Observations: Blazers media day
Tuesday, September 29 | 11:21 a.m.
Greg Oden made the biggest splash Monday during the Portland Trail Blazers'
annual media day at the Rose Garden. And Andre Miller created tiny ripples.
But it was a united collection of Blazers that included Oden, Nicolas Batum,
Travis Outlaw, Steve Blake and Joel Pryzbilla who made the largest wave. ...
Greg Oden made the biggest splash Monday during the Portland Trail Blazers'
annual media day at the Rose Garden. And Andre Miller created tiny ripples.
But it was a united collection of Blazers that included Oden, Nicolas Batum,
Travis Outlaw, Steve Blake and Joel Pryzbilla who made the largest wave. ...
What united the group? All, to a man, said or hinted they wanted to start for
the 2009-10 Blazers. Factor in that Miller stated in early September he
planned to enter camp as the team's starting point guard, and coach Nate
McMillan is already facing a minor situation, despite the fact that his team
has yet to hold an official practice.
Granted, nothing has changed. There is no real drama. And if there is one
team in the NBA that can withstand the temptation of minutes played and
endure a few bruised egos, it is likely the Blazers.
This said, it likely will not be an all together easy, gentle road for
McMillan or general manager Kevin Pritchard, as they balance competition and
collectivism with pride and innate desire.
Even Brandon Roy seemed to hesitate Monday, when asked how he would blend
with Miller. Miller is a point guard who excels by controlling the ball and
the flow of the game — also one of Roy's best traits during crunch time.
Martell Webster was the most candid — and has been all summer — when
discussing playing time. Webster bit when asked if he was the most hungry
Blazer — he even seemed to enjoy the description. But Webster, who is
returning from a lost 2008-09 injury-filled season, also would not allow
himself to say that he wanted to start. Webster has declared himself to be
reawakened and revamped; he is now a finisher. And he emphatically stated
this summer during an interview that he is more concerned with building a
lasting career in the NBA, not a one-year starting role with the 2009-10
Blazers. Yet even Webster could not resist the allure of playing time, when
asked once again Monday about earning a starting spot of the rotation. He
stretched out his sentences. He said everyone in the league wants to start.
But then he countered by stating that part of the sacrifice — and his goal —
is not giving into the temptation.
Wise and old
Juwan Howard was impressive during his initial press conference, and even
more impressive Monday. Howard answered every question with a thoughtful,
intelligent response. He earned kudos from Oden and LaMarcus Aldridge in
regards to his wise, veteran ways. And he sounded like a player with
something special invested in his new team and teammates.
Howard estimated he has been called a veteran for since 2001, when he joined
the Dallas Mavericks.
Comedy
Roy opened the press conference with a nice little zinger: "They brought me
back for another year."
Big picture
Despite the "Who starts?" issue, the overriding theme Monday was one of
excitement. Excitement about the roster. Excitement about the team's overall
depth. Excitement about the improvement of Oden, the return of Webster, the
acquisition of Miller and Howard. And a cannot-wait-to-start excitement about
the upcoming season.
New tricks
This is what Oden reportedly has added to his offensive game: A turnaround
jumper; a hook shot; a softer shooting touch; the ability to man up and face
down against defenders away from the basket; increased mobility.
True highlight
Blake entering the press conference carrying and eating a cupcake, then
bringing the cupcake around with him as he answered more questions.
In and out
Rudy Fernandez was almost non-existent. Fernandez answered a few queries,
then quickly left the media area.
Almost
Aldridge said he was told by the NBA that he fell one person short of making
the all-star roster, losing out to David West of the New Orleans Hornets.
Off guard
Pryzbilla seemed to be a little unprepared to answer questions about Oden's
desire to start.
http://www.columbian.com/article/20090928/BLOGS05/909289981/-1/BLAZERBANTER
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