Mike Barrett's Blog

Interesting Times in Vegas

2009-07-17T09:21:00.000-07:00

Even though our attention is on the Las Vegas Summer League, this stretch of time is always about more than just the basketball that's happening on the court. I've mentioned this many times before when in Vegas, but at times it's hard to know whether to watch the game, or watch the many meetings taking place in the stands between executives, agents, and even sometimes, current NBA stars.

It's also been interesting to see how this process has changed in the last few years, as everyone is now much more aware of cameras, prying ears, and potential twitterers (that's probably not a word, but, oh well). The unique thing about Vegas in the summer is, most of these conversations take place in the stands, with regular fans sitting just feet away. Still, even though some of the innocence of this process is gone, you can still see many interesting discussions taking place.

Most of the teams taking part in the festivities in Vegas are staying in the same hotel, which also makes things interesting. It leads to the possibility of many face-to-face meetings, which probabably makes things much more convenient for the decision makers. In the last three days I've found myself in the elevator with three of the more powerful agents in the league, have ridden with four different head coaches, and about five different general managers.

Sometimes, as you walk on to an elevator, you interrupt a conversation, and there's that awkward moment. Other times the conversation continues as though you're not there. Usually, if I'm wearing any NBA gear, that stops things immediately, as I feel their eyes search me, trying to figure out who I am. Or, it can lead to brand new conversations, as they wonder if I'm someone who actually matters (which clearly, I'm not, but they don't know that).

Friday morning, I got a question from an Eastern Conference general manager (who I know pretty well), as I was heading down to get coffee- "so, they're not going to let you have Millsap, huh?"

I wasn't totally sure where this was headed, but Utah matching Portland's offer (according to reports out of SLC) is definitely a topic of conversation among the execs here. Most of them are probably happy about it. It means Portland is still very much in play as a trade partner.

No one is surprised that Utah has reportedly matched the offer. It would have been shocking if they hadn't. As we stated a week ago, the worst-case scenario going into this situation wasn't bad. Very little risk, and a chance to accomplish a goal either way.

As our conversation continued, he said, "I like the fact that they gave him the offer sheet. If they hadn't, Utah could have ended up with both Boozer and Millsap again." And, he ended with, "I would love to be in Portland's situation right now.." Even though we know that, it was nice to hear.

I do think it's interesting the way the media, and really even the Utah Jazz themselves, have tried to portray Portland's move as dirty pool, or worse. The big bad Blazers going after a team in their division and trying to force their hand. It's clear when talking to executives around the league, this thing isn't viewed that way at all.

The move directly dictated the moves, both now and in the future, of a division rival, gave the Blazers a shot at a player they desired, and at the end of the day, they're back where they were a week ago- one of the only teams with enough flexibility to pull off a lopsided trade. That's a very good place to be.

Over the years, I've also gotten to know a few pretty powerful agents- not well, but well enough to be friendly. In the lobby the other night, I had one of them tell me, "I've got the backcourt help Portland needs. I've got the answer. I just need them to listen to me." I wasn't sure if he thought I could actually influence a move, or carry a message (that's a "no" to both questions). Clearly, he thinks that's where Portland needs help, likely because that's who he has available, among his clients.

Yes, I wondered who he was talking about, but wasn't about to ask. And, I'm glad he didn't tell me. There's a balance of being curious, and not wanting to know too much, if you know what I mean. I've heard about those holes in the desert around Vegas, and I don't want to end up in one of them.

It just made me realize, again, Portland is in this position of being a buyer in a market with a lot of sellers. Ideas, from both teams and agents, will continue to be pitched on their doorstep. They can sit, take their time, and sort through all of them.

After taking Thursday night off, the Trail Blazers summer league team now plays three-straight nights. Denver Friday, San Antonio Saturday, and a collection of D-League stars on Sunday. We'll have Friday and Saturday night's games live on Comcast Sportsnet.

Millsap Signs Offer Sheet

2009-07-10T22:20:00.000-07:00

It should be an interesting seven days. That's how long the Utah Jazz have to make some tough decisions.

After vowing to match any offer placed before restricted-free agent Paul Millsap, most likely in an attempt to discourage any offers, the Jazz now have to decide a lot about their future direction in just a week's time.

Friday night, exactly one week after learning Hedo Turkoglu had changed his mind and decided to go to Toronto, the Trail Blazers announced they have signed Millsap to an offer sheet. Per team policy, they didn't disclose the terms of the offer. And, in this case, more important than the total offer, whatever that is, is likely the structure of the offer that could cause the Jazz headaches as they decide what to do.

ESPN says the deal likely includes a "hefty" signing bonus, which means the contract is front-loaded, making Utah's tax burden much more significant in the near future, if they match.

What put this all in motion, besides Turkoglu's change of heart, was Carlos Boozer's decision not to opt out of his current deal. Utah was hoping he would. It would have saved them all of this trouble.

With Boozer electing to stay in Utah, the Jazz were very much hoping teams would stay away from putting them in this position to have to decide whether or not to match an offer to Millsap, the man they reportedly want to anchor their front line into the future. Reports out of Salt Lake City have been claiming the Jazz have already told Boozer he's not part of their future. Now, they're in a very tough spot. Be true to their vow and match Portland's offer, and get deep into the dreaded luxury-tax territory, or cut bait, save a ton of money, and allow Millsap to move to a division rival.

Reportedly, the Jazz have been searching for willing trade partners to help rid themselves of Boozer's big contract. ESPN, The Oregonian, and others, have reported for days that only a couple of teams could possibly work for them to successfully do this. Portland is one of the teams reported to be on their list of would-be partners. Of course, we've heard nothing from the Blazers executive team to indicate whether or not this is truly the case.

The report from ESPN says this: "The Blazers, meanwhile, are still hoping to land a top-quality player this summer without surrendering any coveted assets, as evidenced by their unwillingness to part with Bayless in trade talks with the Bulls and Jazz. So they've elected to use their salary-cap space on Millsap knowing they'll be right back where they were in the event Utah matches -- trying to land Hinrich or a player of similar stature in a trade featuring three teams or more."

So, in short, the report is suggesting that the Blazers really didn't have anything to lose, and had a lot to gain by doing this. Best case, they land one of the premier, young big men in the Western Conference, and fill a need for a physical, rebounding power forward they've desired. Worst case, Utah matches, but still needs a willing trade partner to help them move Boozer, who many in Utah say, has played his last game in a Jazz uniform.

Again, the only two teams with the cap space to absorb a lopsided deal, possibly involving Boozer, are Oklahoma City, thought to be finished adding parts for now, and Portland. However, this doesn't mean that Utah couldn't make a deal that didn't involve one of those teams. If they choose to match, and work a trade with someone else for Boozer, they'd only slightly reduce the amount of tax owed, as reported by the Salt Lake Tribune.

One other interesting scenario was mentioned by that paper late Friday night. It implies that while being very interested in Millsap, the offer sheet could also be used to simply force the hand of the Jazz to make a different trade that favors Portland.

The report says, "The offer sheet to Millsap could be rescinded by agreement of the teams and player, raising the possibility that the Jazz could trade Boozer in a deal that delivers Portland a player of interest, then allowing the Jazz to re-sign Millsap for similar terms."

So, in other words, Portland appears to be in a very good position of strength, no matter if this is simply to sign Millsap, or possibly to force Utah's hand in helping it land another player it has its eye on.

Millsap is a great story. He led the NCAA in rebounding three consecutive years while at Louisiana Tech, but fell into the second round of the draft. He's coming off a season where he started 38 games for the Jazz, and in those contests averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds, including a streak of 19-straight double-doubles after Boozer was lost to a knee injury.

This is a situation Utah likely feared, but knew was possible, after Boozer decided not to opt out. Now, the ball is totally in their court, and the future of both team's front lines hangs in the balance.

Bayno Says Oden on Track

2009-07-07T18:11:00.000-07:00

I realize a lot of you think the most amusing (or frustrating) part of Monday night's Courtside show was the fact that we were obviously being more careful to abide by an NBA rule that's always fallen a bit into a grey area- it's still there, in my opinion. That is, employees of NBA teams aren't allowed to talk about free agents during the signing period.

Have we? Yes. Did it happen in the past? Yes, a lot. Were we told to be more careful, especially given the circumstances of Friday? Yes, again.

I've always tried to be completely honest with you, and up front about this stuff, and that's why I tell you this. I think it just looks silly when you try and cover something that was obviously different and a bit uncomfortable. At the top of the show I told you why we asked Wendell Maxey, from Hoopsworld, on to share free-agent news with us, and he did that. You may not have liked that we had to step gently around the studio, but I was actually relieved we got through the night without even a foot fault. Small victories. Nobody got their butt chewed. And, Wendell did a great job, as always.

Back to my first paragraph- because of all of this, I was looking forward to talking with Bill Bayno about a subject that's perhaps more pressing than even the signing of a free agent. That is, the status of Greg Oden's off season. Bayno, who's invaluable to this franchise, is basically spending his entire summer at Oden's side. It's easy to see why this is a worthwhile investment.

After a 20-minute conversation with Bayno on Monday morning, I knew he'd have good news concerning Oden, his summer workouts, and how he's progressing. Bayno is currently in Ohio with Oden, and is driving him through daily workouts, and have even been going twice a day on many occasions.

To listen to the entire interview with Bayno, click here.

It's clear that Oden is buying in, and a bond has been created between he and Bayno. That's very, very important. We're going to see just how far down the road he is when he works out with the USA Basketball Select Team in Las Vegas immediately following summer league.

Speaking of summer league, I'll head to Las Vegas early next week with the Blazers, and we'll be televising three games (15th vs. Houston, 17th vs. Denver, and 18th vs. San Antonio) in HD on Comcast Sportsnet.

Jeff Pendergraph, one of Portland's second-round draft picks, told us on Courtside that he is very much looking forward to testing himself against the summer-league talent. To listen to the Pendergraph interview, click here.

Also, for the first time, we were streaming Courtside live on this website. That's the way it's going to be from now on. For some, who don't get CSN, this will be a cool thing. It's also available worldwide, and many of our texts and e-mails were coming in from around the globe. All told, we received over 650 e-mails to the program. Needless to say, I didn't get all of them read on the air.

As you know, Wednesday is the first day free agents can actually sign with teams. This moratorium will end, thank goodness, and we'll learn a lot about who's officially headed where. Following Friday's news, it'll be interesting to see what the Trail Blazers choose to do. Clearly now, there's no reason to rush anymore. What are you hoping for?

Courtside Tonight Streams Live

2009-07-06T11:56:00.000-07:00

It's a new day for Trail Blazers Courtside tonight, as now be able to see and hear the show on this website, as it'll be streaming live. Click here to watch Courtside beginning at 6:00pm.

Mike Rice is on vacation number 18 of the summer, so it'll be yours truly and Brian Wheeler at the helm. We will be borrowing Wendell Maxey of Hoopworld, and if you're into checking NBA and Blazer news online, he needs no introduction. Wendell will be on set with us, and will fill us in on all the happenings in the free agent market.

Along with all of that talk, we'll be joined by Portland draft picks Jeff Pendergraph and Patty Mills. And, we'll hook up with Blazers assistant coach Bill Bayno, who's been working out with Grg Oden.

As Kerry Eggers let us know in his recent article, Oden is working his tail off, and is making huge progress this summer. I had about a 20-minute conversation with Bayno this morning, and he told me Oden had just finished another monster workout. He said the kid is breathing fire right now, and most importantly, has his confidence back and is extremely excited. It'll be great to hear firsthand about Oden's summer to this point.

As always, your calls, e-mails, and texts are welcome. We'll take the air at 6pm and will go until 8. The phone numbers are 503-963-4595, or toll free, 877-475-4595. The e-mail is courtside@trailblazers.com. Or, you can text us, at 45495.

Talk to you tonight.

Ball in Hedo's Court?

2009-07-02T22:23:00.000-07:00

He arrived in Portland at 1:50 on Thursday afternoon. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, and temperatures hit 90 before the day was over. If there was ever a day to show off the beautiful Northwest, this was it. A perfect opportunity to show off the city, and to roll out the red carpet for a highly-sought after free agent.

Hedo Turkoglu was all smiles as he entered the main concourse at PDX and was greeted by Kevin Pritchard and his executive team, who are doing their best in this, their first big-time recruitment of a free agent. This team may have been built through the draft, but now the page has been turned and the search for another piece to the puzzle is taking place as we speak.

