Mike Rice and I from talking about it for an hour or so after the official announcement was made by the NBA. And though I haven't had a chance to dig into all of the minutia, I do have a few quick thoughts on how our 82 games shake out this season. Check out Mike Barrett's post if you want a more detailed breakdown. I'm just giving you the broad strokes.

Sabonis: Heads Above The Rest

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 10:41:00 -0700

As I'm sure you're aware, Lithuanian superhuman and former Trail Blazer Arvydas Sabonis is set to be inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame on August 12. It's a much deserved honor. In terms of his international career and influence, Sabonis is an unquestioned "first ballot" hall of famer (or at least he SHOULD have been a first ballot HOFer). No discussion is necessary.

The Long Strange Trip Continues, Via Bike

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 10:23:00 -0700

Greetings friends. Glad to be back to blogging after a much too brief vacation. From the looks of it, I didn't miss much, though I missed you all dearly.

First up, I direct your attention to a guest post on the Bike Portland blog written by cycling

Rip City Magazine Rewind: Clyde's Golden Year

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:08:00 -0700

In November of 1992, the Trail Blazers launched Rip City Magazine with the goal of "capturing all the excitement and action of Portland's 23rd season, neatly packaged for you to read and review time and time again, now and in future years." Here we are almost 20 future years later, and Rip City Magazine lives on. And this summer, we'll dive into the archives to offer up some of the most memorable covers and stories from nearly two decades of RCM.

Rip City Magazine Rewind: Clyde's Golden Year

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 20:13:00 -0700

Rip City Magazine Rewind: Clyde's Golden Year

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 17:59:00 -0700

Summertime Player Chats

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 10:52:00 -0700

This has been the first busy week we've had here at Trail Blazers HQ since the end of the season. It's been a nice change of pace. Having some peace and quiet is cool for about a week or so, but boredom tends to set in pretty fast when you're used to covering the team seven days a week for six months. So having new players in town feels like Christmas, even if it's only for a day. Luckily, we have some things to remember them by, specifically the chats we conducted with Raymond Felton, Nolan Smith and Jon Diebler Monday afternoon. If you missed it live, or on trailblazers.tv, you can now what it below.

Mission Accomplished?

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 22:48:00 -0700

First off, best of luck to Andre Miller and Rudy Fernandez. Both were important pieces for this franchise over the last couple years and should be commended for their contributions. I'll miss them both, personally and professionally. But as one door closes, another opens. The acquisition of Raymond Felton from the Nuggets in exchange for Miller (and maybe some other pieces. Who knows at this point?) gives the Trail Blazers a relatively young guard who could be the point guard of the future.

Darius Morris Does His Best Andre Miller

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 11:17:00 -0700

After just two years in Portland, Andre Miller has become one of the most beloved Trail Blazers in recent memory. His unassuming, team-first approach to the game, status as the NBA's preeminent ironman and willingness to mix it up when the situation calls for it has endeared Miller to a fanbase that places a premium on players who adhere to working class values. Show up for work everyday, put the needs of the employer ahead of personal goals, lead by example and stay until the work is done. That's Andre Miller. But Andre won't be around forever. Twelve seasons and 915 games, the majority of those consecutive, take a toll on a player's body. While Miller hasn't shown any substantive signs of letting up, there's going to be a time when someone else will have to assume the mantle at point guard. That could be Michigan's Darius Morris, a player many already compare to Miller.

Staying Up On The Sleepers

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 14:21:00 -0700

Marc Spears of Yahoo! Sports posts a list of 15 "sleepers" who may or may not hear their names called during the 2011 Draft on Thursday. It makes sense that the list would be so large considering this whole draft is a bit sleepy. I mean, Spears leads the article off by featuring Washington State's Klay Thompson (son of former Trail Blazers Mychal Thompson), and he's projected by many to go in the Top 10! As a general manager, you may need to shake yourself if you're still sleeping on a guy who's most likely to be selected in the late lottery.

ESPN: Faried Could Be Kersey

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 10:03:00 -0700

Over at ESPN's TrueHoop blog, Peter Newmann and Dean Oliver ask if Morehead State's Kenneth Faried, a player many mock drafts have the Trail Blazers selecting at pick No. 21, is worth taking in the lottery based on advanced metrics. The hypothesis is that rebounding, a skill at which Faried excels, is "the single statistic most likely to translate to the next level" according to Newmann and Oliver. And since Faried is the most prolific rebounders in the draft, Newmann and Oliver ask if he's undervalued, especially in a draft with no sure-fire superstars. The supposition is driven home when Faried's collegiate rebounding numbers are compared to that of former players, including a much-beloved Trail Blazer.

Predraft Workout: Nikola Vucevic

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 16:26:00 -0700

"It kept spinning and spinning," said USC's Nikola Vucevic, "and you didn't know when it was going to stop." Vucevic, who was in Portland on June 16 to workout for the Trail Blazers a week before the NBA Draft, wasn't talking about one of those shots that circles around and around the rim before falling through the net. Nor was he wasn't speaking figuratively about the predraft process of flying to a city, working out for two hours and then boarding a plane for another city and yet another workout.

Predraft Workout: Jeremy Tyler

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 14:13:00 -0700

Predraft workouts just aren't as important as they used to be. With rules changes regarding the number of players who can participate in a workout at one time, the increased focus on scouting during the collegiate season, the accessibility of game footage and the reluctance of some players to compete head-to-head prior to the draft, the stock that teams once put into what they see during workouts on their own practice courts isn't what it was even five years ago. But there are a few players for whom predraft workouts are just as important as ever. Jeremy Tyler is one of those players.

Predraft Workout: Kyle Singler

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 17:37:00 -0700

There's not much mystery when it comes to Kyle Singler. After four years at South Medford High School followed by four years at Duke, there's not much people around these parts, especially those who follow basketball as closely as the Trail Blazers' scouting staff, don't know about the 6-8 forward. In Singler's case, that's a good thing. While many players are drafted based off what they may become only to never realize that potential, Singler is the kind of player who is going to be drafted because teams know exactly what they'll get, a savvy, hard working forward who knows an willingly accepts his role.

No Change In Ford's Newest Mock Draft

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 11:20:00 -0700

The NBA Draft is a week from tomorrow, right? I only ask because as far as I can tell, few people are paying attention to next Thursday's festivities. Maybe people are still focused on the Finals or are tired of paying attention after the Finals. Maybe it's because of the perceived lack of high-end talent in this draft. Or maybe it's the uncertainty on the horizon. Heck, maybe it's because they moved the event from New York City to Secaucus, NJ. Whatever the reason, there hasn't been much of anything to report despite the draft being eight days away. No rumors with any real legs, no prospects climbing up or falling down the mock drafts.

Trailblazers.tv Top 10

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 15:56:00 -0700

It's been seven months since we launched Trailblazers.tv (or TBTV for short), and we're still learning the ropes roughly 2,000 archived videos later. While it's still a work in progress, it's already come a long way from me sweating bullets and mumbling and staring blankly into a camera during the first episode of Just Casey (click that link at your own risk).

Predraft Workout: Kenneth Faried

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 14:38:00 -0700

Kenneth Faried considered leaving Morehead State for the NBA after a junior season in which he averaged 16.9 points and 13.0 rebounds for the Eagles. He eventually decided to head back to campus, which was probably a wise decision. In his final season as a collegiate, Faried passed future hall of famer Tim Duncan for most rebounds in the modern Division I era. The extra season also allowed him to move into second all-time in double-double behind Duncan. Now Faried isn't saying he's the next Tim Duncan, but when asked about being undersized to play power forward in the NBA, the 6-8 banger from Newark compared himself to another all-time NBA performer.

