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Saturday, July 30, 2005

Loyalty, Grgurich, Loyalty, Grgurich... loyalty?

In today's The Oreloid, there is a story on Grgurich and his power struggle with Nash/Patterson.

I have often heard from John "I hold other people accountable but not myself" Canzano that Grgurich is a really really really "LOYAL" man. That is the term besides "young big man guru" that is often placed on Grgurich.

But is Grgurich really loyal?

You know, I don't think so.

I think Grgurich is very spiteful, and vengeful with a dash of loyalty to one person thrown in.

Grgurich isn't loyal to the young players that depend on him.

Grgurich isn't loyal to the people who write his hefty checks out.

Grgurich isn't loyal to the people who write the check for his close friend out.

No, instead, Grgurich is very spiteful/vengeful to the orginization that fires/lets go/doesn't pay the coach. (The one person that he is a bit loyal to.). Instead, he wants to leave the orginization high and dry, the young players high and dry, and take his hefty paycheck and find a new place that will pay him another hefty sum.

Our young players need Grgurich for their advancement. Travis spent most of the off-season with Grgurich. Travis has blossomed under Grgurich.

Yet, Grgurich now wants to go to another orginization, work with other young players, and get a new hefty contract just because his friend was fired for doing a damn shoddy job.

Nice loyalty.

Thursday, July 28, 2005

The Dixon Scouting Report.

An associate of mine over at the RealGM forums by the name of DMiles23 (who by the way thinks I'm totally not funny ;)) asked for a scouting report from the Wizard fans a few weeks ago.

If you wish to see these reports by the fans, take a look if you wish.

Juan Dixon.

Portland has come to terms with Juan Dixon, according to The Washington Post. The deal is reporting 8 million over the span of 3 years, roughly translating to an average of 2.6 million per year.

Wednesday, July 27, 2005

The Rose City Report.

Jason Flemming of Hoopsworld has another great Rose City Report out today. Take a look, if you want, and then feel free to discuss it on , if you wish.

Tuesday, July 26, 2005

Monia signs.

The Blazers sent out a press release announcing they have signed the 23rd pick in the nba draft from last year, Sergei Monia to a multi-year contract.

The Tribune.

Kerry Eggers, of The Portland Tribune, wrote a great article about the general direction the team is going this summer.

Among topics are how we probably WONT be signing Damien Wilkins. He says we will probably make an offer, but not one significant like a Seattle radio station suggested. One that would make Seattle have no problems matching.

He also suggests what free agent guards we may go after (one I wouldn't mind is Chris Duhon, who isn't the best offensive point guard but is a hustler, and was drafted even if Steve Kerr insists he wasn't, and he is a good defensive guard.)

Take a read if you want, and then if you want to discuss it, feel free to go to
BlazerBoard, if you wish.

Courtside Recap, 7/25/05.

Thanks again to BBFan4Life for providing this great recap of Monday Night Courtside.

Take a moment to read it, if you desire to do so, then feel free to discuss it at
BlazerBoard.

Monday, July 25, 2005

Another one bites the dust.

European star Sarunas Jasikevicius agreed to terms with the Indiana Pacers last night. It was thought that Portland was making a push for him too. However it looks as if the chance to be paid well and play for a contender won him over.

Thursday, July 21, 2005

The Nets have been taken down, the staring is over.

Nash won this contest, ladies and gentlemen. Chad Ford is reporting that the Nets and Blazers have agreed to a deal that will send SAR to the Nets via S&T for their 4.9 million TE along with their 2006 lottery protected 1st round pick.

Blazers had nothing to lose, and they gained everything in the world just then. 3 first round picks next year. Most excellent.

Also, The Blazers have announced Demopoulos as lead assistant coach. Demopoulos was on Nate's staff in Seattle, and was originally going to go to the TWolves with D. Casey. However, his wife didn't feel comfortable leaving the Great Northwest, and instead he decided to join Nate here in Portland.