Depending on what you read today, the Trail Blazers either have reason to feel very confident, should still fear a last-ditch effort by the Toronto Raptors, or are simply going to be bidding against themselves, as teams make alternate plans.

By now you've read that Toronto is probably the last serious contender in this sweepstakes, and would have to do some pretty serious restructuring to take the prize. Odds are, they won't. Odds are, Turkoglu is going to be wearing a Trail Blazers jersey next season. Don't tell KP's team that yet, as for them the selling will go on until Saturday. But, this is starting to look like it's going to be just a matter of time.

I guess I shouldn't have expected any different, but this is clearly a hot button issue with Portland fans. Gauging your interest based on the number of comments to this blog isn't scientific by any means. But, my last post, two nights ago, has already received more comments than my post following game 6 of the playoff series against Houston. That's saying something.

Exactly one month ago, I posted a blog about free agency, and used a photo of Turkoglu. Most of your comments were very much in favor of the Blazers pursuing Hedo. Earlier this week, as you probably know, there seemed to be about a 60-40 split in the "for or against" categories. That surprised me a little. Now that it seems like this is about to become a reality, I'm sensing a hard swing back to the positive. Maybe that's because you're reading that this is a done deal (I'm not completely saying it is, mind you).

If you've swung back and forth, I don't blame you. I have to admit that I've gone from feeling very confident that this is the right move, to luke warm, and back to very confident. Basically, here's briefly why I'm so behind this team signing Turkoglu at this point.

For this team, at this time, Turkoglu is the best option available. As we saw in the playoffs, this team needs not only a veteran presence, but needs a third scorer. It needs someone who can create their own shot, creative mismatches, handle the ball on the perimeter, and shoot with range. Mostly though, it needs another player who makes his teammates better.

Plain and simple, Turkoglu would make Greg Oden better. He'd take pressure off Brandon Roy, and his offense would result in more quality looks for LaMarcus Aldridge.

If you know the NBA, you know the bread-and-butter play for most teams is the side pick and roll. If you watched the Orlando Magic in the playoffs, you saw that few players initiate the side pick and roll better than Turkoglu. Dwight Howard, who's offense is very close to what Oden's will be, absolutely loved Turkoglu. He, above any other Orlando player, stands to lose the most if they lose Hedo (Howard called Turkoglu on the phone at least three times on Thursday alone, begging him to come back to Orlando). Oden has already become pretty good at setting the pick, and rolling, and with Turkoglu in the mix, he'd be getting the ball.

There's an art to this simple play. And, while I'm suggesting Turkoglu would make Oden better, I should also add that he would make Joel Przybilla better as well. Przybilla can run the pick and roll. The last player Portland had who really know how to run this play was Nick Van Exel. His favorite partner in the pick and roll? Przybilla. Maybe that's a stretch for you, but I've had Przybilla himself tell me that on many occasions.

Will things change for the Blazers if they are able to close the deal and land Turkoglu? Of course. Is there uncertainty? Yes. Was I one of the guys who preached leaving this thing alone and letting it bake rather than chance a risky move? Uh, yes. But, on the risk-reward scale, this thing is heavily tipped toward the former. This a very good chance to perhaps give this team a big missing ingredient during a rare window of opportunity.

This Rudy Fernandez story, about him being upset that the Blazers are chasing Turkoglu, has some people concerned. I don't happen to be one of them. As I've said, I think this is an agent attempting to use the emotion of fans to get his client an extension. Or, this agent could be upset that the Blazers probably aren't chasing another of his free-agent clients (Andre Miller, in this case). This happens all the time, so I'm not bagging on Andy Miller (no relation). He's just doing what agents do. The interesting thing about playing this card here is, it seems to have backfired on him, at least a bit.

The majority of fans, rather than get upset that the Blazers are going after Turkoglu, are instead upset at Rudy. Or, at least this was the case initially. I think now, people are realizing that this was, at the very least, overblown, and at the worst, a bald-faced lie. I don't think this will be that big of a deal, even if this signing gets completed.

If you're looking for some big announcement from the Blazers on this you'll have to wait a few days, even if everything works out. Any word on an agreement being reached has to come from the player's side, until July 8th. That's the earliest free agents can actually put pen to paper. But, if common ground is reached, and if the Blazers win this race, you'll know before that.

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One note on summer league. The Blazers have released their summer league roster, and will be taking part in the Las Vegas Summer League once again. I'll be there, and we'll be broadcasting three of the games on Comcast Sportsnet, in high definition. We'll have games on the 15th, 17th, and 18th.

As far as the roster goes, Jerryd Bayless will be joined by Jeff Pendergraph, Dante Cunningham, and Patty Mills. Roy's former teammate at Washington, Bobby Jones, is on the roster. Thomas Gardner, who played 16 games with the Atlanta Hawks will be playing for Portland. So will Louisville's David Padgett, Matt Freije, and former Portland Pilot Pooh Jeter. Jeter played in Spain last season and recently claimed that Blazers first-round pick Victor Claver has more upside than Ricky Rubio. The exact quote went like this... "To be honest, I think Victor Claver is the best pro right now out Spain. I know people may think I’m crazy for that comment, but hey, it’s my opinion. Victor Claver is like 6’9; he can score and is very athletic."

The Waiting Game Starts

2009-06-30T22:06:00.000-07:00

Game on.

I've read absolutely everything there is to read on the free agent signing period. I've gone up and down my list of reliable sources, and have had so many conversations on what could, and will, happen I can't even count them. Where does all of this have me? Same place I started, and it's driving me nuts.

Yes, in the past I've gotten hints on what's to come. I've had inside information at times and have either dropped subtle clues, or have simply sat on news. This time it's different. The Blazers' executive team is playing this very, very close to the vest, and all we're left with are rumors and the usual sell jobs by agents.

This, after all, is when the agents are at their best (or worst, depending on your perspective). To say that they use the media during times like this is an understatement. I would bet that 75 percent of the stuff you've heard up to this point has been planted by a player agent. This is not to bang on them. They're just doing their jobs- drumming up support, creating a marketplace, or pushing the value of their clients. They know this is such an emotional time, a few well-placed texts or e-mails will be followed by front-page news.

With that in mind, I always have this unrealistic desire to know everything that's going on- the deals that were close, the rumors that were completely false, and the stuff that was floated that actually worked. Of course, we'll never know most of this stuff. And, even if I'm ever treated to a nugget, which has happened in the past, I'll be forced to lock it away in Fort Knox.

Going off simply what I've heard from league sources (and from no one on our executive team, I assure you), it sounds like catch o' the day for the Blazers will be Hedo Turkoglu. This isn't news to you, I realize. And, we're about to find out if all we've heard has been even the least bit accurate.

When it comes to trade rumors, or rumors of a big signing in the NBA, it's often true, where there's smoke there's usually fire. But, this isn't always the case. Again, the agents have PR machines at their finger tips, and they've become masters at selling high. In short, the illusion they create often becomes real.

You don't need me to recap the events of the day in this free-agent race. Boozer elects to stay in Utah, the Bucks don't exercise the option on Villanueva, Kobe picks up his option, ect. The only reason why I bring up the Boozer situation is, this could greatly affect the Trail Blazers.

For weeks now we've heard that Detroit's first option in the free agent market would be Boozer, followed by Ben Gordon, and then Turkoglu. Now, with Boozer staying in Utah, they can shift their focus to Gordon and Turkoglu. But, late word out of Detroit is, they're not thinking about those two in that order. It's now Turkoglu who is their number-one target, reportedly. Hedo has to be loving this, even if it isn't true. Up goes his price, the bidding war starts, and we get an economics lesson in supply and demand.

The other possibility in all of this, and something I haven't heard discussed a lot, is the fact that you can actually sign and trade free agents. I wrote about this earlier, but didn't explain it very well. So, let's try this again.

The rules state that if you sign a free agent you can't trade him for 90 days, or until December 15th, whichever is later. That's always been the case. BUT, there is a bit of a loophole here. If the free agent you're about to sign is aware that he's going to be traded immediately upon signing, this is legal. So, if a free-agent contract is specifically designed to be a sign-and-trade deal, it's okay.

Going this route would definitely give you a much larger pool or prospects, provided you could find a willing trade partner, and a willing free agent. If a team that's over the cap has a free agent its targeting, it would just have to find a team that's under the cap to help them, and then, of course, you'd have to find a trade that works.

So, even though we've only been hearing about a handful of guys being possible future Trail Blazers, I'm telling you to think outside the box. That's what KP always tells us he does, right? So, should we be set for Andre Miller, Turkoglu, Jason Kidd, or Brandon Bass? If we're to believe what we've been reading, it should be one of those guys. Maybe I'm reaching here, but I don't think it will be. Of course, I could be dead wrong.

You've all made your comments on who you don't like, but I haven't heard as much talk about people you do like, who haven't been discussed yet. Care to fire off about this?

I'll be sitting here, waiting for a text, waiting for an e-mail, and basically waiting for any word. When will it come? Who knows.

Concerning Turkoglu, Orlando fans have already said farewell, knowing the chances are very slim that he'll be back in a Magic uniform next season. There's a great article from today's Orlando Sentinal, written by Mike Bianchi. If you don't know a lot about Turkoglu, outside what you have seen on the court, it's a good piece to read.

I like how Bianchi ended the article talking about Turkoglu, and what he evidently meant to the city, franchise, and fans.

"Time now to say goodbye and good luck to Hedo Turkoglu. Thanks, Turk, for never quitting on the team or second-guessing the coach. Thanks for never being a cancer during the bad times or a prima donna during the good ones. Thanks for never cursing a reporter or kicking a photographer. Thanks for the buzzer-beating 3s and the dribble-drives among the trees. Thanks for always embracing the fans and never disgracing the franchise. Thanks, most of all, for displaying grace on the court and class off of it."

Sounds like some of the stuff written about this current crop of Trail Blazers.

Not sayin', just sayin'.

Blazers Hit Targets in Draft

2009-06-25T22:17:00.000-07:00

"We had several guys we were focusing on, and we got those players. We're very pleased with our draft." That, from Kevin Pritchard, following a busy NBA Draft on Thursday.

Portland fans, who've become accustomed to seeing their team select players with household names, were probably left scratching their heads after the Blazers selected at 22 in the first round. Only those who follow international ball, and studied mock drafts prior to Thursday probably immediately recognized the name Victor Claver, when his name was called by commissioner David Stern.

So, while many frantically ran a search on Claver's name on draft web sites, Pritchard's staff was quietly celebrating the fact that they had the man they wanted. They had to move up to the 22nd spot, in hopes of landing him, and it proved to be enough.

Claver was in Portland, and went through a pre-draft workout, but that was more than a year ago, before he withdrew his name from the 2008 draft. The Blazer scouts loved what they saw then, and stayed right on his tail during last season, when he grew and matured. He'll likely have another year or two gel into an NBA player before he's asked to actually sign with the Blazers.

It's very possible Claver will be paired with Rudy Fernandez on the Spanish National Team this summer for the European Championships. He was the final cut on the Olympic Team last summer, but according to some, should make the squad this time around. He doesn't turn 21 until the end of August.

The nice thing about this pick is the Blazers can afford to wait on Claver, who is 6-10, and over 230 pounds. He's athletic, can shoot with range, and reportedly has tremendous potential. So, while not a move that comes with the media splash we've come to expect, the Blazer scouts feel they've plucked another gem out of the European talent pool. And, they've got a pretty good track record on the prospects they've acquired.

So, while that move was focused on the future, another move was made, with another Spanish player, that could pay dividends in the near future. The Blazers traded Sergio Rodriguez, along with the 38th pick in the draft, to the Sacramento Kings, for the 31st pick. They used that to select Arizona State's Jeff Pendergraph.

Pendergraph, who impressed scouts in his workout in Portland on June 17th, was selected at 31, and could have a more immediate impact. As fans who followed the Pac-10 know, Pendergraph is a very physical 6-9, 240, who will provide toughness to Portland's front line. He fared very well in his workout against Tyler Hansbrough, and like Hansbrough, went to school for four years. That simply means he's more NBA-ready than most, and we'll get a look at him during the Vegas Summer League.