Predraft Workout: Matthew Bryan-Amaning

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 16:09:00 -0700

Matthew Bryan-Amaning (known in some circles as "MBA" for obvious reasons) played four seasons at the University of Washington. Born in London, Bryan-Amaning has also played for the British national team, something he thinks will help him as he tries to start a career in the NBA. "Every summer I end up going back to play with the national team, kind of get an atmosphere of how it is playing with pros and that pro kind of lifestyle," said Bryan-Amaning, who was one of six players to workout for the Trail Blazers on June 6. "All those guys on the national team are a majority of pros and they've been through the same process before."

Report: Trail Blazers To Work Out Thomas

Tue, 31 May 2011 16:02:00 -0700

In news that should come as a surprise to no one, HoopsHype is reporting the Trail Blazers will work out Washington's Isaiah Thomas on June 6. So far Thomas is the only player that HoopsHype has working out for the Trail Blazers, though the team has yet to release to the public the names of participants or dates of workouts.

Arvydas Sabonis Only Talks Docs

Thu, 26 May 2011 10:58:00 -0700

There's a short interview with the reclusive yet much-beloved Arvydas Sabonis over at Real GM. Sabas briefly discusses his early days in the NBA, differences between the pro game in the States and Europe, his refusal to sing "Happy Birthday" and travel in the NBA. Arvydas was asked if he still keeps in contact with any of the people who played or worked for the Trail Blazers during his days in Portland, to which he replied...

The Best Of What's Around

Wed, 25 May 2011 17:30:00 -0700

I said during Tuesday's Just Casey, even with the abrupt dismissal this week of Rich Cho, that the Trail Blazers general manager job is still a great gig. Some of you wrote that off as PR regurgitation from a company man. That's understandable, but consider a few things. First off, NBA general manager jobs are always desirable. There's only 30 such positions in the world, said positions pay relatively well and you have an opportunity to be a World Champion without ever putting on a pair of sneakers.

Q&A With Chad Buchanan From The Predraft Combine

Fri, 20 May 2011 15:54:00 -0700

Members of the Trail Blazers scouting and front office staff are at the NBA Predraft Combine at ATTACK Athletics facility in Chicago. It's the first large-scale workout leading up to the draft on June 23. Chad Buchanan, Portland's director of college scouting, is among the Trail Blazers contingent in Chicago. I caught up with him Thursday to get an update on what he's seen so far in Chicago. Read what he has to say about this year's draft class, the lack of live contact drills, the team's evaluation process, who players compare themselves to and how some guys are like the new girl in school.

Report: Trail Blazers Interview Jimmer Fredette

Fri, 20 May 2011 11:08:00 -0700

I'll have a longer Q&A with Chad Buchanan, director of college scouting, about the Chicago predraft combine a bit later today, but thought this little line item from Sam Amick of SI.com regarding the Trail Blazers interviewing BYU wunderkin Jimmer Freddette would be a good jumping off point:

Nate McMillan On Trail Blazers Courtside

Tue, 17 May 2011 11:37:00 -0700

Another week of offseason, another great, vital content-producing edition of Trail Blazers Courtside with Mike Barrett, Mike Rice and Brian Wheeler. Go ahead and click the play button a few inches north of here if you missed it live Monday night. Guests on this week's show include Lakers radio analyst (and former Trail Blazer) Mychal Thompson and Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Dwane Casey. But the heavy hitter this week is our own Nate McMillan, who discusses a whole host of topics, including his son's graduation from Arizona State, the Mavericks sweep of the Lakers and if that makes him feel better about how the Trail Blazers season ended, his thoughts on the Mavs/Thunder series and, most importantly, his thoughts on what roster "tweaks" the team might be considering.

Chad Buchanan Talks Draft On Courtside

Tue, 10 May 2011 17:31:00 -0700

If you haven't already, go ahead and watch the May 9th edition of Trail Blazers Courtside with Brian Wheeler, Mike Rice and Antonio Harvey that's embedded right up yonder. Guests include assistant coach Bernie Bickerstaff, the Portland Tribune's Kerry Eggers and NBA.com's Scott Howard-Cooper. But the stuff I think you'll really be interested in comes courtesy of Chad Buchanan, our director of college scouting. Buchanan, or "Buck" as he's know around the practice facility, talks about the underclassmen who decided to go back to school, how said underclassmen returning has affected the quality of the 2011 Draft, the four-year Dukies, which positions the team might focus on improving through the draft, why the team probably won't have as many workouts at the PF as they've had in recent years and he finishes by lamenting the first round loss to the Mavericks. It's all good.

Video: Patty Mills Is The Aussie Abroad

Fri, 06 May 2011 09:47:00 -0700

Maybe I'm the only one who hasn't already seen this "Aussies Abroad" feature from ESPN Australia about everyone's favorite bala Patty Mills, but somehow I doubt that. I'm usually on top of these kinds of things, so if I haven't seen it, I'm guessing you haven't seen it either

The More Dre Changes, The More He Stays The Same

Thu, 05 May 2011 15:59:00 -0700

Andre Miller doesn't care much for change. For example, when asked about how he plans on spending his offseason, Dre noted he would "do the same things he's been doing", a regiment that includes "sitting around," lifting no weights, doing no cardiovascular training and eating "hamburgers, hot links on the Fourth of July."

Initial Thoughts On The 2010-11 Season

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 00:47:00 -0700

There will be time to remember the highs and lows of the 2010-11 season, and equal time to look ahead, but let's wait on that for a little while. I'd rather let the players and coaches, who sacrifice more than most people realize, give their initial thoughts on the season now that it's over.

The First 'Must Win' Of The Season

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 17:18:00 -0700

There's a few questions that get on Nate McMillan's nerves. He's over answering whether his team is "ready to play." He almost religiously refuses to label almost any contest as a "big game," as it's antithetical to his strongly-held belief that no one game counts more than another. And usually he's incredulous when asked if a game is a "must win." But on Wednesday, after what could be Portland's last practice of the 2010-11 season, McMillan readily used the term for the first and maybe only time this season, and for good reason. If the Trail Blazers don't win Game 6 Thursday night at the Rose Garden, they're done. So McMillan, being the literal man that he is, didn't have a problem calling Game 6 what it is.

Game 5 Highlight Roundup

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 20:17:00 -0700

It figures the game I decide to put together a post of highlights, we have very few to single out. The Trail Blazers played well enough to win in the first half, but were just dominated, to the nth degree, on the boards in the second half. People may complain about the discrepancy in foul calls, but for me, this one comes down to the Mavericks just owning the Trail Blazers on the offensive glass. Giving up 20 offensive rebounds is unacceptable. But anyway, here are what few stellar highlights were produced in the 93-82 Game 5 loss to the Mavericks in Dallas. Game 6 is on Thursday (tipoff time STILL to be determined) at the Rose Garden.

Done. Done. On To The Next One.

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 08:54:00 -0700

There's an old sports adage about not letting a loss beat you twice. As in, the negativity, lack of confidence, or whatever the side effects of losing may be for a particular team has the potential to bleed over into the next contest if dwelled upon for too long. But the same might also be true when a team gets a victory like the Trail Blazers did at the Rose Garden in Game 4.