A great day for the Blazers!

Under Pressure.

Big news on the Shareef MLE/S&T front. A few things of note.

1. Keyon Dooling has been offered a 3 year, 9 million dollar deal, according to RealGM.

What does this mean for the Blazers? Big things. The Nets want Keyon Dooling to be their backup combo guard. The chances of Miami working out a sign and trade with a conference rivaling contender? Very, very unlikely. The Nets need their MLE to sign Dooling. If they sign SAR with it, they will be unlikely to sign him, or anyone else of significance.

2. According to NJ.com, it looks like Nash is winning the staring contest. It reports that The Nets, according to a westeren conference executive are prepared to offer a lottery protected first round pick, hopefully for this year. Why? Partly because they really want SAR, and they also need their MLE.

What does this mean for the Blazers? It means if Nash pulls this off, we all better bring some eye drops to his house for his great performance of not blinking.

Wednesday, July 20, 2005

Martell.

There is an article by The Portland Tribune from yesterday, about Martell Webster. Apparently he has signed a four year, 1.6 million dollar adidas contract as well. Joining Sebastian, and I believe Travis.

It is a nice read, if you want.

Indeed.

The Portland vs Cleveland game is indeed on NBATv at 11am pacific, so it is starting right now.

Antonio Daniels is going, going, gone.

According to ESPN, free agent target Antonio Daniels will be accepting a 5 year, 30$ million deal from Washington, who will no doubt look for him to backup whoever they use at the 2 and Gilbert Arenas. He will probably start some at the two, as well.

It is obvious Nash was unwilling to offer Daniels a five year deal, and it is understandable. So now Portland will turn their attention to Juan Dixon, as mentioned yesterday. I don't think they will be getting him, but rather just looking, getting to know him, exploring all their options.

Also, just a reminder, but NBATv will be playing the Portland vs Cleveland at 2-4 pm (I don't know if this is eastern time, I will report back at 11am to inform you if it is.) and Portland vs Washington at 8-10pm (again, I will inform you if that is eastern or pacific time.)

Tuesday, July 19, 2005

Crazy Fans.

There are conflicting reports that Shareef Abdur-Rahim has signed with the Nets for the MLE, or will do S&T with Portland for their trade exception and a future first. Either way, he will be a Net.

I find this whole situation incredibly amusing. One of the articles this morning suggests that Portland is greedy because they were unwilling to hand over Shareef Abdur-Rahim for an extra year, along with ten million extra, unless it was for a first round pick. Well, let us break down the situation.

1. If Portland agrees to a sign and trade for the TE, that enables The Nets to be able to keep their MLE. This will be used on more front court depth and most likely Kenyon Dooling.
2. The Nets could have allowed Kenyon Martin to go to The Denver Nuggets for the 6 year, 74 million dollar deal they were going to sign him to. Instead, they were greedy, and did a sign and trade and got three, count 'em, THREE, first round picks. They aren't willing to cough up one of those for Shareef? For a 6 year, 38 million dollar deal? But.. Portland is greedy, and New Jersey isn't?
3. Portland has no use for the TE. They won't use it to add another player, it can't be combined with other players (only draft rights and picks.). It is basically just worthless to us.


Please, guys, let's be realistic. Aaron Goodwin has done nothing to endear himself nor his client to Portland, and get them to take on a worthless second round pick. If we would have agreed to give him the S&T for a second round pick, we would be giving them their MLE, along with making them contenders in the East.

I would prefer SAR sign with the Nets for their MLE, and us get nothing, rather then allow them to keep their MLE, and only get two second round picks in return. If a sign and trade is worked out, and all we get our two second round picks, I will be disappointed.

This is a business, my friends. You do not help other teams, and just 'accept what is being offered.'

Oh, and further down in that article, it talks about Kenyon Dooling. How they would maybe try to orchestrate a sign and trade, but Miami may not be willing. ... No mention of them being greedy, is there?