Another player who was involved in that same workout for the Blazers was Dante Cunningham, who starred at Villanova. He also played four years of college basketball, and comes in at 6-8, 235. He was second team All-Big-East his senior year, and was named the conference's Most Improved Player. Cunningham led Villanova in scoring and rebounding during his senior season.

With their final pick of the draft, number 55, the Trail Blazers drafted an Australian point guard, Patty Mills, who played his college ball at St.Mary's. Mills, who led Team Australia with 14 points per game in last summer's Olympics, played just two years at St.Mary's. Mills was projected in some mock drafts to go much higher, and the Blazers were thrilled that he slipped back to 55. He's also expected to take part in the summer league for the Blazers.

So, in short, the Blazers gained a roster spot by moving Sergio to the Kings, can take his money off the books, and with Claver not expected to come to the NBA for a couple of years, gain another roster spot. This indicates the team is set to be a major player in the free agent signing period which begins July 8th. Teams can begin negotiating with free agents on July 1st, and then upon learning where the NBA salary cap will be set, can begin signing players on the 8th.

Even though this team was built through the draft, the Blazers are now in the position to make adjustments to the roster, store away talent for the future, and attack free agents. The day didn't perhaps have the flash of recent drafts, but it still goes down as a win in the eyes of the Portland executive team. Now, we can turn the page and get set for the next step, which is only a couple of weeks away.

Listen to the Special Edition of Courtside (Trail Blazers Podcast): Hour 1 | Hour 2 | Hour 3 | Hour 4

Watch the archived video (first part, give it about 25 seconds)

Watch the archived video (second part)

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One note on the Vegas Summer League. The Blazers Broadcasting team will be heading to Las Vegas to broadcast three games in high definition on Comcast Sports Net. We'll broadcast the games on July 15th, 17th, and 18th, live from the Thomas and Mack Center, on the campus of UNLV.

Pre-Draft Workouts End

2009-06-23T13:59:00.000-07:00

For blurry-eyed coaches, and members of the Trail Blazers' executive team, this day had to be a welcome end to a fairly hectic process. Even though this summer the team flew in fewer players to work out than it has in the recent past, they've still seen a lot of individuals in the past few weeks.

Tuesday morning in Tualatin, the Blazers held their final pre-draft workout, and now have the task of sifting through piles of information, intel, and testing data. Out of all of this, they'll lock in on probably only a handful of players they think could help the team, going into Thursday's NBA Draft.

This much is true- they're not short on draft picks, and they're not short on options. Move up? Move down? Move completely out? I've been there for just about every single pre-draft workout, have repeatedly talked to those in charge, and I can honestly tell you, I have no idea what they're going to do. I'm not sure they do at this point. But, that's what the next couple of days are all about.

The final workout was a quality workout, and featured North Carolina point guard Ty Lawson, as the headliner. He was matched up with Paul Delaney from UAB, Oklahoma's Taylor Griffin, Goran Suton of Michigan State, and Frenchman Nando De Colo.

As expected, Lawson was clearly the best player on the floor, and was speedy and shot the ball well. But, it's also clear that these players are extremely worn out. We saw that in Monday's workout, and we saw that again on Tuesday. Many of these guys have been hopping around the country, working out for team after team after team. I'm sure they're happy this process has just about come to an end.

This process is pretty intriguing, but honestly, as we move to the end (and this seems to happen every year), all the workouts start to look the same to me. That's probably been the case more than ever this season, because most of the players who have been in, are projected to be late first-round picks, early second-round picks, or guys who would just be thrilled to be drafted. No one has blown my doors off. But, that's not saying much.

About midway through Tuesday's workout LaMarcus Aldridge came strolling into the practice facility. Steve Blake was getting a workout on the other court, and has been there shooting only left handed, following surgery on his right shoulder. Martell Webster has also been in on occasion, and Channing Frye was there on Monday as well.

It's always amazing to me to see the current NBA players on the same court as the hopefuls. Frye, who was out shooting on Monday, looked like a man among boys. And, I guess he was. Aldridge, for as young as he can look at times, looked like a chisled vet, who was only somewhat amused by Tuesday's workout.

This probably doesn't come as much of a surprise, but these current players don't take much of an interest in this pre-draft stuff. Aldridge stopped several times and squinted to the far court to try and figure out who the guys were. Blake asked me on Monday, "who are these guys?" And, again, they're more interested in getting their own work done and getting out of there.

It's not that easy for Kevin Pritchard and his staff. This is where they've built this team in recent years, and draft day, as you know, has been a vital day for this franchise. Some teams do it in August, some in January, some at the trade deadline. The Blazers take their swings on draft day.

"We like this process, and nothing here is new to us," Pritchard told me after Tuesday's workout. "We haven't narrowed it down to anyone yet. If we feel like there's a player we like, we'll get aggressive and try and move up to get him. If not, we could move out, or we could move back."

So, how will the time between now and the draft be spent?

"A lot of conversations, a lot of phone calls, a lot of late nights, and a lot of debating," says Pritchard.

Another in a long line of meetings was commencing even as I left the practice facility Tuesday afternoon. I'm honestly blown away by how much these guys meet, and I've even asked them, "what in the hell can you possibly be talking about for hour on end, day after day, leading up to the draft?" If there's an executive staff in this league that puts more into the draft, I'd like to see it.

"This is just our process," says Pritchard.

As you know, the results, particularly in recent years, speak for themselves.

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One note. Our coverage of the NBA Draft will begin at 4pm on Thursday, with a special edition of Trail Blazers Courtside. We'll be on set at the Rose Garden studios, broadcasting on Comcast Sports Net, and simulcasting on 95.5 FM The Game. I'll be on set with Mike Rice and Antonio Harvey, and Brian Wheeler and Dwight Jaynes will be at the practice facility, just outside the war room, where they've broken so much news in the past several drafts. We'll be on the air until at least 8pm. Tune in.

Final Exams Week

2009-06-17T22:20:00.000-07:00

Even though conventional wisdom tells you not to get as excited about this year's draft, mostly because where the Trail Blazers are picking, one only has to look to the very recent past to realize that this could be a very big week for the franchise.

The headliners at the pre-draft workouts haven't been the big, flashy names we've become so accustomed to seeing at the practice facility in the weeks leading up to the draft, but Wednesday's workout was probably the best we've seen yet. Not only were two probable first-round picks involved, probably five of the six players who took part will be drafted next Thursday. That alone made it exciting.

The player projected to go the highest, among those working out for the Blazers on Wednesday was North Carolina's Tyler Hansbrough, who could be a very nice fit for this Portland team. He could provide the toughness inside that this team has been looking for, and generally it appears other teams like him as well. He probably won't be on the board when the Blazers select at 24. But, as you know, just because Portland currently stands to pick at the 24th spot, doesn't mean they'll be necessarily picking at 24. In fact, it doesn't take a genius to figure out that the odds favor a move, of some kind (or many more than one) on draft day.

Will that move be up, down, or completely out of the draft? I'm quite sure the Blazers will have plenty of opportunities to do any of those three. Kevin Pritchard always talks about flexibility come draft day, and the Blazers certainly have that once again.

The best way to prepare for any of these scenarios is to simply do your homework, and KP's team has been cramming, like it always does, in the weeks leading up to the draft. They're ready, regardless of what they decide to do.

Now, back to Wednesday's workout. It was easily the most spirited workout we've seen so far, and you get the feeling any workout Hansbrough is involved in will be intense. Hansbrough worked out against Derrick Brown, from Xavier, UCLA's Darren Collison, Arizona State's Jeff Pendergraph, Dante Cunningham, of Villanova, and Washington's Justin Dentman. Of these players, only Brown is an early-entry candidate, meaning, this was a "workout of men" as Pritchard put it.

Pritchard continued, "You like (Hansbrough) and he would fit us, but there was a lot of guys out there that would fit us. We had a great workout today. I think the difference in today than what we’ve had in the past is when you’re looking at lottery picks, potentially, it’s all on potential. Today was legitimate NBA guys who could be put on the floor. Maybe not have a higher ceiling as some of the other ones, but definitely an NBA-caliber workout today."

As I mentioned above, Hansbrough is projected to go at about the 20th spot in most mock drafts. Brown is probably the other first-round pick (somewhere in the 20's) although Collison, who's projected to go very early in the second round, could slip into the first round. In that same boat is Pendergraph, who will likely go early in the second. Cunningham will probably be a mid-second round selection.

If the Blazers decide to just make a minor move, and get high enough to select Hansbrough, and then hypothetically get Collison with one of their early second-round picks, that, to me, would make for a very successful draft. That would be two four-year guys, from big programs, and if you know anything about Pritchard, you know that's exactly what he looks for. They are also both very complete players, who are high basketball I.Q. guys.

For the scouting department, and for that matter the entire executive staff, this is crunch time. It's much easier drafting near the top of the first round, because you pretty much know what you're going to get, and you end up looking for whoever will be the best fit. Late in the first round, and even in the second, is where you mine the diamonds in the rough.

If you look at recent drafts, there have been plenty of gems discovered in these lower positions. I looked back at just the last six drafts, and pulled a few names of players who were all taken at the 24th position, or lower.

We don't have to look very far from home to see that the Blazers have struck gold with a couple of recent late first-round picks. Nicolas Batum went 25 last year, and Rudy Fernandez went 24 two years ago. In that same draft, Aaron Brooks went 26, Carl Landry went 31, and Ramon Sessions went 56.

Go back a few years, and you'll see that Jordan Farmar and Sergio Rodriguez went 26 and 27, Daniel Gibson went 42nd, and Paul Millsap was taken at the 47th position. Four years ago, Jason Maxiell went 26th, David Lee went 30th, Brandon Bass 33rd, and Monta Ellis went at number 40.

In the '04 draft, Kevin Martin was the 26th pick, Beno Udrih went 28th, Anderson Varejao was the 30th pick, and Trevor Ariza went 43rd. Five years ago, Leandro Barbosa went 28th, Josh Howard 29th, Jason Kapono 31st, Luke Walton 32nd, Steve Blake 38th, and Kyle Korver slid to the 51st position.

You probably remembered most of these, but I bring it up just to illustrate again that these workouts, and the other scouting work, can pay huge dividends.

The question I have for you is, if you were in charge, what do you do? Do you like any of the guys on the board well enough to sacrifice a current asset to significantly move up? Do you try and dump the picks and move out? You know it's a buyer's market this year on the free-agent market, and a seller's market in the draft. As I've said before, the Blazers are in a position to be both a buyer and a seller.

The draft-day moves we've seen in the last few years could be very difficult to top, but things are aligning once again, it would appear. For the prepared, this is where you maneuver and get better. Or, in Portland's case, look for final pieces of the puzzle.

Pre-Draft into Next Gear

2009-06-05T11:04:00.000-07:00

To most of us who are around it, this seems like the time of the season when NBA talent scouts really get to work. There are the big pre-draft camps around the country, and in Europe, and many teams are getting up-close looks at players they want to know more about heading into the NBA Draft.

But, the truth is, the bulk of the hard work has been done. The hay isn't entirely in the barn, but most of it is. All that is left now is this process of weighing, measuring, testing, and interviewing. As Portland's director of college scouting, Chad Buchanan told me on Friday, "I've seen these guys enough already to know what we're dealing with. This is just the capper."

As we've talked about, this off-season is very different for the Trail Blazers, and that's a good thing. They aren't in the lottery, and even though they will most likely make some noise on draft day, probably won't be one of the teams with a high pick. Being the agents basically decide where their clients go during this period, and who they work out for, the Blazers are finding it much more difficult this year to get top prospects to come to Tualatin for a personal workout.

"If a player is projected to go in the lottery, or even in the top 20, we don't have a shot at getting them to come in for a workout," said Buchanan. "So, we've got to find other ways to see these guys."

Being this year's draft isn't seen as exceptionally strong, or deep, the big Chicago pre-draft camp didn't really make headlines. And even the Reebok Euro Camp, which takes place over the weekend (Buchanan was heading for the airport to fly to Italy right after I talked to him on Friday) isn't going to be as big as it has been in the past.

The most cost-effective method of seeing hopefuls these days, and only way in some cases for teams like the Blazers, are these camps, and workouts where several teams chip in and have large workouts in a single location. There was one recently in Minneapolis, one in Oakland, and one in New Jersey next week. Buchanan has been, and will be, at all of them.