Brandon Roy, Talk Of The Locker Room

Sat, 23 Apr 2011 19:54:00 -0700

It's games like these that put screenwriters out of work. When real life delivers storylines like the one we witnessed in Game 4, there's no need to indulge in fiction. A rally from 23-points down would be story enough, but for the comeback to happen on the shoulders of Brandon Roy, is just too much. It's just about perfect. Which is what the Trail Blazers needed Brandon Roy to be Saturday afternoon at the Rose Garden. Anything less would have resulted in a close loss, but a loss nonetheless. Brandon Roy is 99 percent of the reason why the Trail Blazers will head to Dallas tomorrow with the series tied 2-2.

Matthews Feels The Rose Garden Flow, Sends The Ball To It's Home

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 01:49:00 -0700

Wesley Matthews was feeling a bit shortchanged going into Thursday night's Game 3 against the Mavericks. Early foul trouble in Game 1 and a head-to-head collision with Jason Terry in Game 2 robbed Matthews of his chance to find any kind of rhythm in Dallas. So when asked at Thursday morning's shootaround if he had put together a complete game in either Game 1 or 2, the second-year guard out of Marquette opted to look forward rather than look back. "Not yet," said Matthews, "but that's the great thing about the NBA is you always have another opportunity. Ours is tonight. We've got to take care of business at home."

Gerald Wallace Finds Home On The Road

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 18:14:00 -0700

In a way, ever game Gerald Wallace has played with the Trail Blazers has been a road game. With his family still in Charlotte, Wallace comes "home" to an empty hotel room regardless of where the game is played. That's never an easy thing to do. And when you have a performance like the one Wallace had in Game 1, the idea of being alone with your thoughts and thousands of miles away from your loved ones is excruciating.

No Need To Panic

Sun, 17 Apr 2011 13:28:00 -0700

For some reason, people rarely ask me what the post-game atmosphere is like after a victory. But when the team loses, everyone wants to know what the vibe in the locker room was like. Thing is, the Trail Blazers locker room after a win isn't really all that different than after a loss. That's not to say wins and losses don't have an affect on the mood of some guys, but when you play 82 games a season, emotions tend to even out. And even though the the stakes are heightened during the playoffs, guys know that one game, be it a win or a loss, is still just one game.

Defending Dirk Starts With Batum

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 22:58:00 -0700

There's no one better in the NBA at hitting off-balance shots than Dirk Nowitzki. You can play him as close as the referees will allow, defend his tendencies to perfection, and he'll still hit a one-legged fadeaway in your grill at the shot clock buzzer. Nicolas Batum has seen Nowitzki hit that kind of shot time and time again, but hitting leaning jumpers that would be low-percentage shots for almost anyone else in the league isn't the craziest thing Nic has seen Dirk do.

Just Casey From Yesterday

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 10:09:00 -0700

The April 14 edition of Just Casey, which streamed live from the first day of playoff practice at the PF, had a little bit of everything. Or at least a lot of something. If you watched it live, you got to see what Marcus Camby, LaMarcus Aldridge and Nate McMillan had to say to the media as it happened. There was Andre Miller shooting for an hour after practice was over. And another interview with Marcus Camby. Also a shooting contest between Luke Babbitt and Hersey Hawkins. Other things happened too, but now I don't remember what those things were.

And Now We Know It's Dallas

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 22:16:00 -0700

LaMarcus Aldridge's hard work wasn't rewarded this season with an invitation to the All-Star game, but I'm guessing that if had a choice, he'd take a playoff series in his hometown over a few February days in LA. And that's exactly what is going to happen. The end result of the Mavericks securing the third seed by beating the Hornets and the Lakers locking up the second seed by beating the Kings is that now the Trail Blazers will head to Dallas to take on the Mavericks in the first round. Game 1 will either be on Saturday or Sunday. We'll know which day we'll play sometime later tonight.

Trail Blazers Clinch While Fernandez Let's Go

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 23:43:00 -0700

The Trail Blazers clinched the 6th seed in the Western Conference playoffs by virtue of beating the Memphis Grizzlies 102-89 Tuesday night. That's all fine and good, but we still don't know where we're going or who we'll be playing when the 2011 NBA Playoffs begin this weekend. But on Tuesday night, something happened that could up being more important to Portland's playoff fortunes than finding out who the opponent is eventually going to be. Rudy Fernandez, who has been suffering through the worst shooting slump of his career, finally found his range from the 3-point line. After going a combined 2-of-22 (thats a whopping 9 percent shooting for you wicked smart kids out there) over the past six games from beyond the arc, Rudy came up big against the Grizzlies, making 4-of-5 three-pointers to finish the night with 18 much-needed points off the bench.

Everything you wanted to know about playoff seeding but were too bored to ask

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 10:39:00 -0700

Greetings and welcome to the last week of the NBA regular season! There's been somewhere around 2,400 games played in the Association this season and yet very little has been solidified when it comes to playoff positioning in the Western Conference. Sarah, our resident playoff positioning expert, has a more in-depth update on where the Western Conference playoff race stands, but in the meantime, I thought you might enjoy a explanation from our friends at Elias Sports Bureau regarding all the possible scenarios regarding the Trail Blazers' potential seed in the playoffs, which is dependent on what the Trail Blazers, the Hornets, the Nuggets and the Grizzlies do in the remaining games of the season.

Patty Mills On The Hangtime Podcast

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 11:34:00 -0700

We haven't shot an "On The Streets With Patty Cakes" episode in months, but the dynamo that is Patty Mills, aka Pat Stacks, is still getting respect for his comedic skills, as well as his fund-raising bone fides. In the April 5 edition of the NBA.com Hangtime Podcast with Sekou Smith, Lang Whitaker and LeMont Calloway, Patty talks about his Assist Australia campaign, the upcoming post-season, the status of basketball in Australia and when you may or may not be able to see a new edition of "On The Streets."

Matthews Cool With Curry

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 17:14:00 -0700

Ask Wesley Matthews about Stephen Curry, and the first thing you're likely to hear has nothing to do with basketball whatsoever. "Steph still owes me some money!" said Matthews. "Nah, I'm just playing. He paid me." Good thing, not that Matthews would have a hard time finding Curry. After all, both guards share similar back-stories and, to a certain extent, have followed similar paths. Both are sons of former NBA players and both of their mothers were standout college athletes. And both were expected to follow in their fathers' collegiate footsteps, though neither did (Matthews because he felt Wisconsin offered a scholarship only because they had to and Curry because Virginia Tech wanted him to walk on).

Batum Finds Peace, Perspective Off The Bench

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 23:54:00 -0700

Nicolas Batum wasn't told by Nate McMillan that he would be coming off the bench against the Oklahoma City Thunder until Friday morning, but he already had a suspicion that the wheels which would put Marcus Camby back in the starting lineup were already in motion.

"I knew it was going to happen sometime," said Batum. "In my mind, I knew it was going to happen"

A Hungry Wallace Hunts Best

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 01:36:00 -0700

When told how many minutes he played Sunday night against the Thunder, Gerald Wallace didn't complain that he was sore from all the pounding one incurs when playing just three minutes shy of an entire NBA game. Or that he was worried about whether he would be able to bounce back in less than 24 hours for the next game against the San Antonio Spurs. His only complaint was one that even we mere mortals, including those of us who couldn't keep up with a tortoise for 45 minutes, let alone the likes of Kevin Durant, could easily identify with. "I played 45 minutes?" said Wallace with a genuine tone of disbelief. "I feel pretty good. I'm hungry, but I feel pretty good after that."