Yeah, that is what I thought.

Juan Dixon, Damien Wilkins, and Antonio Daniels.

The Washington Post says that Juan Dixon will be meeting with the Trailblazers sometime this week. It is in the Wizards notes at the bottom of the article.

Here is Juan's profile. He is someone I was hoping the Blazers would draft in 2002, but he went to the Wizards ahead of us. Instead, we got Qyntel.

Also, it was reported on 1080 The Fan, as well as during courtside, that the Blazers met with Damien Wilkins last night. Damien is a RFA, and I believe Juan Dixon is a UFA.

Also, Nash said last night on 1080 The Fan that he does not know if we will work things out with Antonio Daniels, because he MAY want more years then Nash is willing to offer. Apparently Daniels wants a 5 year deal, with the Lakers (the other team in the mix) only offering two. Perhaps we could offer a four year deal, with the fourth being a team option.

Apparentl Damien Wilkins is a high energy hustle guy that Nate McMillan likes. Juan Dixon is a shoot first point guard. He's 6'3, so he's too small to play the 2.

I'd still prefer Antonio Daniels. Antonio is only 6'4, but he plays big and physical. He's a great guy off the court, and would be a great veteran leader to the young guys. He could start at the two, and backup the point. He's a slasher though. So, we'll see.

Monday, July 18, 2005

Larry Brown out in Detroit.

I know this doesn't relate to the Blazers, but it appears that Larry Brown is out in Detroit, according to ESPN.

Also, from now on, please go to this address for the blog:

http://blog.blazermania.com/

It is very essential for me that you go to that site, instead of this one. As a reader, that is the only favor I ask of you.

Bandwagoners.

I said I would write something on this awhile ago, so here goes.

What is a bandwagoner?

bandwagon
n 1: a popular trend that attracts growing support; "when they saw how things were going everybody jumped on the bandwagon

So, a bandwagoner is someone who jumps on a winning(est) teams in sports. Think Laker fans, who are now not so many as they were two years ago.

I do not understand bandwagoning. I think you should pick one team and stick with it. Now, don't get me wrong, I think it is okay to root for another in say, the playoffs, once your team is out of them. I will generally root for the Pacers since they are;

A. Where Jermaine is playing.
B. In the east.
C. Reggie Miller was playing there, too.

I often hear tales, either directly or from other parties about bandwagon fans who will show at championship parties without any real 'choice' on who they want to win, but then the next week been seen wearing the winning teams jersey and telling people how they had known that was going to take it all.

Why waste your money on jerseys of a team you are just cheering for because they are 'winning'. How does this make you a 'winner'? When that teams starts losing, you're just going to stash it in the closet and buy your new 'team's' jersey.

Do any of you understand it?

Saturday, July 16, 2005

Lack of news, lack of news, lack of news oh my.

There has really been a lack of news lately. Almost everything that is being wrote is by The Oregonian.

I apologize that I have not been updating these last two days, but I have generally felt ill and have nothing really good to post.

Thursday, July 14, 2005

The Rose City Report.

Jason Flemming from HoopsWorld has a new article out here.

It is a good read, about both summer league and upcoming free agency.

The Blazers game starts at 12:30pm, make sure to check Eric's blog for quick, real-time updates.

Pictures, pictures everywhere.

Eric just posted his pictures from last night's Blazer game. Take a look, if you want.

Demopoulos rejects T-Wolves.

It looks like he will instead be heading down to Portland with Nate, perhaps.

Good news, I.. think?

Antonio Daniels would like to follow Nate?

So says Jim Besada in this article.

I could see Antonio Daniels being signed to at max a three year deal, to see how Jack pans out and if he will be able to be a good backup. He can also play some SG, while Webster and Monia come along.

Interesting, interesting.

Wednesday, July 13, 2005

Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages..

It seems that the Vegas Summer League website is back up!