On Friday, the Blazers did get a look at a couple of guys who have a chance to go in the first round. Omri Casspi (seen in the photo above), who's from Israel, was the headliner in this group of players who worked out in front of Buchanan, Kevin Pritchard, Nate McMillan, and the rest of the Portland staff on Friday.

Casspi, who's projected to go from about 20 to 30 in the first round of the draft, worked out with Maryland's Greivis Vasquez, LSU's Chris Johnson, Jerel McNeal of Marquette, Chinemelu Elonu, from Texas A&M, and Gonzaga's Micah Downs.

Along with Casspi, Vasquez is probably the other player who has a shot at the first round, but is looking for a first-round guarantee, and will likely be headed back to Maryland for his senior season. Johnson is said to be a possible late-second round pick, and has finished his eligibility at LSU.

Obviously, with Portland picking 24th in the first round, Casspi is the guy they really wanted to see in this workout. He was an early-entry candidate last season, but withdrew from the draft and played another season with Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he played along side NBA vets Carlos Arroyo, Dee Brown, and Marcus Brown. Casspi was also a member of the Israeli U20 National Team. This past season, Casspi averaged 13 points and 5 rebounds per game in the Israeli Premier League.

Who's on Your Wish List?

2009-06-02T11:29:00.000-07:00

In recent years, at about this time of the off season, we've had some healthy debates. Normally these discussions were centered on the NBA Draft. Afterall, that's how this team was built. And, we will continue to talk draft picks, but as I've mentioned, I'm not nearly as interested in the draft this season, and I can't imagine you are either- at least as much as you've been in the recent past.

This time we're talking free agency, sprinkled with just a little draft talk. Although right now, even when we talk draft, we're talking more about what the Trail Blazers are going to do with their picks, rather than who they're going to take. That's not to say they're not going to select someone, because they most certainly are, but they also have picks to sell or use in trades, and that's a very valuable thing this season, in this economic situation.

In other words, it's a seller's market if you have picks, and a buyer's market if you're under the salary cap. The Blazers find themselves in the enviable position of possessing both luxuries. So, what do you do? Who do you target, and how big a splash are you going to attempt to make?

The thing we all have to remember is this Portland team won 54 games just as it is. That doesn't mean you rest on that, but it also means that major adjustments probably aren't necessary. I am finding that fans are split when presented with the options here. It does sound like the majority of people are all for making a move that doesn't compromise the core of this team, or that disrupts the amazing chemistry that's been created here.

I do get that you have to seize opportunities when they are presented, and have to be confident and even bold when working toward the future. Obviously, Kevin Pritchard and his staff have been very courageous in the past, and have rolled the dice at times. But, it's one thing to take chances when you're rebuilding, and a another to risk what you've built once you've arrived. In short, you've got a lot to lose now, and that hasn't been the case in the recent past.

The one thing that is very clear during this summer- there will be huge opportunities out there. If there ever was a time to strike, this is probably as good as it gets. That doesn't mean you have to jump on something just to make a move, but if there's a no-brainer sitting in front of you, pounce on it.

Last season, at the trade deadline, just about everyone expected Portland to be an impact player and pull the trigger. They were in possession of a huge expiring contract (Raef LaFrentz's), but in the end there just wasn't anything that made total sense. As I've said before, it probably would have been the easier route to make a deal just to make one. I think it's clear that they made the right move by not making one.

Now, however, things are a bit different. The Blazers are going to be somewhere between 6.5 and 7 million under the cap, and could potentially be over 9 million under if they wanted to make a couple of other moves with current players. That's good flexibility, and doesn't even take into account the draft, and the fact that the Blazers have picks number 24, 32, 38, 55, and 56. They also have a 3-million dollar trade exception which was acquired in the Ike Diogu/Michael Ruffin trade at the deadline.

What this all means is, outside of the cap room, you've got the ability to make unbalanced trades. In other words, they'll be able to make trades that are unbalanced, taking more back than they send out. Being under the cap gives you this option as well. If two teams involved in a trade are both over the cap, then the 25% trade rule is invoked. The trade between two teams can be no more than 125% plus $100,000 of the salary given out for the trade to work under the terms of the CBA. If you're under the cap, which Portland will be, the same rules don't apply. That is what we talk about when we say Portland has flexibility.

I can't tell you how many times people approach me with trade ideas. As you know, I've got nothing to do with this, but I do like the conversation and debate. Mostly, people talk about who they want to trade for. The conversation usually slows down when we realistically start talking about who Portland would have to give up. It's the age-old problem- everyone wants the moon and doesn't want to give up anything to get there. Or, they way over value pieces the Blazers have.

If a trade happens, expect it to come on draft day. If history has shown us anything it's that the Blazers don't sit still very well on this annual sports holiday. Having an owner so deeply involved in the draft, so educated about the process, and so willing to part with the resources to make things happen doesn't hurt either.

Now, for the free-agent market. I almost feel like we should look at the free-agent market and the draft totally separately this year. I don't usually feel that way, because there are always the sign-and-trade options that go hand in hand with both options. But, because Portland has the picks, and is also under the cap, we can take separate paths this year.

As far as specific players go? Judging every player like we would a stock, the market certainly gets hot and cold on individuals with every passing day. For a while all I got from fans were questions about Andre Miller, who could have been had at the deadline. He can be had now. For various reasons, I haven't heard you talking as much about him lately. The possibility of landing Jason Kidd has also been hotly debated. But, without a doubt, the player who has seen his stock rise to record levels as of late has been Hedo Turkoglu. The reasons are obvious, and now he's playing under a huge spotlight in the NBA Finals.

Orlando Magic fans don't want to hear this right now, and I don't blame them, but Turkoglu, as important as he's been to the Magic's success this postseason, won't be back in Orlando next season. He's going to opt out of his contract that is paying him 6.8 million this season. He's scheduled to make 7.3 million next year, but can and will do better. He is now the hot free agent in this market.

The teams projected to be under the cap right now include, Memphis (19.7 mill under), Detroit (19.6 under), Atlanta (17.8 under), OKC (17.1 under), Sacramento (13.7 under), Toronto (11.6 under), Portland (9.8 under), and Minnesota (7.8 under). Keep in mind, not all these teams are going to use all of their space, as many, like OKC have players who will be coming up on big pay days in the near future and they've got to plan for that. And, these are only projections, as teams like Portland would have to not exercise conditional guarantees to get to that 9.8 number (notably, Outlaw and Blake).

Concerning Turkoglu, there are only thought to be about three or four teams will a realistic shot at landing him- Detroit (who's going to spend its money on Carlos Boozer most likely), Sacramento, Memphis, and Portland. And, it's thought that Turkoglu will likely be seeking a deal that will pay him a starting salary of about 10 million per season. Do some simple math there and you see that the Blazers are right on the edge of being in that battle.

In my opinion, the Blazers will likely be outbid in this sweepstakes, but that doesn't mean they couldn't still land him. Turkoglu will want to go to a contender, and of that short list, only Portland fits the bill. He'll want a clear-cut starting role, something he could have in Portland. And, like all players, he wants to part of a winning environment, play in a great atmosphere, and live in a great city.

Now, the question for you. Is this the guy? Am I correct in feeling that he is on the top of your wish list? If he's not, who is?

One addition. Just thought you'd like to see a recent clip of Rudy Fernandez on an interesting Spanish TV show. A rare situation where you don't necessarily need to speak Spanish to understand what's going on. Click here.

Time to Set the Table

2009-05-19T10:06:00.000-07:00

The transition between the season and off-season never seems to take that long. And, it's very true that most of the hard work, and the long hours, take place over the summer. You do find time to get away from the night-in-night-out grind of the season, but there really isn't anything to this notion of down time. I'm speaking more about the organization, executives, and coaches, rather than the players- even though it's true enough for the athletes as well.

So, with that, the page has officially been turned. I always think this process takes longer than it does. You enjoy what's been accomplished, but mostly you start looking ahead. For many, including most of the fans, training camp, and the new season, can't get here fast enough. But, this is an important time. The Blazers have shown that in recent years and have certainly made the most of this period.

One very important hurdle was cleared this week, and that was keeping the executive team in tact. Assistant GM Tom Penn was offered a position with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and after much consideration, made the decision to stay in Portland. If he had gone I'd be spinning this today, telling you how everyone would be feeling confident he'd be replaced and we'd move forward. But, because this worked out the way it did, I can tell you that everyone is very happy there is no job opening in the Blazer front office.

Kevin Pritchard will be the first to tell you how relieved his team is that Penn is still a Blazer. Kevin is very good at passing out credit and deflecting personal praise. He knows how important his management team is to this team's success. They are very tight and work very well together. Penn is a huge part of this group.

If Pritchard is Meriwether Lewis, then Penn is William Clark ("trail blazer" pun intended, of course). In other words, someone drives while the other holds the map. Pritchard, and his team, toss out huge ideas and plans, and Penn is always there to put pen to paper to see if these things are realistic, and if so, how to get there. Tom has been huge in getting the pieces in place during this rebuilding. Now that this team has arrived on the scene, he'll be even bigger in retaining the key pieces and searching for the missing ingredients.

No one should fault Penn for taking a hard look at an opportunity. He'd be selling himself short if he didn't do that. But, in the end, there are a ton of factors that helped him decide to stay here- and I'm talking organization, fans, city, ect. Penn's agent, Warren LeGarie was quoted as saying, "the friendships and relationships there were a siren call to return." In other words, the grass is pretty damn green on this side of the fence.

With this now over we can turn the page. The process of looking at hopefuls though pre-draft workouts has started. The planning for the summer league is underway, and the important free-agent signing period awaits.

The draft this year is not very strong, and according to some, that's putting it mildly. So, there are many decisions to be made. The Blazers, in part because of Penn, are once again in a very good position this off season. They've got flexibility in the draft, and will have money to spend in the market. How much depends on what the team does with some of the players now on the roster.

The Blazers stand to be anywhere from six to seven million bucks under the salary cap. Depending on what they do with a couple of existing contracts and options, they could be as much as nine million under. They also have the mid-level exception, and have a three-million dollar trade exception acquired in the Ike Diogu/Michael Ruffin trade.

How can all of this be used, or combined, to address the team's needs? Ask Penn. I have, and I still don't totally understand it. He does, however, and he's still here to ask, thank goodness.

Back to Work?

2009-05-07T22:37:00.001-07:00

What a strange way to make a living.

This is usually the time of year I start thinking about that. During the season we're too busy to think about much of anything, other than what game is next, what time does the plane leave, and what is my room number again?

Then, things come to a screeching halt. And, the funny thing is, even though you're longing so badly for some time for yourself, and time for the family (which we do get in the off-season), you miss the season. I miss the players, the coaches, and I miss my travelling TV and radio partners and production crews. Mostly though? I miss game night.

The emotional highs and lows of this business simply can't be replicated in life. I am speaking with perspective here, so I'm leaving out the things that are givens, like crying your eyes out when your kids are born, your wedding day (more than one for some of us), and the common thrills that come from being a well-balanced human being.

What I'm talking about are the things that make us not-so-well-balanced, and how we love that so very much. And, how we miss that so much when it's suddenly not there. For me it's knowing what time practice is, what time the bus leaves for the arena, and going through final additions to my game card, rehersal before a broadcast, and the feeling of signing off of a broadcast and rushing home, or to a hotel room, to pour out the evening's events in this blog.

I suppose we all handle this differently. And, I'm not about to suggest that I go through anything more emotional than most of you fans do. You're invested, we're invested, and that's what makes this so great.

This happens to me every season, so it shouldn't come as a surprise, but it always amazes me a week or so after the end of a season, how long ago the season seemed to actually come to an end. It seems like it's been a month since we last played a game. What made this season so different is that we didn't know exactly when it would come to an end. My first six seasons we had an end date, sometimes weeks and months in advance. So, when game six ended in Houston, it took a while for things to sink in that we were through.

Like a lot of things in life that take so much energy, you don't really know how hard you were burning until it's over. This job is unique in that weekends are meaningless, there are really no days off during the season, and even your downtime is filled with thoughts that you could and should be doing something to prepare for the next game.

Because I have two young children, most of my work during the season is done at night. I come into my office at home, and pound away until the wee small hours. The time is spent either going over notes, reading articles, or writing blog entries. I can honestly say that during the grind, I hardly ever just sit and flip the TV on. There are no shows that I watch consistently, and even now I'm finding it very difficult to sit still on the couch. I usually end up walking back to the office, get on the computer, and then find that my in box is empty, or mostly empty.