Batum Beats Buzzers, Ruins Dinner Plans In The Process

Sat, 26 Mar 2011 21:56:00 -0700

As far as Nicolas Batum knew, he and Tony Parker were still on for dinner Friday night after the game. After all, both players knew when they initially made plans to dine post-game that only one of their respective teams' would win, so it's understandable why Batum told the horde of reporters jockeying for position around his locker that he and Parker were still going to break bread even though the Trail Blazers had rallied back in dramatic fashion to beat the Spurs in one of the most amazing finishes in Rip City's history. But there was a reason why many of the media in attendance chuckled when Batum declared that dinner with Tony was still a go. They knew something that Batum didn't. They had the benefit of watching the replay of Batum guiding Andre Miller's pass into the basket as time expired numerous times. They knew that it was Parker who was left in Batum's jet wash as he elevated and tapped the ball toward the basket for the game-winning bucket.

Four Bigs Plays In 32 Seconds

Sat, 26 Mar 2011 00:24:00 -0700

Nate McMillan talks all the time about big plays, and how the teams that run the NBA know how to come through in the clutch with those plays. The Portland Trail Blazers haven't always been one of those team you can count on to come up with the big play, but on Friday night against the Spurs, they squeezed a month's worth of big plays into the final 30 seconds to get a much needed victory. The following is a retelling of those four plays -- a steal by Andre Miller, a steal by Wesley Matthews, two free throws by Nicolas Batum and Miller's lob to Batum to win the game -- by the players and coaches to made and drew up those plays.

Andre Miller Gets Cousy

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 15:12:00 -0700

Boston Celtics great and NBA Hall of Famer Bob Cousy had been out of the league for more than a decade before Andre Miller was born. Their paths have never

Players Make Shots, But Coach Still Calls Them

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 22:43:00 -0700

It almost sounds ungrateful to say it, but blowouts aren't only difficult for the team getting blown out. That's not to say that you would rather be on the losing side, and it's infinitely more gut-wrenching to lose by 30 and to win by 30 but as Brandon Roy said after the game, it's not exactly easy to keep your focus when leading by 35... in the first quarter. Said Roy: "It's tough to play up by 40!"

Just Casey: Episode 37

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 16:14:00 -0700

On the March 16 episode of Just Casey, we briefly remember the recently departed Nate Dogg, look at the headlines surrounding the Trail Blazers' 104-101 victory against the Mavericks, gloat about LaMarcus Aldridge being included in ESPN.com's MVP rankings, consider the future rankings of the Trail Blazers and, as always, answer questions from the chatters.

Memory Is The Diary That Matthews Carries With Him

Sat, 12 Mar 2011 00:36:00 -0800

Wesley Matthews will admit his memory isn't as short as it probably should be. Though he displays an uncommon poise and maturity for a sophomore pro, he sometimes has difficulty getting past the misses on offense and the makes on defense. "It's only my second year," said Matthews, "so I'm still struggling with the getting past the next play type thing, because I want it now."

The Gerald Wallace Beast Is Finally Unleashed

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 21:34:00 -0800

There was no mention of tears post-game in the Trail Blazers locker room. Or of "Heatles." Or of LeBron James spanking

Roy Likes It Rowdy, Wallace Won't Change And Andre Ain't Done

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 09:52:00 -0800

On Monday night the Trail Blazers got their last east coast road trip of the season off to a good start against the Dwight Howard-less Orlando Magic. Here's a few notes from the post-game locker room that you might enjoy before turning your undivided attention to tonight's game in Miami (current temperature sunny and 74 degrees) against the Heat.

Pregame notes: Howard, Ice Cream and Socks

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 15:24:00 -0800

Dwight Howard will be serving a 1-game suspension tonight after picking up his 16th technical (thanks Kyle Korver!) Friday night during a loss to the Bulls. One would assume Howard's absence improves the Trail Blazers' chances of leaving Orlando with a win, though the Magic, winners of seven of their last 11, do have a better all-round roster than they're probably given credit for.

Team Twitter: A Trip To Eugene

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 08:20:00 -0800

Over half of the Portland Trail Blazers roster, thanks mostly to the efforts of Patty Mills, uses Twitter and often times, they use the 140 characters allotted per tweet to converse amongst themselves. With that in mind, I introduce yet another post recounting the life and times of the Trail Blazers on Twitter. All text and photos come directly from the players' Twitter accounts. Please to enjoy, a trip to the University of Oregon with Patty Mills (@Patty_Mills), Wesley Matthews (WessyWes2) and Nicolas Batum (Nicolas88Batum), with appearances from LaMarcus Aldridge (@Aldridge_12), Marcus Camby (@MarcusCamby23), Rudy Fernandez (@Rudy5Fernandez), the Portland Trail Blazers (@PDXTrailBlazers) and Wears My Shirt (@WearsMyShirt).

'Joel got a lot of respect from everybody, even Free Throw Guy'

Sat, 05 Mar 2011 23:01:00 -0800

On Saturday night, Joel Przybilla and Dante Cunningham played their first games versus the Trail Blazers as members of the Charlotte Bobcats. Here is what some of the players and coaches had to say about going up against their former teammates just 10 days after the trade.

Hard To Recognize, Hard To Watch

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 23:46:00 -0800

Usually Nate McMillan is seething when he comes into the post-game interview after a performance like Tuesday night's 103-87 loss to the Rockets. But this time around, after the Trail Blazers were beaten soundly in their own house for the second consecutive game, McMillan seemed far more perplexed than furious, more incredulous than angry. Though that was just on the surface. Hard to imagine he wasn't furious after watching a team that was one of the hottest in the NBA prior to the All-Star break dismantled by a Rockets team that is now officially nipping at Portland's playoff heels. But while trying to come up with answers to questions about what is exactly going on with his team, McMillan readily admitted that he too was unable to ascertain the answers to the questions that both the media and fans were asking.

Gerald Wallace Is Nervous, Marcus Camby Is Starting

Sun, 27 Feb 2011 11:46:00 -0800

Plenty of notes from a busy Sunday shootaround before tonight's 7:30 PM game against the Hawks at the Rose Garden. Gerald Wallace participated in his first practice, albeit a shootaround, as a Trail Blazer Sunday morning in preparation for tonight's game. "It was great," said Wallace, who went through shootaround without his trademark headband. "Everybody made me feel welcome. Guys are trying to help me with the plays and get going. It's going to be a transition, it's a new system, whole new set of rules so it's going to take me a minute to adjust and get used to the plays and defensive strategies, but hopefully everything will work out good."

In Appreciation Of Joel Przybilla

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 18:32:00 -0800

Joel Przybilla joked after Wednesday night's loss to the Lakers that he "wanted to go out with a bang." Of course once I asked him officially, Joel said the extra bounce in his step had more to do with going up against a longtime rival than it did playing possibly his final game as a Trail Blazer. Personally, I think it was a little bit of both.

In A Day Of Questions, Brandon Roy Provides An Answer

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 00:10:00 -0800

The Trail Blazers didn't make a trade Wednesday night, though reports indicate that they're in discussions with numerous teams and could very well make a move before the noon deadline Thursday. And they lost to the Lakers at the Rose Garden, ending a six-game winning streak and pushing Portland back to the seventh seed in the Western Conference playoff table. But both the short and long-term prospects in Rip City nevertheless got a boost Wednesday night with the return of Brandon Roy to the lineup. Roy played limited minutes, scored just 5 points on 2-of-5 shooting and looked tentative at times, but he was back, reportedly pain-free and optimistic about his prospects for the future.