The Blazers game is just starting down in Vegas, I believe. So remember to check Eric's blog and Draft Express's Current Updates for notes and such about the game.

The VSL website should have the boxscore up around 10 or so, so check that
here.

Also, remember, KXL.com will be playing the game on tape delay starting at 10pm. So listen in as Mike Rice and Brian Wheeler call the action!

Updates, updates.

It seems Telfair will be playing tonight, while Ha will be sitting out the final three games. This according to The Oregonian.

I am sad to say that vegassummerleague.com seems to be down. So, since I am sure some of you want updates during the ACTUAL game..

Go to one of these places:

1. Eric's weblog, as he is in Vegas starting this afternoon.

2. Draft Express. Just look for the Summer League Recaps/Updates Day EIGHT.

Tuesday, July 12, 2005

Articles, articles.

A great find by Megablazer from the Portland Tribune concerning Telfair.

Also, the Nate McMillan chat is here.

Also an article by the Portland Tribune about the Blazers lineup.

Monday, July 11, 2005

Courtside Recap.

Be sure to check out the Courtside Recap on the main site. Thanks to BBFan4life for writing it up!

Grgurich.

According to multiple forum posters on various boards, it has been said that Nate McMillan was on the halftime show during the tape delayed game on KXL.com. Apparently he said that he had spoken to Mr. Grgurich, and it was unlikely he would be back.

This is a blow to the Blazers youth development, as Grgurich is a great worker with young players. Assisting them on their shooting, fundamentals, forms, etc. McMillan also said, apparently, that he will be working on bringing in assistants that have experience and are good with working with young players.

Hopefully the Blazers can recover from this loss, and I imagine they will.

Telfair update.

Thanks to discovery69 on the Hoopsworld Forums for this update on what exactly happened to Sebastian Telfair.

"Telfair was guarding Dallas PG and knocked the ball loose while the PG was dribbling and as the ball was going out of bounds. Telfair dived for the loose ball and he slide on his stomach but with his hands bracing his fall.
Telfair ended up with a sprained wrist and it will be a day to day decision if he will play in the next game. "

Good to know it is only a sprain. Hopefully two days off until Wednesday's game against Cleveland will help him.

Sunday, July 10, 2005

Telfair injured?

According to DraftExpress, Telfair was injured. Of course, they fail to mention how he was injured, what he injured, or when it happened. Thanks for creating chaos guys!

Martell shot 4-15, but 2-4 from downtown. Disappointing, but was probably forced to create most of his offense with Telfair only playing 18 minutes before his injury. Martell played 35.

Travis shot 4-16, also disappointing. I imagine he was lost without Telfair out there. Hopefully they bounce back at their next game, and also I hope Monia will secure his visa and be there.

Telfair shot 2-13 before he got injured, including 0-3 from downtown. Thirteen shot attempts in 18 minutes. Need to see less of that, definitely. I don't imagine that'll transfer over into the season, though. Hopefully the injury isn't serious, and as soon as I find some information on it I'll post it.

Despite DraftExpress trying to say we were up 40-24 at halftime, it was actually the other way around. So no, we didn't blow a sixteen point lead. Infact, I think the team did fairly well in keeping up with Dallas in the second half, despite being unable to recover from the 16 point deficit and without Telfair.

For a full look at the game, visit the boxscore.

Draftexpress updates.

Draft Express is offering live updates on the games. They don't seem to particulary be fond of the Blazers orginization (infact I think their main writer, Jon G., blasted them last year when he worked for Draftcity for not picking Peter John Ramos with their 13th pick, I believe.).

They should have an update at the halftime of the game. Sometimes the link has been taking me to a different page, but hopefully it works for you.

A reminder.

Just a reminder that the Blazers take on the Dallas Mavericks at 5pm today. A boxscore should be up around three hours later.

Also, kxl.com will be broadcasting it on tape delay at 10pm. Mike Rice and Brian Wheeler will be calling the action.