In other words, it's a strange adjustment that is difficult to fully explain.

If you can believe it, the pre-draft workouts are already about to begin for the Blazers. The past several years this has been an exciting time, because we were all about building, and hoping. There was a great mystery heading into the draft, and our future always seemed to be hanging in the balance. Now, not even that is there for us right now.

That's not to say that draft day won't be exciting, and that the Blazers won't be making moves, and positioning to grab a new, young player or two. But, it doesn't mean nearly as much anymore. We've already arrived, and now it's about fine tuning.

As I said in my previous post, which seems like a month ago, things are truly different now. This age of innocence, which did last about three years, is over. That's not to say I'm not happy to see those days behind us. It's just different now. The young Blazers won't catch anyone by surprise anymore, and teams will likely go out of their way not to help this team make the climb up the final rungs on the ladder. I guess the hunter has become the hunted. If this is true, so be it. Bring it on.

So, what we're now left with is anticipation, and that can start right now. There's the draft to get ready for, summer league, and the free-agent signing period. There's weighing what you've got, and what you need. Clearly now, this team isn't in the same position of need as it was for the past few years. But, there's need nonetheless.

Sleep now lasts a little longer, and is a little more complete. That's a good thing, even though we'd much rather still be playing. The empty feeling of a dream season ending will soon be replaced by the excitement of these off-season events. Not yet, but soon.

Even though we didn't want to be doing this quite yet, what is this team's biggest need? What did we learn from the playoffs? What did we learn from a 54-win season that can't be thrown out the window just because of a first-round loss in the playoffs? Time to think, and time to evaluate.

Training camp is just around the corner. Thank goodness for that.

Journey Ends in Houston

2009-04-30T23:21:00.000-07:00

For almost one quarter this felt like it could be Portland's night.

They came into this game six with the momentum, and the confidence, and the will. But, the Houston Rockets deserve the credit for closing out this series. They took Portland out of this game, in just about every way possible in the final three quarters.

All of us around the team felt that this could be Portland's night to end this brutal stretch in this building. In fact, the final stretch of this game felt a little surreal, because this had the making of a magical season. But, it's over now.

Disappointment and shock in the locker room after the game, turned into half smiles and hugs between players, coaches, and staff. It will take a while for this team to realize all it accomplished this season. It wouldn't feel right to feel good about this game. But, given time, the memories of this season will turn positive, and the lessons learned will be so valuable in the future.

It wasn't supposed to happen this quickly for this team, but they provided so many incredible moments, and had us all believing until the very end. As we rolled a highlights package after the end of the broadcast, with some memorable moments from the past year, I was mixed with pride and sadness, as you know it'll never be this way again. The innocence will be gone, and future playoff births will be welcomed with the expectation of "what's next?" We're kind of there now, but I'm trying to absorb this first.

I'll have much more later. For now, I'm off to get some sleep. To say this has been a whirlwind is an understatement. The emotional gas tank is completely dry, and maybe that's what did the team in on this night.

Thanks to all of you who make this such a special place to be. I truly appreciate all of you for reading this, for watching the broadcasts, and for being fans of this team. We'd be nowhere without you, and that's why we're all here.

This is just the first chapter in a long book. Come along for the ride. It's been great so far, and it's only going to get better.

You take it from here, and I'll talk to you when I get home.

Portland Survives Game Five

2009-04-28T23:12:00.000-07:00

Going into Tuesday night's game at the Rose Garden, the Trail Blazers had only suffered three-straight losses one time this season. They are happy to report that's still the case. Backed into a corner, against the ropes and seemingly wobbly, the Blazers came out swinging in game five, and beat the Houston Rockets 88-77.

Game six will be Thursday.

After losing games three and four in Houston, by a combined four points, many figured the youngest team in the NBA playoffs would be content with what they had achieved this season, and would perhaps fold under the pressure of this elimination game. When we learned Brandon Roy was suffering through flu-like symptoms and hadn't touched a ball since game four ended, and LaMarcus Aldridge underwent x-rays on his swollen right elbow on Monday, the doubts grew in the minds of some. Fortunately, the confidence level in Portland's locker room never wavered.

The Blazers got 25 points apiece from Roy and Aldridge, got a gritty effort from Steve Blake, and got a huge lift from their two-headed monster at center, and survived to see another day. Travis Outlaw also hit a big-time three pointer in this game, and Rudy Fernandez provided a shot in the arm of energy.

It what turned out to be a big adjustment by Portland, Rudy was the first player off the bench in this game, as the Blazers made an effort to force tempo, and went with offense over defense. Not only did Fernandez do a great job on Shane Battier defensively, but he made Battier work at the other end, chasing him around. Rudy started the second half, played 36 total minutes, and recorded 7 points and 3 steals.

It's strange that often times when you make a move that's supposed to provide offense, it pays off at the defensive end as well. Houston, at times, didn't seem sure where to try and attack Portland, and was sloppy with the ball. They averaged only 12 turnovers a game in the first four, but suffered 17 in this game. The Blazers took full advantage, cashing those turnovers in for 24 points. Portland, who turned it over 12 times, gave up just 15 points off those miscues.

In other words, credit Nate McMillan with making the proper adjustments. He was tempted to start Fernandez in this game, and that will likely be considered for game six. I think we'll still see Nicolas Batum start, but look Rudy to get early minutes once again, and Roy to shift to the small-forward spot. That's such a compliment to Roy's game, that he can play three different positions.

One thing stayed the same in this series- the team that gets off to the quick start in the first quarter, wins the game. The Blazers grabbed a 10-point lead in the first quarter, their first double-digit lead of the series. The Rockets though, fought back, and trailed by only 7 going into the second half.

What had been a wide-open game early, turned back into a grind in the third quarter. The teams combined to score 55 points in the first quarter, but in the third combined for just 33 points. The Blazers held the Rockets to 19 in the third, and just 15 points in the fourth. After trailing by as many as four points in the fourth quarter, the Blazers immediately snapped back and built a 13-point lead before winning it by 11.

To listen to Nate McMillan's post-game comments, click here.

In the end, this wasn't a shocking victory. The Blazers are a much better team at home, as we've seen all season. I expected them to find a way to get this victory and force a game six. And, the Rockets were playing this game knowing they had the safety net of a game six back at home. It's not like they didn't want this game, but they knew they were playing with house money.

Now then, if the Blazers were supposedly feeling the pressure in this game, it most certainly shifts now to the Rockets. They do not want to be forced into coming back to Portland for a game seven, which would be Saturday. But, Rick Adelman has been around long enough to know that the longer you let a team hang around, the more dangerous they become.

There is a concern, among people I've talked to with the Rockets, that Yao Ming is getting beaten down. He's had to play big minutes in these last few games, and played 40 minutes in this game five. If the Blazers can throw a huge effort at the game in Houston on Thursday, it'll be interesting to see how the Rockets respond. For really the first time in this series, they'll start to deal with some big-time pressure. Hanging over their heads is the fact that they haven't been out of the first round in seven years.

All season long McMillan has preached the "one game at a time" philosophy. Now it's down to a two-game series. The Blazers are still against the ropes, but their confidence in Houston is building, after falling just short in games three and four.

Do the Blazers have what it takes to push this thing to the distance, against a Houston team that's beginning to feel the heat? Or, will history repeat itself in terms of Portland always struggling to win at the Toyota Center?

We're about to find out.

Blazers Nipped Again

2009-04-26T21:57:00.000-07:00

If you can put aside the negative feeling that comes with losing, you can say that this was a hell of a basketball game. NBA fans with no horse in this race probably thought that it was. But, emotion is what drives us to be fans, and it's impossible, as a Blazers fan, to feel anything but massively disappointed following game 4 in Houston- not with the team, but with the outcome.

If the Blazers would have been able to hold on down the stretch, we'd be calling this an enormous victory, a grow-up win, and quite possibly a series-changing win. But, the fact of the matter is, the Blazers are headed home for game 5, down 3-1 in this best-of-seven series, and are facing the fact that to advance, they're going to have to win three-straight games.

Now, winning three straight in this series isn't as unlikely as it sounds. The Trail Blazers have just dropped two playoff games on the road, by a combined total of four points, and if they can win at home, will get yet another shot to get a victory in Houston. That, of course, would mean a game decisive game seven back in Portland. But, that's getting way ahead of where we currently are.

The Trail Blazers got off to a good start in Houston on Sunday night, grabbed a quick seven-point lead, but then let the Rockets take control and go on top by 11. At halftime the Blazers had that whittled down to six, and following a 13-1 run to end the third, went to the fourth quarter with a six-point lead.

There were so many twists and turns to the final quarter, it's difficult to count them all. I loved the fact that the Blazers were able to hang tough and had the ball with a chance to tie or take the lead in the final minute. But, Brandon Roy, who's been spectacular in the series, was called for an offensive foul. The Rockets took full advantage, and were able to survive a wild finish to take the 89-88 victory.

Now then, let's get to the 2,000 pound elephant sitting in the room. The Blazers were on the short end of the calls by the referees, once again. If you read this blog often, you know that I don't usually ever discuss officiating. But, I'm sorry, it's too big a factor in this series to ignore, and I can't figure it out.

Portland is not a physical team, and outside of Greg Oden, we almost never see the Blazers in foul trouble. Houston is one of the more physical teams in the NBA, and are known for possessing a suffocating defense that survives on hard fouls, rough play on the perimeter, and absolutely pound you down low. Yet, in this series, the Blazers have been called for 101 fouls. The Rockets have been called for 83. That's a huge disparity. Houston has attempted 96 free throws, and the Blazers 79.

I've got no problem with the offensive foul called on Roy in the final minute of the game. Chuck Hayes made a great play, had his feet outside the restricted area, and was in position. Good call. It's the less obvious, ticky-tack stuff that has driven Portland crazy in this series. Is is just that Portland is young, doesn't to a lot of complaining, and somehow doesn't deserve the benefit of the doubt? Are they being put through some kind of initiation? Or, is it simply that Houston has done a better job at selling calls early in games? Has this happened so much in these last two games because the Rockets have been at home? Honestly, I don't know.

Early in this game, referee Monty McCutchen, by himself, called five fouls, combined, on Joel Przybilla and Greg Oden. Several were away from the ball, and away from the play. Oden has normally gotten into foul trouble going for blocked shots, or when he gets caught in a pick-and-roll play, and ends up fouling a guard. That hasn't been the issue in this series.

He's the rub. Yao Ming, for as physical as he plays, was called for exactly one foul in game 4 (and what you're seeing above in the photo is what we've been seeing throughout these games) and three fouls in game 3. That's less than Przybilla and Oden were whistled for during a 10-minute stretch of this game. And, that stretch of the first half totally and completely changed this game. Things that would never be called late in a game, were called in the early going, and that set the tone, and put Portland an a very tough spot.

If you've noticed, during the TV broadcasts, we've tried to balance things out, and show you replays of fouls at one end, and then what's happening at the other. I try and normally let you draw your own conclusion. Video replay doesn't lie, and sometimes when we see a replay, and it shows that our initial complaint was wrong, we'll correct ourselves and credit the official with having made the right call. I can honestly think of only one time we've had to do that in this series.

Now then, here's the other side of this, and I admit this- if Portland had won games 3 and 4, or even just one of the two, this wouldn't be an issue, and I probably wouldn't be bringing it up at all. So, maybe I'm just a disappointed fan. I can accept that. I'm not about to claim that the refs were totally to blame for either of these last two losses. But, to say that it hasn't been a factor just wouldn't be true. Because it's been this big of a factor, I had to bring it up. You can bang on me for doing it if you want. We said before this series started, that the way this thing was going to be called would be a huge factor. That's just the way it is.

I'm also not saying that Houston didn't do things to deserve to win this game. Shane Battier was very, very good, and hit some big-time shots. He averaged 7 points per game on the season, but had 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists in game 4. Ron Artest, even though he was just 5 for 20 shooting, had 9 assists. Luis Scola had 17 points, and grabbed 7 offensive rebounds, and Yao had 21 points and 12 rebounds.

Once again, the Rockets out rebounded Portland, 43-41. The Blazers led the league in total rebounding percentage during the regular season, but have been out rebounded in the games they have lost in this series 128-103. In the game they won, game 2, they out rebounded Houston 36-35.