No Moral Victories, Even At All-Star

Sat, 19 Feb 2011 00:03:00 -0800

Sometimes, players can get used to losing. You end up on a team that always seems to be rebuilding, always looking to next season, and after a while, maybe the sting you felt after a tough beat is eventually replaced by subtle indifference. There are plenty of players in the NBA who, despite starting their careers as fiercely competitive, are slowly worn down by losing to the point where they don't much care if their team ends the night on the wrong side of the final score. Wesley Matthews is not one of those players.

Wesley Matthews Ready To Razzle Dazzle For Rookie/Sophomore

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 23:07:00 -0800

Wesley Matthews, to state the obvious, is a lot of things. Hardworking, skilled, resilient and tough-as-nails are just a few of the adjectives that come to mind when describing the second-year guard out of Marquette. But for all the things the Matthews is, the word "flashy" doesn't often come to mind when describing the style of play or personality that comprises one of the saviors of a team that is a surprising 32-24 at the All-Star break. After all, players are often a reflection of their coach, and both of Matthews' pro skippers, Jerry Sloan and now Nate McMillan, are about as flamboyant as buttered toast.

Team Twitter: Pin Pals And Alley Cats

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 17:25:00 -0800

Andre Miller Does It All

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 00:05:00 -0800

Andre Miller is doing a little bit of everything these days. Sometimes he's supporting his teammates by saying something he knows they can't. Other times he's pointing out inequities in foul calls (though he probably made no mention of that tonight after Portland shot 22 more free throws than Chicago). And other times, despite being mentioned in seemingly every trade scenario that involves the Trail Blazers, Miller declares in his own imperfect and misunderstood way that he'd like to "stay put" in Portland.

Chris Broussard: Aldridge Biggest Snub

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 10:06:00 -0800

I don't really dwell too much on LaMarcus Aldridge not being selected as a Western Conference All-Star reserve, but since we're less than 24 hours removed from the announcement, I figure it's OK to post this video of ESPN's Chris Broussard tabbing LA as the biggest All-Star snub.

Wesley Matthews Is Ready For Seconds

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 17:59:00 -0800

When it comes to deciding which players should make up the sophomore squad for the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge And Youth Jam (known hereafter simply as the Rookie/Sophomore game), Wesley Matthews' resume speaks for itself. Among his second-year peers, Matthews is first in three-pointers made at 86, second in scoring at 16.1 points per game, second in free-throws attempted (184) and made (154), fourth in free-throw percentage (84%), fourth in steals per game at 1.26, fifth in minutes per game at 33.1 and sixth in three-point shooting percentage (38%). He’s got the kind of game that is uncommon for a second-year player, and an undrafted player at that.

Nicolas Batum Does Not Need Convincing

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:39:00 -0800

He could have blamed it on bad luck, or a curse, or the hardwood floor of the Rose Garden. But when I sat down next to Nicolas Batum to figure out what exactly happened to his left knee in the second quarter of Thursday night's loss to the Celtics, Nic chalked up his and Portland's misfortune to something else.

"I know," said Batum. "I shouldn't have cut

Practice Report: Camby Walks, Batum Shaves, Matthews Wears Shades

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 16:14:00 -0800

I haven't been able to make it out to Tualatin for practice as much as I used what, what with hosting Just Casey or

Brandon Roy Addresses The Media Regarding Surgery

Sat, 22 Jan 2011 18:52:00 -0800

The following is a transcript of comments Brandon Roy made to the media in his first public comments since undergoing arthroscopic surgery on both knees Monday. Roy was in a good mood, had no visible trouble moving around and was not aided by crutches or a cane. In short, he didn't look like a person who had surgery just six days ago.

Brandon Roy:

Rudy Fernandez Shows Up, Makes His Own Luck

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 17:28:00 -0800

The scene in the Trail Blazers' locker room prior to the game against the Clippers was typically sparse. A couple ball boys scurried around carrying out various errands and Nicolas Batum sitting at his locker reading

Wesley Matthews Feeds Off Of Your Ridicule

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 16:54:00 -0800

Wesley Matthews did a little bit of everything during Saturday night's 96-89 victory against the Nets at the Rose Garden. The line: 10 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals in 38 minutes played on a bad ankle,

The Family That Tweets Together Stays Together

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 17:32:00 -0800

Fads, by definition, come and go, and that’s especially true for fads originating in the digital world. Services like MySpace, Napster and Google Wave have all seen periods of intense growth, followed by a plateau of varying duration

In Denver, Trail Blazers Got Back-To-Back

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 16:40:00 -0800

During the post-game show that followed Tuesday night's 95-77 loss to the Nuggets in Denver, Nate McMillan made a statement that piqued my interests, as it was something that I had noticed throughout the years as

Of Batum, Bunnies And Banfield

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 11:43:00 -0800

Nicolas Batum just turned 22, so he doesn't have to strain his memory too hard to remember his first pet.

"My first pet was a rabbit," said Batum. "In French, I called

Road Addendum: New Jersey, Philadelphia, Boston and Washington DC

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 15:09:00 -0800

I, along with the rest of the Trail Blazers, returned from a miserable Eastern Conference road swing almost two weeks ago, but I’m just now getting around to writing the Road Addendum. I figure it’s not too late if I write it before the end of the road trip AFTER the road trip I went on. So by my math, this is the last day to tell stories from the trip that

The Origins Of The Three Goggles

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 01:21:00 -0800

If you've seen Patty Mills on the bench or on the streets, then you know he's not lacking in creativity or wit. And if you know those things, then you shouldn't be surprised that it was Patty who was the first guy

The Way To Przybilla's Heart

Sun, 05 Dec 2010 23:01:00 -0800

Joel Przybilla might have said he didn't know what to expect when he checked in for the first time in front of the crowd at the Rose Garden, but I think he was playing dumb. After being here for seven seasons, Przybilla

The Return Of 'The Thrilla'

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:41:00 -0800

The wait is finally over.

After two surgeries, almost a year of rehabilitation, a stomach virus and countless questions about whether or not he would ever be able to return, Joel Przybilla will finally

Saint Patty's Day Came Twice This Year

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 23:40:00 -0800

Patty Mills has played 45 minutes in his professional career, but before getting into Wednesday night's game against the Celtics, Mills had never once played a meaningful minute in the NBA. Part of that is due to

Pregame Notes From Boston

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 15:44:00 -0800

A lot of little bits of news to report from pregame here at TD Banknorth in Boston. Nothing earth-shattering, but you might be interested nonetheless.

• There was some talk that Brandon Roy's minutes on the second night of back-to-back's might be limited due to concerns that his left knee might once again flare up. Sounds like that's not going to be

Don't Stand So Close To Me

Sun, 28 Nov 2010 09:39:00 -0800

Usually you want to team your team to stay close. Building a sense of camaraderie off the court has various benefits on the court, so if you can foster some semblance of esprit de corp, through proximity

A Dream You Dream Together Is A Reality

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 01:43:00 -0800

Play tough.
Play as one.
Play for all of us.

Almost everyone in the NBA wants to get shots, and more often than not, problems in the locker room arise when a player feels like

Road Addendum: LA, NYC, Chi-town and ... Milwaukee

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 18:00:00 -0800

I'm pretty lucky in that I often get to travel with the team on road trips and I've learned that you find out much more about the team away from the Rose Garden. There's less media, so guys are a bit less guarded and burned out from answering questions, but it goes beyond that. Being on the road with the team allows you to get to know the players on a different level.

Nov. 4 Trailblazers.com Podcast

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 14:51:00 -0700

I'm back from a week on the road, so there's no better time to get on the horn with Dave Deckard, he of Blazersedge.com, to record our first Trailblazers.com Podcast of the regular season. It's good to be home.