An article featuring the Blazers by someone in California WITHOUT a jailblazer reference?

Great find by crandc on the bbb.net forums. Writer Janny Hu of the San Francisco Chronicle writes a nice article about the last high school class entering the NBA, since she is covering the Golden State Warriors in the Vegas summer league. It has some nice comments about Martell, along with some quotes. A good read.

Saturday, July 09, 2005

New Jerseys.

I can't remember where I first got this link from, but I believe it was someone from Niketalk's sport forum...

There are some small changes that are coming to the jerseys, this is one of them.

Notice how it says Portland, instead of Blazers?

Also sa1177 on the bbb.net forums, claims to have once worked in the marketing department for the Blazers, and offers some insight on what will be the 'new' jerseys.

Relive the past.

Thanks to CanJohno on the bbb.net forums for letting us know that ESPN Classic is playing Game 1# of the Blazers/Pistons 1990 NBA finals at this very moment. (3pm)

----

Off topic, but Oregon related.

It seems that there is a rumor floating around out there about Ernie Kent preparing to step down from his position as UofO's basketball coach. Check it out! Thanks, BEER&BASKETBALL.

Team pride, on YOUR desktop.

There are multiple team wallpapers for everyone at WCRemix.

The ones there are created by Chingy0007. Take a look, there is a Blazers one too.

The Claw.

The title of the post really is nothing relevant to the content.

Jason Quick on KFXX

Outlaw's summer league averages

Telfair's summer league averages

Webster's summer league averages

Here are some of the players that media and other fans suggested we should have taken with the 3rd pick (before we traded for the..)6th pick..

Chris Paul

Channing Frye

Gerald Green

Antoine Wright

And of course, we hired Nate McMillan.

Seattle fans were a little displeased, to say the least.

Seattle fans react

A great thread of Sonic fans suggesting they burn Nate's jersey in the above link.

Another Nate article

From Bob Lochner, who does The Light Side for The Oregonian.

Steve Jones, staying or leaving?

An article by the Tribune on Blazers Broadcaster Steve "The Snapper" Jones.

---

I am pleased by the Nate McMillan hiring. At first, I was so-so. He has developed some nice players in Seattle with Ridnour and Rashard Lewis. I believe he can do the same for our youngsters, along with instilling defense in them. I feel many of our youngsters are receptive to positive reinforcement, as long as it is constant.

Not like Cheeks, who is one moment your buddy, but then is humiliating you in the video room.

I am really impressed by Martell's maturity, as demonstrated in Jason Quick's article today.

He is wise beyond his years, which has become a refreshing change lately with Sebastian and Martell being drafted, instead of the Qyntel's of the world.

Tomorrow is game three for Portland in the Vegas summer league, where they will playing the Dallas Mavericks at 5pm.

Marquis Daniels will be in that game, although I do not believe Devin Harris (who has been disappointing thus far, for a top five pick in his second year.) will be because he was fouled hard by Gerald Green yesterday and couldn't even shoot his free throws.

Marquis is a good defender who could put the clamps down on Martell or Travis. Let us all hope they can figure him out and score on him.

Sunday, July 03, 2005

You had us at hello.

Ah, I steal a quote from a Tom Cruise movie in honor of my faithful readers and Mr. Martell Webster.

As we all know, Portland ended up drafting Mr. Webster along with one Mr. Jarret Jack to round out our future backcourt of Telfair, Jack, Webster, and Monia. A nice mix of offensive and defensive players with shooting.

I don't really have anything to add to this, expect to say I was pleased by the outcome of the draft. Although ideally I would have preferred we traded either next years first round from Detroit along with the second rounder for the 22nd, and then with the 27th picked Turiaf or Simien. Or the 27th and next years secound rounder for it. Then at 35 we could pick Turiaf. I just would have preferred to pick up Turiaf in this draft as well as Jack.

I don't understand bandwagon fans either, so I will be making an entry on this later.