Now it's time for adjustments again, and for Portland to try and find the belief that they can win three in a row and win this series. That, of course, will not be easy. But, if they can take care of business at home on Tuesday, they know they'll get another shot to win in Houston. As close as they've come, despite all that's gone against them in games 3 and 4, they'll at least earn another opportunity to earn a chance to push this to a game 7.

Again, that's a lot of ifs, but, that's all they have now. This team has played well all season when its back has been against the wall. Now, it's truly against the wall. One more near miss, and it's vacation time.

Rockets Survive Portland Rally

2009-04-25T00:30:00.000-07:00

I've seen a game or two like this in this building. I'm trying to figure out if this was different, or just more of the same. If this was a confidence builder for Portland, or just a run-of-the-mill NBA game- you know, where one team grabs a big lead, the other makes a comeback, and the team that was supposed to win, wins. I'm hoping it's the former.

In the second meeting between these two teams this season, also in Houston, the game went very much the same way. The Blazers got off to a decent start, the Rockets then built a big lead, and were able to finally put Portland to bed late in the game. After that game we were thinking that if the Blazers were just able to sustain momentum, get a big shot to get them over the top, and get a few big defensive stops down the stretch, things could have turned out differently.

There were positives that came out of that earlier game, just as there were positives that came from this game. As dominant as the Blazers are at the Rose Garden this season, the Rockets home record was very similar. Meaning, the Blazers earned what they got on Friday night. Nothing is handed to you in the playoffs.

As much as Portland struggled in this game, they were in it in the end, and that shows Houston is vulnerable. At the very least, that gives the Blazers hope for Sunday's game 4, and potentially, in a game 6 back in this building. We came into this night knowing that all Portland has to do is win one of these games in Houston, take care of business in game 5, and that forces a game 7 back at the Rose Garden, where the Blazers aren't likely to lose again.

Nate McMillan said after the game that this was an odd contest, and that things were kind of "helter skelter" out there. That sounds strange, but I knew what he meant. It felt like both teams were just trying to survive, rather than executing a game plan.

The one game plan that was working for the Rockets was their attempt to make life difficult on Brandon Roy. Ron Artest wasn't about to be lit up for 42 again, and was allowed to physically punish Roy in ways that you can't during the regular season. The Blazer bench was having difficulty accepting that, as expected. As we've said all along, if the Rockets are allowed to hold, bump, and clutch, they're going to have the advantage in this series. Clearly, on this night, they were allowed to do that and more- things you aren't supposed to be able to do. But, that is what it is, and there's no use in going on much more about that. We did enough of that in the TV broadcast.

Roy should be given credit for still figuring out a way to rack up 19 points, even though he was 6-18 shooting. He wasn't allowed to get into the paint the way he was in game 2, and that was the game plan going in for the Rockets.

In situations like this, Roy simply needs others around him to step up. It's been someone else in each game, but it hasn't been more than one other at the same time. That's why Portland trails 2-1 in this series.

Rudy Fernandez was made for big-pressure games, and stepped up in this one with 17 points on 5 for 7 shooting from behind the three-point line. He hit three of those three pointers in the first half, and kept Portland within striking distance.

Steve Blake also played his best game of the series so far. He clearly outplayed Aaron Brooks in this game, racking up 16 points and 10 assists. Brooks was held to just 3 of 11 shooting, and 11 points. Blake spent some time kicking himself for rushing a three pointer in the final minute, with Portland down only three points, but it was a shot he's made before, and shouldn't shoulder too much of the blame for this loss.

Greg Oden also continues to find his rhythm in this series, and is playing better offense, and more physical defense, while figuring out ways to stay in the game. The pick and roll with Blake was working in the second half, and the Rockets were trying to make adjustments to try and stop it.

I left the locker room and started heading for the bus, when I ran into a Houston broadcaster, and we chatted briefly about the game. He said simply, "you guys didn't even play well, and yet still had a chance to win the game." He's right, and even though we're way beyond moral victories, it does give you hope for game 4. After all, all the Blazers need is one win in Houston to totally change this series.

Blazers Strike Back

2009-04-21T23:21:00.000-07:00

Probably more than anything else, the one thing that has defined this year's version of the Trail Blazers has been the ability to believe, to come from behind, and to always show more courage than many are expecting. After all, this is the youngest team in the NBA playoffs, and they're learning on the fly during this first trip to the post season.

After game one, Yao Ming empathized with the Trail Blazers, and talked about his quest to understand that the playoffs are different. Of course, he's never been out of the first round of the playoffs. Following game two of the series on Tuesday night at the Rose Garden, Yao simply said, "those guys are quick learners."

The playoffs have always been about adjustments, and there is more pressure on game planning by coaches than at any other time of the season. It's a total chess match.

After being torched by Yao in game one, the Trail Blazers changed their tactic in defending him, and it was successful. Yao ended game two with 11 points, on 3 of 6 shooting. Sometimes you have to adjust during the game. Ron Artest had 15 points in the first quarter for the Rockets. Nate McMillan then threw a different look at Houston's perimeter, and Artest had just 4 points in the final three quarters combined.

The playoffs are also where the cream rises, and the burden is placed on superstars. The Trail Blazers totally rode their two stars in this game, and Brandon Roy came away with 42 points, on 15 of 27 shooting. LaMarcus Aldridge, who suffered through a rough game one, answered the call in game two. He had 27 points (on 11 for 19 shooting), and also had 12 rebounds and 3 blocked shots.

For Roy to get 42 in a playoff game was amazing enough. The fact that he did it against the 2006 Defensive Player of the Year, in Artest, and another great defender in Shane Battier, made it more amazing.

As much as Roy and Aldridge, and their numbers, pop off the stat sheet, there were two other Blazers who had tremendous games, even if their numbers weren't overly impressive- Joel Przybilla and Greg Oden. The NBA's best 1-2 punch at center, who played together at times, locked up the middle, did a good job at stopping penetration, and helped the Blazers out rebound the Rockets. Keep in mind, in game one, the Houston out rebounded Portland 44-30.

It's amazing how close this game was, and you can see it on the stat sheet. The Blazers' largest lead, at any time, was 8. Houston's largest lead was 7, and it was a brief 7-point lead. The Blazers ended up 38-74 shooting from the field. The Rockets were 37-74. The Blazers had 36 rebounds, while the Rockets had 35. The Blazers were 26-36 from the free-throw line. The Rockets were 22-32. The Blazers had 12 assists to Houston's 11. And, the Blazers turned the ball over only 6 times. Houston was just about as efficient, turning it over only 10 times.

The best thing to come out of this win? The Blazers got their confidence back, and repaired what had been so damaged in the game-one blowout. They still looked tight at times, but were able to hit some huge buckets down the stretch, and get some great defensive stops, late in the game.

To listen to Nate McMillan's post-game comments, click here.

I'm still about the future, when thinking of this team, and was sitting there during this game thinking about what a great experience this was for this young group of players. This is why it was vital the team make the playoffs this season. Forget what happens the rest of the way, this is on-the-job training that will be invaluable down the road. That doesn't mean I'm looking past this playoff run, but everything we've done up to this point has been about tomorrow. The future is so incredibly bright with this team. As it was written by SI.com's Scott Howard-Cooper on Monday, "in the real message, this is only the coming attraction."

Howard-Cooper said something else I loved, when speaking of this Blazer team following game one. After the blowout loss, he said, "the ability to push back and respond will be an important read on the emotional toughness of a roster of nice guys." The Blazers just pushed back.

We now head for Houston on Thursday, and get set for Friday night's game three, knowing a game five has been guaranteed. The Rockets now know, whatever happens in Houston, they'll be heading back to Portland for at least one more. With this win, the Blazers have shifted the pressure to the Rockets. They now have the home-court advantage, and Portland can get it back if they can get one of the next two.

Also, even though both coaches will head back to the drawing board to search for new ways to attack, Rick Adelman will now be forced to search for adjustments to what Portland countered with in game two. They'll try and re-establish Yao, and have to figure out a way to stop Roy, who now leads all players in the NBA playoffs in scoring.

Lastly, we've been tossing out historical numbers, when dealing with seven-game series. Before game one, I told you the team that wins game one wins the series 74 percent of the time. Now that Portland has rebounded, I can tell you their numbers have improved as well. Teams with home-court advantage that have lost game one but won game two, have gone on to win the series 53.2 percent of the time.

The Blazers will practice on Wednesday (although McMillan told me while we were walking to our cars it'll be a very light practice), and then we'll fly to Houston on Thursday. The Toyota Center has been very tough on the Blazers in recent years. But, this is different. This is the playoffs.

A Shot at Redemption

2009-04-20T22:22:00.000-07:00

During the NBA's regular season teams never get much of a chance to think about yesterday. As I've explained before, by the time we get to the bus, or even while the team is still showering and getting dressed, the coaches are plowing through game tape getting prepared for what's ahead.

For coaches this probably isn't one of the more enjoyable things about the hectic schedule. They are usually game planning for what's ahead, almost immediately, and it's the same after a win or a loss.

For players, wins are re-lived for a very short time, and there's almost no chance to celebrate. The tight turnaround is usually seen as more comforting after a tough loss. You never have to wait long for a second chance, and that's usually seen as a good thing. Players want the bad taste out of their mouths immediately.

But, in the playoffs, especially the first round, the games are sometimes spread out, and there can be a longer-than-usual layoff between games. In most cases, this is seen as a bad thing. However, in this particular case, for these Trail Blazers, they've loved having two days off between games one and two against the Houston Rockets.

"I usually want to get back on the floor as quickly as possible following a loss," said Brandon Roy, after practice on Monday in Tualatin. "But, I can't say that's the case here. We honestly have needed some time to let game one sink in, and to regain our confidence heading into game two."

Sunday, the day after the biggest home loss in Blazers' franchise history, the Blazers went through a long and physical practice. They used the practice to pound out frustration and embarrassment. Monday was about rebuilding, and that began with retooling the mindset.

"Houston certainly gave us some reasons to doubt ourselves with what happened on Saturday," said Roy. "Normally when we get behind early in a game, we know we can work our way right back into things. During Saturday's game, I was thinking 'this feels different.' I don't want to say we quit, but we were definitely down on ourselves."

So, the days off were very necessary for Portland. Monday's practice was all about reminding themselves what they can do right, and what they'll have to change to get on the board in this series.

Toward the end of the media session Monday, I sensed the players were getting tired of answering questions about how they were going to defend Yao, what they were planning to do to slow down Aaron Brooks, and how they were going to get past the defense of Ron Artest and Luis Scola. Houston deserved all the credit in the world for what they did to the Blazers in game one, but Portland's players were starting to turn the focus back to themselves. They seemed, after two days, to be starting to believe again.

There will be some strategic adjustments, to be sure. They'll likely use a different tactic in defending Yao, and will try even harder to force an up-tempo game. But mostly, they'll simply try and bring the energy, and focus, and keep it for the entire 48 minutes.

I wasn't shocked that Houston brought the fight to the Blazers early in game one. The playoffs are different, as we've talked about. There is a learning curve. The problem was, by the time the Blazers caught to the speed and intensity of what the playoffs are, the game was over. That shouldn't happen to them again.

The two days off between games has given fans time to sound off on what they think should change in the Blazers' game plan. I've been a little surprised that so many have suggested major changes in strategy, and have called for busting up the playing rotations that worked so well in the regular season. Saturday seemed like so much more than just one game. But, it was just one game. By the time practice was over Monday, the players were starting to believe that as well.

Monday night we hosted our weekly radio/TV show, Trail Blazers Courtside. I asked Blazers' assistant Joe Prunty to join us, as he's got plenty of playoff experience, having coached with the Spurs for nine seasons, and the last three with Dallas. He agrees, it's important not to forget what got you to this point, and talked about what changes should be made going into game two.

To listen to the interview with "Good n' Prunty," click here.

Tuesday night's game will be broadcast, once again, on KGW-8, and the Blazers Television Network, and our broadcast will also be shown nationally, and internationally, on NBATV. It's a chance for the Blazers to square the series at one game apiece, and to most importantly, put game one in the rear view mirror.
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One more addition to this post. Rarely do I read an article that perfectly sums up what I have been feeling and thinking. I found one today. Scott Howard-Cooper, who writes for SI.com, has a new piece on this Blazers team, and I couldn't agree more with what he has to say. I especially agree with his line on Portland's future, and how this season really wasn't ever about the present. "In the real message, this is only the coming attaction."