In this week's episode, we recap and discuss the merits of the 3-1 road trip, ponder what

The Patience Of Maurice Lucas

Sun, 31 Oct 2010 23:54:00 -0700

I only have faint memories of Maurice Lucas as a basketball player. I was not yet born when he and the rest of the '76-'77 team gave the city of Portland the gift of pride wrapped up in an NBA championship, and I don't much remember Lucas' years playing for five different teams before ending his career as a Trail Blazer.

But I'm so grateful to be able to

Nicolas Batum: 'I'm Not Scared'

Sun, 31 Oct 2010 14:22:00 -0700

Nicolas Batum started 76 games his rookie season, which gave the first year Frenchman a semblance of NBA credibility, especially after a lackluster summer league performance that had many assuming he'd stay in Europe

And In The Middle Of It All ...

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 01:54:00 -0700

In the NBA, you can be punished for showing too much emotion. You need look no further than Wednesday night's win against the Clippers to see that. Andre Miller (clapping after a no-call), LaMarcus Aldridge (clapping

Roy Appreciates Kobe's Kind Words

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 02:50:00 -0700

When Brandon Roy was told that Kobe Bryant, during a recent interview, said Brandon was the toughest player for

10.25.10 Trailblazers.com Podcast: Season's Eve Edition

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 12:00:00 -0700

Regular season's greetings folks. Dave Deckard, he of Blazersedge.com, and I, Casey Holdahl of Trailblazers.com, check in right before the start of the regular season opener with a new Trailblazers.com Podcast.

This week Dave and I start look

Quick Thoughts And So Longs To Jerryd Bayless

Sat, 23 Oct 2010 19:51:00 -0700

While interviewing Jerryd Bayless for a story I wrote this summer, he said something about his days as a Portland Trail Blazers that, looking back on it now, was rather prophetic.

“Look at the situation since I've been here, what I've

Fear Not, It's Not Nic's Shoulder

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 22:51:00 -0700

Nicolas Batum, With a horde of media crowded around his locker, knew the question was coming, so rather than waiting for someone to ask it, he just came right out with the answer.

"It's not my shoulder."

Nic Batum Gets Back To Normal

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 17:07:00 -0700

I’ve spent quite a bit of time around the team since I was hired back in 2007, so I can usually pick up on when someone is in a bad mood. It’s an important sense for someone in my position to learn quickly,

You Always Remember Your First

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 17:20:00 -0700

Wesley Matthews probably should have known better. He, along with everyone else in the NBA, was told repeatedly that referees would be quick to drop technical’s on your proverbial dome this season for

McMillan Will Abide By The 'Van Gundy' Rule

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 16:09:00 -0700

Nate McMillan made sure to go over some of the newer rules when he assembled his team this morning at shootaround. He reminded (or in the case of the rookies, schooled them for the first time) that if you take a

10.04.10 Trailblazers.com Podcast

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 16:50:00 -0700

The first week of training camp is always hectic around these parts, which is why we didn't get around to recording a podcast last Thursday. Sorry about that. But Dave Deckard, he of

Training Camp Minis: Elliot Williams Declines Your Pizza Party Invite

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 17:55:00 -0700

Some players in the NBA have a hard time when it comes to nutrition. After all, even those who work out strenuously for a living have to watch what they eat if they're to stay at the top of their games. Plenty of

Nicolas Batum Is Happy To Have Help

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 18:10:00 -0700

NBA players may love to compete, but most don't enjoy having to fight for playing time. If given their druthers, just about every player in the Association would much rather go into the season knowing who, if anyone, is above them on the depth chart rather than having to go to battle with their teammates for minutes.

A few months ago, Nicolas Batum could

Jerryd Bayless Is Just Your Average Blogger

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 17:20:00 -0700

Jerryd Bayless started blogging for the same reason most do: he had some thoughts he just had to get off his chest. In fact, he said as much in his introductory

09.16.10 Trailblazers.com Podcast

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 13:47:00 -0700

It's Thursday, which means that Dave Deckard, he of Blazersedge.com, and I, Casey Holdahl of Trailblazers.com, do the responsible thing and record yet another Trailblazers.com Podcast. Only one more of these before training camp, so get your game right.

Summer Interviews

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 10:06:00 -0700

oh summer, where did you go? Training camp is two weeks out. which means it's just about time to get the gameface on. The next 14 days are the last chance for those of us here at Trail Blazers HQ to take one last big breath before jumping headfirst into the deep end that is the NBA season. I'll be honest: I'm not ready for it, but it's coming regardless.

So

09.09.10 Trailblazers.com Podcast: Dave Breaks Down The Eras

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 14:51:00 -0700

With no new Trail Blazers news to speak of, Dave Deckard, he of Blazersedge.com, and I, Casey Holdahl of Trailblazers.com, hop into the wayback machine to ponder the abridged history of the team. Dave, whose perspective and understanding are matched

09.02.10 Trailblazers.com Podcast: Mailbag Edition

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:43:00 -0700

Dave and I take a different approach to this week's podcast. Instead of coming up with our own topics, Dave Deckard, he of Blazersedge.com, and I, Casey Holdahl of Trailblazers.com, devote most of the podcast to answering your questions about Rudy Fernandez,

08.26.10 Trailblazers.com Podcast Summer Overview Spectacular

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:51:00 -0700

I'm not going to make any excuses; it's been way too long since our last podcast. But at least the hiatus gave ave Deckard,he of Blazersedge.com, and yours truely, Casey Holdahl of Trailblazers.com, plenty of time to build up a stable of topics for the podcast return. We run through all those topics today in our

Blog Debate: Pick Your Mini-Pack

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 16:36:00 -0700

Full disclosure: the blog post you are about to read (hopefully) is meant to tickle your ticket-buying bone. After all, there’s no better way to help the Trail Blazers on the court than to make the Rose Garden as inhospitable as possible, and the best way to do that is to get in the arena and get loud. You can’t do that without tickets.

Patty's Boomers Beat Batum's Les Bleus

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 09:41:00 -0700
With the World Championships in Turkey just four days away, teams from all parts of the globe are finishing up friendlies before taking a few days of rest. The French, featuring our man Nicolas Batum, and the Australians, with everyone's favorite Aussie fact-buster Patty Mills, met up yesterday in Villerbaune, France in the final game of a four team tournament. Lead by

France's Loss Might Be Portland's Gain

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 16:50:00 -0700

In one of the final games of the World Basketball Festival in New York City, Nicolas Batum and the rest of the French national team managed to hang with Team USA for two quarters before

Highlights Of The Preseason Schedule

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 15:07:00 -0700

The full regular season schedule doesn't come out until next week, though we'll know later today whether we'll be playing a nationally televised game during the first week of the season, during the Martin

McMillan Says Team USA Is Going Small

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:48:00 -0700
With the 2010 World Championships in Turkey a little more than a month away, Team USA trimmed their roster from 19 to 15 today

Buck Williams Is Back

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 17:46:00 -0700

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Buck Williams started his NBA playing career with the New Jersey Nets and ended his career with

You Can't Overpay For A Championship

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 18:05:00 -0700
You'll never hear an athlete answer a question more frankly than Wesley Matthews did when asked about the perception that the Trail Blazers overpaid for his services. He could have easily said the notion was ridiculous,

If Howard Goes, Pendergraph Still Has His Back

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:51:00 -0700
Nothing is even close to official, and when it comes to the NBA, if it isn't official, it isn't a done deal. One need look no further than the reported three-team trade involving the Raptors, Suns and Bobcats which

Australian Fact Or Fiction With Patty Mills

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:33:00 -0700
After a live chat with Patty Mills on Monday in which fans asked questions pertaining to some of the stereotypes we have here in the United State regarding Australia, I thought it would be a good idea to have Patty

Striking A Balance At Summer League

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 12:53:00 -0700
There’s a question that always seems to surround events like the summer league and preseason play: Do you put your best players on the floor in an all-out attempt to win the game at hand or award minutes to

Batum Bids Webster A Fond Farewell

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 17:23:00 -0700
Nicolas Batum was always the favorite to be Portland's starting small forward come the start of the 2010-11 season. And after Martell Webster was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Ryan Gomes and

Trail Blazers Move Up, But Who's The Target?

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:09:00 -0700
News recently broke that the Trail Blazers have acquired the No. 34 overall pick from the Golden State Warriors in exchange for the No. 44 pick and cash considerations.

This move should surprise no one who has followed the Trail

June 17 Trailblazers.com Podcast

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 09:20:00 -0700
With the draft a week away, Dave Deckard, he of Blazersedge.com, and I, Casey Holdahl of trailblazers.com, discuss the scuttlebutt leading up to June 24.

In this week's 'cast, Dave and I look at some of the players the Trail Blazers have brought in for workouts and ponder if anyone available at

June 10 Trailblazers.com Podcast

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 12:54:00 -0700
With all of the unknowns swirling around the Trail Blazers, Dave Deckard, he of Blazersedge.com, and I, Casey Holdahl of trailblazers.com, try to focus on the things we do know.

We know that, with Monty Williams taking over as head coach in New Orleans, that the Blazers will need to hire at least

Trail Blazers' Scouts Talk Draft Workouts In Treviso

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 14:57:00 -0700
The 1992 NBA Draft will be remembered for a few things. It took place in Portland at Memorial Coliseum in the days before the NBA decided to move the function permanently to New York City. It produced Shaquille O'Neal and Alonzo Mourning (though not much else). And it was the last time a foreign-born player wasn't taken in the first round.

It's possible

Video: Brandon Roy And His Mentor

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 10:23:00 -0700

June 3 Trailblazers.com Podcast

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 13:05:00 -0700
Dave Deckard, he of Blazersedge.com, and I, Casey Holdahl of trailblazers.com, do a lot of questioning in this week's podcast.

What would make for a successful offseason? Can Jerryd Bayless and Rudy Fernandez find peace coming off the bench? Can either of those two be depended upon to provide something

May 27 Trailblazers.com Podcast

Thu, 27 May 2010 12:32:00 -0700
You might think it would be difficult for two guys to talk for an hour about the Trail Blazers when their season ended almost a month ago, but Dave Deckard, he of Blazersedge.com, and I, Casey Holdahl of trailblazers.com, manage to jaw for 60 minutes about what news there is to discuss in this week's Trailblazers.com

What You Learn At The Chicago Pre-Draft Camp

Fri, 21 May 2010 16:45:00 -0700
You could argue the NBA's pre-draft camp, once held in Orlando and since moved to Chicago, has outlived its usefulness. With most players declining to participate in on-court workouts, what was once a chance to see the best draft prospects compete head-to-head has turned into not much more than an opportunity to get heights, weights, wingspans and other measurables deemed

May 20 Trailblazers.com Podcast: Salary Cap Edition

Thu, 20 May 2010 10:38:00 -0700
We've got a special treat for you in this week's Trailblazers.com Podcast. Jeff Kramer, creator and purveyor of the NBA salary cap site Storytellerscontracts.com joins Dave Deckard, he of Blazersedge.com, and I, Casey Holdahl of trailblazers.com, to discuss the

Mike Rice's Snap Draft Judgments

Wed, 19 May 2010 17:15:00 -0700
With the draft lottery out of the way, the real gamesmanship of the NBA Draft begins. Between now and June 24, front office types from all 30 teams will watch players work out, interview the players they really like, decide what players they're going to target. They'll be less than honest about who those players actually are. They'll float trades that have no chance of

May 13 Trailblazers.com Podcast

Thu, 13 May 2010 12:18:00 -0700
As the transition from in-season to off-season continues, so too does the Trailblazers.com Podcast. Dave Deckard, he of the distinguished and world famous Blazersedge.com, and I, Casey Holdahl of this here blog with a somewhat nebulous name that your currently reading, provide for your listening pleasure nearly

The Lasting Benefit Of Being Active On Draft Day

Wed, 12 May 2010 13:00:00 -0700
The process of evaluating players in the days leading up to the NBA draft has evolved as teams have started to fully grasp its importance as it pertains to building a franchise. Between a free agency structure that

The Return Of The Trailblazers.com Podcast

Tue, 04 May 2010 14:41:00 -0700
Guess who's back? After a lengthy midseason hiatus, Dave Deckard of Blazersedge.com and I, Casey Holdahl of Trailblazers.com, return to the recording studio to lay down tracks for a new Trailblazers.com Podcast, now available for your listening pleasure.

On this week's chat, Dave and I briefly overview regular and post seasons, discuss our individual comfort

The Persistence Of Playoff Memory

Mon, 03 May 2010 10:55:00 -0700

Nate McMillan, as he had done after every other game this season (aside from the games he missed with, what else, injury), addressed his team after they were eliminated from the playoffs by the Suns

Game 5 Pregame Notes

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 19:03:00 -0700
Some quick hitters from pregame before I find out how well the kitchen staff at US Airway's Arena cooks pork chops.

BAYLESS STARTS, ROY REGULATED

Jerryd Bayless, as somewhat expected, will start tonight, with Brandon Roy and Rudy Fernandez coming off the bench. Nate McMillan said that they're shooting to play Roy around 30 minutes tonight

Shootaround Question: Where The Crowd At?

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 15:12:00 -0700
After two games in Phoenix, the Trail Blazers are glad to be back home to play games three and four in the Rose Garden. So after getting a taste of the playoff crowd in Phoenix, I asked the team what they're expecting from the Portland crowd tonight.

MARCUS CAMBY

"It's going to be tremendous. I think they have a great fanbase

Shootaround Question: How WIll The Suns Come Out?

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 13:55:00 -0700
In today's shootaround question, I asked various members of the team how they thought the Phoenix Suns would come out in Game 2 after losing Game 1 at home. As you might expect, the overwhelming consensus was that the Suns would come out more focused and aggressive the they did on Sunday night.

NATE MCMILLAN

"Just like any

Shootaround Question: The Mindset Before Game One

Sun, 18 Apr 2010 16:25:00 -0700
Before every playoff game, I'll ask the same question to various members of the team. I'll present those answers here in the Center Court blog. Today's question: What is the mindset of the team prior to the start of Game One?

NATE MCMILLAN

"I’ve quit trying to do that because this group has been a group that has been pretty

In McMillan's System, Possession Is Nine-Tenths Of The Law

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 15:11:00 -0700
There’s a difference of opinion regarding the worth of particular statistics that seems to manifest itself more frequently as what many refer to as “advanced statistics” find their way into the mainstream. The back-and-forth

Camby Gets 30 For 50

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:02:00 -0700
Anyone who told you they felt good about the Trail Blazers' chances against the Thunder without Brandon Roy is probably lying. And anyone who told you they felt good about Portland's playoff chances after hearing

Video: Brandon Roy Discusses Knee Injury

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 20:14:00 -0700

I guess it could have been worse. There could have been no chance whatsoever of Brandon Roy playing for the rest of

Brandon Roy Out For Tonight's Game Against Thunder

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 11:36:00 -0700
Brandon Roy will be unavailable for Monday night's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder according to Trail Blazers head coach Nate McMillan. Roy sustained a bone bruise to his right knee during the first quarter of Sunday afternoon's 91-88 victory against the Lakers in Los Angeles.