To read the article, click here.

Baptism by Fire

2009-04-18T23:17:00.000-07:00

The youngest team in the NBA playoffs was taught a lesson on Saturday night. The playoffs are different, and if you're nervous, jittery, or unsure of yourselves, you'll be roadkill before you know it.

The team doing the instructing on this night was the Houston Rockets, a team that knows a thing or two about post-season failure, and the value of experience. They came into this game with absolutely no pressure on them, and played loose, confident, and practically flawless basketball. They led from start to finish, barely breaking a sweat, in winning game one 108-81.

Yao Ming, who was spectacular, sat in his post-game media session and among the first things he said was that he empathized with the Blazers, who are getting their first taste of the playoffs in six years. Yao even said that he was thinking back to his first time in the playoffs, and the tough lessons he had to learn. This is his 7th season and he's still never been out of the first round.

The Rockets went to Yao early and often in this game, and he was as dominant as I have ever seen him. He had 9 points in the first two and a-half minutes of this game, and the Rockets grabbed an 11-2 lead. He had 16 points in the first quarter, and had his team on top by 11. It only got worse from there.

Yao ended up with 24 points, on 9 for 9 shooting, was 6 for 6 at the foul line, and also grabbed 9 rebounds. The best news for the Rockets was that he only had to play 24 minutes in this game. He helped his team shoot out of the gate, and then got to just sit back and watch his teammates extend the lead to as many as 31 points.

We've talked in recent days about how the bench matchup would be so vital in this series. It wasn't in this game, as Houston didn't even need the bench. Yao had his 24, Aaron Brooks had 27, Luis Scola had 19, and Ron Artest ended with 17. Those four starters, alone, outscored the entire Blazer team by 6. The Rockets starting five shot 65 percent, and the team, as a whole, shot 59 percent.

The Blazers were led by Brandon Roy's 21, and the only other Blazer in double figures was Greg Oden, who had 15 off the bench. Steve Blake was 2 for 6, LaMarcus Aldridge was 3 for 12, and the previously red-hot Rudy Fernandez was just 1 for 3 in a reserve role.

The Blazers, so used to issuing whippings like this, as they led the NBA in wins by 20 points or more, just aren't used to taking them- especially at home. Portland went 34-7 at the Rose Garden during the regular season, and were 22-4 against the west. But, this isn't the regular season anymore.

The fact that the Blazers have the least experience of any playoff team in the last 12 years was very much a factor. They looked tight to start the game, were hesitating, or passing up, open shots in the opening minutes of this game, and were totally knocked on their heels. The Rose Garden crowd, so jacked up before this game, was never allowed to become a factor in this contest. Houston deserves a ton of credit for this.

It turned out to be the worst home playoff loss in franchise history, and was also the worst loss of the season for the Blazers. Fortunately, they have until Tuesday night to try and make adjustments. The playoffs are all about adjustments. The first one has to come between the ears. The Blazers, who were beaten in two of the three regular-season meetings by the Rockets, have to get their confidence back, and somehow have to mentally convince themselves that they can beat Houston. It won't be easy after this game.

To listen to Nate McMillan's post-game comments, click here.

The first thing McMillan probably has to get across to his team is the fact that even though they have now lost the home-court advantage in this series, it is a best-of-seven series, and that this was just one game. But, the team knows the numbers are now stacked heavily against them. In the history of seven-game series, the team that wins game one, ends up prevailing in the series 79 percent of the time.

Roy, who was very disappointed following this game, simply stated that he needs help, and didn't sound like he was thrilled with the level of intensity his teammates brought to the game. Maybe they had it before the opening tip, but it was stripped away far too easily.

If you thought the Rockets were playing free and easy in this game one, now they've got the home court, and anything they get in Portland after this one will be gravy. That's how big this was.

The one thing I know is that every time I've questioned the Blazers, or even slightly counted them out this season, they've come back to surprise me. Here's another chance to do that. And, this time, everything is on the line.

Calm, Cool, and Ready

2009-04-17T16:07:00.000-07:00

If you were expecting to hear stories about pre-playoffs jitters, nervous pacing back and forth, and fiery post-practice speeches, you haven't done your homework. Trail Blazers' practice on Friday might as well have been a practice on a January afternoon, a pre-season workout, or post-all-star break session. In other words, it was business as usual.

"We're not going to change what we've been doing just because the post-season is finally here," said Brandon Roy after practice. "We've been playing well, have been focused, and this is just more of the same."

We've spoken so many times about the maturity of this team, and this emotionally even keel this team has maintained throughout the second half of this season. On most nights the tone of the locker room hasn't changed much, regardless of whether we had just witnessed a huge win or a crushing defeat. They are simply a reflection of their head coach, who constantly preaches "never too high, never too low."

Things are, however, different now. Even if this team isn't showing a desire to accept that (and that's a good thing), they'll find out soon enough that NBA playoff basketball is just different. The one thing that will really help this team, is that they've been playing in pressure-packed games for the last month. The Rose Garden has seen several games where we've described the atmosphere as "playoff-like." Still, it hasn't been the actual playoffs.

When they Blazers take the floor against the Rockets on Saturday night in game one, they'll be the least-playoff experienced team to hit the court in the NBA in over a dozen years. Even that didn't seem to worry any of the players when it that fact was called to their attention.

"We've been playing with that tag the entire season, as far as being the youngest this, and the youngest and most inexperienced that," said Joel Przybilla. "This is just more of the same. We don't have anything to lose."

I agree with most of that. But, having the home-court advantage has changed this situation, at least a bit. Now, there is something to lose. The Rockets know it. This has always been the case in best-of-seven series. Even though the Rockets faced much higher expectations going into the season, they are now the team playing with nothing to lose. They aren't really supposed to win in Portland. Heck, only visiting 6 teams have won in the past 6 months at the Rose Garden.

There are so many cliches' going into the playoffs in the NBA, and one of the most popular ones has to do with "the series doesn't really start until someone wins on the other team's home floor." The Blazers are hoping they won't have to deal with that situation, and really don't want to have to learn how they're going to deal with that in the first two games.

No one in Blazerland really wants to think about that, but what happens if the Rockets do come to Portland and steal one of the first two? How will the Baby Blazers react to that? That's the only reason why I do now feel that in game one there will be a different kind of pressure on the Trail Blazers. Maybe it's actually a blessing that they haven't been in this situation before. Maybe they truly don't know they're supposed to be nervous. All season long they've been the kids who have crashed though the glass ceiling in this league, and have discarded the notion that youth doesn't win in the NBA.

Nate McMillan, who on Friday afternoon was named the Western Conference Coach of the Month for April, acknowledged after practice that the playoffs are all about "making adjustments." That doesn't fall on the team that wins, but the team that loses a game. Being the Blazers lost two of the three contests to the Rockets this season, you would think it's Portland that's trying to think differently going into this series.

How will they avoid having these games turned into half-court games played in the 70s? We always see scoring averages drop in the playoffs. How will they get Brandon Roy some room to operate against Ron Artest and Shane Battier? How will LaMarcus Aldridge deal with the very physical Luis Scola? How will Steve Blake handle the penetration of Aaron Brooks, who replaced Rafer Alston as Houston's floor general. And, how will the Blazers go about defending Yao Ming?

All of these questions, and potential problems, are reasons why this was probably the least-desired first-round playoff matchup for the Blazers. Portland usually has such a big advantage with Roy, and his physical play, and Aldridge, with his range and length. But, Houston is very good defensively in those two positions.

Obviously, it's on Portland to make adjustments, even before this series starts.

It's amazing to think that not that long ago the goal for the Blazers was to simply get into the playoffs. Even up until a month ago, we were constantly watching the 9th place team, and talking about magic numbers to clinch. I don't think at that time we were even considering what it might be like to have the home-court advantage in a first-round series. It's all happened so fast. Just like the maturation process of this team. Are they ready for the next step? Meaning, are they ready to go from a team satisfied with just getting in, to a team expected to advance to the second round?

We're about to find out.

Are they ready?

Are you ready?

We'll have game one tomorrow night on KGW-8, and the Blazers Television Network, in HD, at 7:30. The pre-game show starts at 7.

Bring On the Playoffs

2009-04-15T23:30:00.000-07:00

--I just wanted to add this link to a great video put together by Max, who is a very talented editor, and has put together some incredible highlight videos in the past. Click this link to view it.-

It's time for the "second season." That's what we used to call it around here, and now we're headed back. Not only did this team, which consists of the youngest playing rotation in the NBA, make it to the playoffs, but will head there with home-court advantage in the first round. The Blazers secured that when they hammered Denver 104-76 on Wednesday night at the Rose Garden.

The first-round opponent will be the Houston Rockets, with game 1 on Saturday night at 7:30 at the Rose Garden, and game 2 on Tuesday at 7pm. Games 3 and 4 will be in Houston on the following Friday and Sunday. Nothing has been set beyond that.

Going into this night things were still up in the air. The Blazers could have finished anywhere from 3rd to 5th in the Western Conference race. We've been saying that Portland's first-round opponent would likely be either Houston or San Antonio, and because of San Antonio's overtime win against New Orleans, the Rockets get Portland.

I am probably like most people, in that I was kind of hoping the first round opponent would have been the Spurs. I say that only with the matchups in mind. And, in the final minute of their game, it looked like it was going to be New Orleans who would pull off the upset in San Antonio. They led by five. But, a missed free throw with 8 seconds left, allowed Michael Finley to hit a three, send the game to overtime, and they went on to win.

That San Antonio win, coupled with the Houston loss at Dallas, meant the Rockets would play the Blazers. They only other thing left to decide was who would get the home court advantage in the series. The Blazers took care of that with their victory over Denver. A Portland loss would have meant the home court for Houston.

Once we learned that Houston had lost, Denver really didn't have much to play for, except for a division title they would have had alone. And, despite the way it probably looked on the scoreboard, the Nuggets were playing this game for the win. Karl didn't pull his regulars until things got out of hand in the second half.

The Blazers ended shooting 53 percent for the game, and were bombing away from behind the three-point line. They ended 13 for 22, led by Rudy Fernandez, who hit 6 of his 9 attempts. He became the all-time rookie leader for three pointers made in a season with 159, breaking a 10-year old record. His Spanish teammate, Sergio Rodriguez, dished out a career-high 12 assists.

The Blazer defense was also the story in this game. I said at halftime I thought the Portland defense in the first half was as agressive and effective as I've seen it this season. They held the high-powered Nuggets to 12 points in the second quarter and took a 19-point lead to halftime. Denver did make a charge in the third quarter, and cut it to five, but never threatened after that. It turned out to be a wire-to-wire victory.

To listen to Nate McMillan's post-game comments, click here.

The Blazers end the season 54-28, far exceeding most expectations, and recording the 6th-best record in franchise history. They also finished 34-7 at home, and 22-4 at home against the west. They'll also head into the playoffs on a six-game winning streak. Only one other Blazer team has done that- the 1976-77 Blazers. That playoff run worked out pretty well.

We've got plenty of time to break down the series with Houston. But, for now let's just enjoy this and get ready for a celebration in downtown Portland on Thursday.

Following the playoff rally in downtown Portland, we'll host a special edition of Trail Blazers Courtside, from 6pm to 8, on Comcast Sportsnet, and the Blazers Radio Network. Talk to you then.

One More for 54

2009-04-13T22:32:00.000-07:00

That's got to make a coach happy.

Nate McMillan's message before the game centered on getting off to a good start, maintaining focus throughout, and building a comfortable lead so that the regulars would get some time to rest. I don't think he could have drawn it up any better than what his team actually did on Monday night.

The Trail Blazers jumped all over the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first quarter, building a 14-point lead. They won that first quarter 29-15. Then, they went out and won the second quarter 33-16. Game over. That's how you handle your business against a team you should beat.

The nicest part of these last two wins, is that they were games this Blazer team could have potentially overlooked. I wasn't worried about the Laker game, I was more concerned with the game at L.A. against the Clippers, and this home game against the Thunder. It's becoming habit that as I'm driving home I'm saying to myself, "what the heck was I worried about?"