Roy,

Playoff Race Update: April 8

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 15:10:00 -0700
The following is the standings for the teams still eligible for the Western Conference playoffs as of games played on April 7, 2010. These standings will be updated daily until the end of the regular season.

April 5 Trail Blazers Courtside Podcast

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 12:36:00 -0700
This week's edition of Trail Blazers Courtside with Bob Akamian and Michael Holton is now available for podcasting. Guests on this week's show include starting center Marcus Camby, The Columbian's Brian T. Smith, Sean Deveney of The Sporting News and Nike Hoop Summit participant Jared Sullinger.

Trail Blazers Courtside (Hour One)

Notes From Practice: Roy Sits, Pendergraph Gets Hit

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 14:22:00 -0700
Nate McMillan ran the team through a relatively light practice today in Tualatin after a day off Sunday. Two reason for this. One, the Trail Blazers don't play until Wednesday night against

Daily Playoff Race Update: April 5

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 09:10:00 -0700
The following is the standings for the teams still eligible for the Western Conference playoffs as of games played on April 4, 2010. These standings will be updated daily until the end of the regular season.

Daily Playoff Race Update: April 1

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 12:12:00 -0700
The following is the standings for the teams still eligible for the Western Conference playoffs as of games played on April 1, 2010. These standings will be updated daily until the end of the regular season.

Video: Brandon Roy Decides It's Time To Dunk

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 22:57:00 -0700

We saw two things Wednesday night at the Rose Garden that have been rarities this season. One was a blowout

March 29 Trail Blazers Courtside Podcast

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:37:00 -0700

This week's edition of Trail Blazers Courtside with Mike Barrett and Mike Rice is now available for podcasting. Guests on this week's show include head coach Nate McMillan, Trail Blazers senior

Daily Playoff Race Update: March 30

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 10:13:00 -0700
The following is the standings for the teams still eligible for the Western Conference playoffs as of games played on March 28, 2010. These standings will be updated daily until the end of the regular season.

Daily Playoff Race Update: March 29

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 11:22:00 -0700
The following is the standings for the teams still eligible for the Western Conference playoffs as of games played on March 28, 2010. These standings will be updated daily until the end of the regular season.

Williams Brings Batum Back Down To Earth

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 17:38:00 -0700
Scoring points, to state the obvious, is a good thing in basketball. After all, the team with the most points at the end of the game wins. But sometimes a bump in scoring that might be advantageous in the short term

Video: Internal Media Day Live Chat

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 16:23:00 -0700

Podcast: Trail Blazers Courtside And Joel Przybilla On The BFT

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 14:52:00 -0700
This week's edition of Trail Blazers Courtside with Mike Barrett, Mike Rice and Brian Wheeler is now available for podcasting. Guests on this week's show include head coach Nate McMillan, Jan Hubbard of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and Merlin

Trail Blazers Courtside (Hour One)

Nicolas Batum's Memory Is As Long As His Arms

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 22:02:00 -0700
The Rose Garden crowd gave Hedo Turkoglu a hard time every time he touched the ball. From the introductions right on through the final buzzer, the Rose Garden faithful gave Hedo an earful for spurning the Trail Blazers this summer in free agency. Looking back, it seems like everything happened for the best, but the home crowd wasn’t having any of that.

Neither

Video: Nicolas Batum's Best Blocks

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:18:00 -0800

After putting together a reel of

Getting The Double Down

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:59:00 -0800

Looking at the box score from Sunday night’s loss to the Nuggets, it doesn’t look as if the Trail Blazers offense was the problem. They scored 106 points,

Video: Andre Miller's First Dunk As A Trail Blazer

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 22:25:00 -0800

As the Mikes said numerous times during the broadcast, something about this game felt weird from the start. 7:30 PST tip on a Sunday

Podcast: 03.02.10 Edition of Trail Blazers Courtside

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:59:00 -0800
This week's edition of Trail Blazers Courtside with Brian Wheeler and Michael Holton is now available for podcasting. Guests on this week's show include head coach Nate McMillan, Frank Hughes of SI.com, and Scott Howard-Cooper of NBA.com

Trail Blazers Courtside (Hour One)

Whole Lotta Highlights: Portland 103, Memphis 93

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 11:35:00 -0800
Biggest win of the year? I don't know that I'd go that far. But when you look at the totality of the situation -- last of a five-game road trip against a team that beat you twice at home and is nipping at your playoff-racing heels -- you could certainly make a case. And if the Trail Blazers do in fact end up making the playoffs, I think we'll look back on this trip, and

Whole Lotta Highlights: Portland 101, Toronto 87

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:20:00 -0800
A very nice road win last night for the Trail Blazers on the second night of a back-to-back. Andre Miller flirted with a triple-double (18 points, 10 assists, 7 rebounds) while finishing his second-consecutive game without a turnover. Rudy Fernandez, with rumors of his discontent in Portland swirling, played one of his better games of the season, ending the night with

Jeff Pender-graphs: A Different Kind Of Ride

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:10:00 -0800

Whole Lotta Highlights: Portland 102, New Jersey 93

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 20:09:00 -0800
Stephen Moon, who most consider my British doppelganger, works in our broadcasting department and has been cranking out some great in-games on his Avid in the basement of the Rose Garden. Since he's doing all that work and we don't really have a good place to feature all of those clips, I thought I'd start putting together a post-game post will links to all of the highlights

Jeff Pender-graphs: The Nickname Of The Game

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:41:00 -0800

Jeff Pendergraph, in his first season in the NBA, is already one of the more interesting characters playing for the Trail Blazers. Smart and outgoing with just a bit of crazy mixed in, Pendergraph

Podcast: 02.22.10 Edition of Trail Blazers Courtside

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 13:25:00 -0800
This week's edition of Trail Blazers Courtside with Jay Allen and Michael Holston is now available for podcasting. Guests on this week's show include assistant head coach Monty Williams, Mike Barrett, Ian Thomsen of Sports Illustrated (who says the Trail Blazers have zero chance of making the second round of the playoffs. Ouch!) and Brian T. Smith of The Columbian.

Live By Batum, Die By Batum

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:17:00 -0800
Nicolas Batum did a lot of great things Sunday night against the Utah Jazz. He finished with 14 points on 5-of-10 shooting. He pulled down nine rebounds. He got his first fastbreak

Kevin Pritchard On The Trade Deadline Aftermath

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:35:00 -0800
The 2010 NBA trade deadline will go down as one of the busiest in recent memory. The run-up unofficially started off with a bang on Feb. 13 when the Mavericks sent Josh Howard, Drew Gooden, James Singleton and Quinton Ross to the Wizards in exchange for Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood and DeShawn Stevenson. It ended with a whimper on Feb. 16, with the Wizards sending

Clippers Talk Marcus Camby

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 23:25:00 -0800
One of those weird NBA situations. You fly into town a member of the L.A. Clippers, you end the day a Portland Trail Blazer. You leave a partially eaten steak at the table, take a stroll around downtown on one of

Video: Marcus Camby's Reaction To Being A Trail Blazer

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:05:00 -0800

I don't know what happened at Ringside last night. I wasn't there. But after talking today to Marcus Camby at the