The Trail Blazers were able to rest the guys that do the heavy lifting, and beat the Thunder 113-83. It's the fifth win of the season by 30 points or more, and the sixth by 29 or more. Let me put this in perspective. The last six seasons, combined, the Blazers had exactly one win by 30 or more points. They've now bagged five of those in just this season.

The young (but not as young as Portland) and talented Thunder have been described as being similar to this Blazer team. Well, in the last 10 days the Blazers have beaten this team by 35, in Oklahoma City, and by 30. So much for the comparisons, at least at this point.

Brandon Roy never had to get it out of second gear in this game, and still finished with 20 points, in just 22 minutes. LaMarcus Aldridge played only 27 minutes, Steve Blake 25, and Joel Przybilla 21.

The man who logged the most minutes was Travis Outlaw, who played 32 minutes. He was thrust into a starting role when it was learned Nicolas Batum was sent home with strep throat before the game. As valuable as Batum is, and he is, the team didn't miss a beat. In fact, it probably turned out to be a good thing. Batum got to rest his ankle, and Outlaw broke out of his mini-slump, shooting 9 for 14, and scoring 21 points.

To listen to Nate McMillan's post-game comments, click here.

The Trail Blazers have now won 9 of their last 10 games, and are peaking at exactly the right time. There aren't a lot of teams in this league who can say that. Portland is also now a staggering 25 games over .500. They have the most wins since the 1999-2000 team won 59. Yes, that's the team that lost to the Lakers in seven games in the Western Conference Finals. Other than that team, you have to go all the way back to the 1991-92 team, which won 57 games, and lost in the NBA Finals to the Chicago Bulls in six games.

We mentioned this on the TV broadcast in this game, but this simply isn't supposed to be happening this quickly. This is the youngest playing rotation in the NBA, and as we've said countless times, historically, youth doesn't win in this league. Not a team that's still learning to play together, learning to mesh, and learning how to win. Not a team that has three rookies in its regular rotation, and a team that's two stars are just in their third seasons. Sorry, it just doesn't happen.

I remember talking to Clyde Drexler a couple of weeks ago in Houston, and he said the same thing, and added that it wasn't until his fifth season that he was able to help his team to 53 wins. In Clyde's seventh season, that team had finally gelled enough to make it out of the first round of the playoffs. He just simply said you have to have time to learn each other, and learn the NBA.

I know it doesn't do any good, because I'm just like you, but I'm trying so hard to simply enjoy this right now, and to live in the moment. Yesterday is history, and tomorrow is a mystery, as they say. This team is now 53-28, and dare I say we haven't seen anything yet? This team's championship window isn't even supposed to be cracked open yet. It's truly amazing.

It's now come down to game #82 on Wednesday night against Denver. If the Blazers win, they will get home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. If Portland, Houston, and San Antonio all win, there will be four teams at 54-28. In that scenario, which is likely, the Blazers would play the Spurs, with the home court, in the first round. The other scenarios give me a headache and I'm not even going into them right now.

The Blazer players and coaches are simply preaching one game at a time, and now it's come down to one game. Win it, and we'll host a first-round playoff game this weekend at the Rose Garden. And, it won't be the end of the world if Denver wins it. In some ways, there will be less pressure on Portland on the road for games 1 and 2. No one wants that, but this team is playing well enough to win anywhere right now.

Whatever happens Wednesday, I hope you're making your plans to join us on Thursday afternoon, at Pioneer Courthouse Square in downtown Portland. It's a playoff rally, and will be from noon to 3 o'clock. The entire team will be there. It'll be a great time to quickly reflect, and then get fired up for what's to come.

Four in Five Nights? Big Deal.

2009-04-12T02:14:00.000-07:00

It could have been easier, and maybe should have been, but no one really cares at this point. All that really matters is the Blazers are now 24 games over .500 for the first time this season, and continue to roll down the home stretch of the regular season.

It wasn’t attractive basketball in the first half, and the Blazers had to close the second quarter on a 10-0 run to take a 15-point lead to the locker room at halftime. It was a run that took just 1:36, and included a quick five points by Rudy Fernandez to end the half. He continues to be an incredible sparkplug off the bench, and we’ve seen this before from him.

In the second half, the Trail Blazers wanted to lower the boom early, and finish off the Clippers. But, it didn’t happen that way. The Clips, who are just about totally healthy for one of the few times this season, made a run and got themselves right back in the game. They battled back to tie it at 66, and then grabbed a two-point lead. It was short lived.

In the latter half of the fourth quarter, the Blazers put their foot on the gas and put the Clippers to bed for good. They used an 18-0 run to finish off the game, and ended up winning it 87-72. LaMarcus Aldridge had 21 to lead the Blazers, and was helped in the interior by Joel Przybilla, who had 10 points and 14 rebounds.

Brandon Roy was able to take a secondary role in this game, and took only 8 shots. He scored 15 points, and was 5 for 8 from the field. The Blazers, for the second-straight night, shot under 45 percent, but won again.

The final run by Portland was greeted with a lot of cheering at the Staples Center. We mentioned this on the TV broadcast several times, but there were a ton of Blazer fans in L.A. tonight. I’ve said that before about road games, but this was different. I’ve never seen it like this. There weren’t only hundreds of Blazer jerseys in the stands, but many signs and banners. This is very cool to see, and hear, in these road arenas.

It’s a pretty good sign when you sweep a four-games-in-five-nights set without playing your best basketball. This was both a second of a back to back, and the fourth in five nights, which is just about as tough as it gets in this league. What made that more difficult, is that this set started midway through a four-game road trip.

The Blazers are now 52-28 on this season, and at times I’ve got to say that several times to actually let it sink in. Now, they’ve got two games left at home, and the potential to finish with 54 wins. This final road win also meant the Blazers hit another goal- 20 road wins on the season. Nate McMillan listed that as something to shoot for before the season. What do we always say? Win your home games and split on the road. Well, the Blazers have been winning most of their games at home, and they nearly split their road games. And, you can’t really say this team can’t win on the road anymore. Portland has won 7 of their last 9 road contests.

The 52 wins equals a career best for McMillan in his coaching career, and even though he should be a front runner for NBA Coach of the Year, won’t be. The Blazers are also now 5-1 in April, and have clinched their sixth-consecutive winning month, which was also a goal of McMillan’s when the season started.

With this win, the Trail Blazers are now guaranteed no worse that fifth place in the Western Conference. If the Blazers simply win their final two games of the regular season (shouldn’t say “simply” but you get it), the Blazers are guaranteed at least fourth, because we own the tiebreaker with San Antonio.

There is an intriguing situation building in Houston right now. Yao, reportedly, has pain in his foot, and may be sidelined for the Rockets’ final two games. If the Rockets lose one of their final two games (home against New Orleans, and at Dallas), and the Blazers win their final two games, Portland will end up third in the west, regardless of what San Antonio does. That would mean a matchup with the sixth seed, most likely New Orleans, but possibly Dallas (the Hornets and Magic play Sunday).

The Trail Blazers will take Sunday off, and need a day of rest. Then, it’s right back to work on Monday when the Oklahoma City Thunder come to the Rose Garden. After that, it’s one day off on Tuesday, before the final regular-season game on Wednesday against Denver.

Off to bed. Enjoy your Easter.

The Streak Continues

2009-04-11T01:56:00.000-07:00

On Friday night at the Rose Garden, the Trail Blazers didn’t play their best game, shot a low percentage from the field, missed at least seven lay in and dunk attempts, didn’t reach their average in assists, and hit just 73 percent of their free throws. But, they had one big thing working in their favor- they were playing the Los Angeles Lakers.

The frustration continues for the Lakers in Portland, as they have now dropped eight in a row at the Rose Garden, 14 of the last 16, and 21 of the last 27. And, if there was a night the Lakers were going to end this skid, you would have thought this would have been the night. It just had that feel, especially early.

The Blazers were cold and a bit disjointed offensively to start this game. A lot of that had to do with the L.A. defense, which was very impressive. It was clear their strategy was to try and double and triple Brandon Roy, take the physical fight to the Blazers, and try and clog up the middle. It worked- for a while.

The Lakers managed to build a 10-point first-half lead, and seemed to have things going in their favor. But, Portland put together a run late in the second quarter, and trailed by only four points at the half. The Blazers shot just 40 percent in that first half, and the starters were 12 for 32. The Lakers were also beating Portland on the backboards, 24 to 20 at the break.

As has been the case in the last three games now, the second half belonged to the Blazers. They came from 18 down to win at Memphis, from 19 down to win in San Antonio, and again came back after being down double figures in this game. That’s 18 wins after trailing by double figures- that’s tops in the NBA in that category, by far.

There were so many positives that came out of this win for Portland, but perhaps the biggest was that they beat an elite team, that badly needed this game, and won it playing playoff basketball. Nothing came easy. It was physical, and a game you had to grind out. There were a few highlight plays, for sure, but you had to find ways to manufacture points in this contest. The Blazers did that by getting to the free throw line.

Led by Brandon Roy, who figured out ways to attack the Laker defense, the Blazers shot 27 free throws in the second half. Again, they didn’t shoot them well on this night, and if they had even hit their average, this wouldn’t have been a nail biter late.

Because of the missed attempts at the line, they kept leaving the door open for the Lakers, but it didn’t seem to matter. The Lakers ended up looking like they were the team with the youngest playing rotation in the NBA, especially down the stretch, when they settled for bad shots, turned the ball over, and spent too much time barking at the referees. The Blazers calmly, and confidently, finished them off.

Roy, who had 24 points and 8 assists, was maybe more impressive at the defensive end late in this game. He forced Kobe Bryant into several low-percentage shots in the final minutes, and even when he appeared to be on his heels, as he was on one occasion when Luke Walton tried to post him up, Roy recovered and blocked Walton’s shot. The Blazers ended up finishing this game on a 7-0 run. During the final 3:02 of the game, Kobe was 0-4 and had a costly turnover.

As we finishing the TV broadcast of these games, we always try and find a play of the game. Not necessarily the flashiest play of the game, but perhaps a back-breaking shot, or something that either put the game away or turned the tide.

The play of this game, in my opinion, you probably don’t even remember. It came with 1:51 left, and the Blazers were only leading 99-98. Their offense was bogged down and was going nowhere, and it was very late in the shot clock. Steve Blake wheeled to the corner, looked three different ways, and had no other option. He leaned back and drilled a long two pointer to beat the clock. Blake came up with several clutch baskets in this game, but that was the biggest one. He ended with 16 points, 6 assists, and no turnovers.

Not to get off track here, but how good has Blake been this season? As I’ve said all year, I think he’s the perfect point guard for this team. He’s tough as nails, as competitive as anyone I’ve seen, and if you leave him open he’ll knock down clutch shots. And, he has no problem stepping aside at any point to let Roy take over the point. He’s a good defender, and is in the top five in the NBA in assist-to-turnover ratio, meaning he’s very efficient, and is hardly ever sick at sea.

To listen to Nate McMillan's post-game comments, click here.

Now then, it was difficult not getting caught looking ahead as this game was winding down. If things stay like they are in this western race, the Blazers and Lakers could potentially meet in the second round. I know, that’s getting way ahead, and we shouldn’t do that. I was talking to Kevin Pritchard after shootaround on Friday morning about this topic. He put it very simply, and for a guy who has tremendous vision and foresight, it’s probably not as easy as it sounds. “Live in the moment.” Kevin loves buzzwords, and uses them often. This is currently his favorite. And, it makes sense.

This Trail Blazer team has far exceeded expectations this season. I don’t care what else happens, we’re playing with house money now. We all want more, obviously, but this has been one hell of a ride. And, there won’t be another season like this one. Expectations will be through the roof next year, and the innocence will be gone. Enjoy this now, and enjoy yet another win over the Lakers.

We flew to Los Angeles after the win over the Lakers, and not to sound like a broken record, but there was no celebrating, and no one seemed too high over this victory. As I’ve told you so many times, this team expects to be doing this. This is not a surprise to them. Perhaps it’s because they’re so young, and truly are as innocent as they seem.

It’s the second of a back-to-back Saturday night, and the last of this four-games-in-five-nights stretch for the Blazers as they take on the Clippers. The Clips are just about completely healthy, and had a dominant win over Sacramento on Friday night. They beat the Blazers in Portland earlier this season, when they were also close to full strength. What Portland has to do is get off to a slow start and fall down by double figures in the first half. That will ensure victory, correct?