Five Questions: Brian Doyle

by Dave on Dec 29, 2007 11:15 PM PST in News Comment 13 comments

Ben Golliver sat down for a Five Questions session with Brian Doyle, the editor of Portland Magazine and a contributing writer for Matt Love's Red Hot & Rollin'.

Mr. Doyle's entry in Red Hot & Rollin' is entitled "An Exquisite Geometry." Red Hot & Rollin' is currently available in bookstores.

BlazersEdge.com: The 1977 Finals is considered one of the all-time classics between the Blazers and a fully-loaded Philadelphia 76ers. What do you remember about the 1977 Finals and what made that matchup so special?

I was in home in New York in June of 1977, and watched the finals with increasing amazement. Like everyone else in the East I thought the Sixers were better - they had the otherworldly Doctor and a lot of interesting pieces. A very good pro team. But the Blazers ran and flew and passed and flew and sprinted and passed. They were generous and fast - and they were anchored, it was clear, by another otherworldly player. There are not many players in the history of the game you can use that word for, otherworldly - Wilt, Russell (the greatest rebounder and shotblocker ever, let's not forget), Akeem, Michael, Oscar, West, Magic, Bird, Nash (who changes everything), maybe Iverson (the quickest and most relentless player I have ever seen, period). But you can for Walton and the Doc.

BlazersEdge.com: Just about every fan, commentator and sportswriter has made the Walton/Oden comparison. What are your thoughts on #52? Can he too become "otherworldly" as you put it?

I am ancient enough to remember the young Pat Ewing very well indeed - I saw him play in high school, even, in Cambridge, Massachusetts - and I see young Mr. Oden developing much like Ewing, who came into the league a terrifically active, energetic, ferocious shotblocker, defender, rebounder, with fairly limited scoring skills, but who picked up a lovely jumper over the years. I predict Oden will be a scary force on defense, a man who owns the lane and can score on energy and activity, like Rodman did, scouring the boards, etc. But he'll learn a shot....

BlazersEdge.com: Recently, a lot of the commentary on BlazersEdge has revolved around gauging the potential of our younger players. Indeed, with the youngest team in the league and their recent success, there is plenty of cause for speculation. How do you see the 2007-2008 Blazers shaping up?

The current team, hmm, what a fascinating group - a long active talent in LaMarcus, a steady all-star captain in Roy, and Outlaw, as physically gifted as anyone I have seen in years and years - if Outlaw continues to channel and focus his skills, he's an All-Star too next year. And then excellent hard-working professionals all round, all of them quick to find the open man. The streak seems a little bizarre, but how interesting to watch them flow and fly, and then lean on Roy for cold professional accomplishment when necessary. And their average age is what, fifteen? The Spurs and Suns are aging, the Rockets and Jazz limited - the future appears to be arriving quietly here, and how fun to watch. I give a lot of quiet credit to the coach for letting go of the reins - which I suspect was easier for him because Roy is in charge.

BlazersEdge.com: With the now-12 game winning streak, it's hard not to dream. Given what the championship meant to the city of Portland in 1977, what do you think a championship would mean to the city today?

A second title would be a kick but not quite like the first. That one was as much cultural, social, civic, regional roar of pride, statement of maturity, inchoate proof of our way of living and playing here - loose and free, but disciplined and communal. Sport and teams are never good metaphors for real life, much as we want them to be, but sometimes teams and places come together at the right moment and there are ripples far beyond the field of play - the 1980 USA hockey team, Cathy Freeman's gold medal, for example. I think that was the case here, from everything I have heard over 17 years as resident. Much has changed in Oregon over thirty years, and the Blazers as a franchise have much more history, fair and foul. Another title - in, say, three years - will thrill a whole new generation of children, and remind the sports world that a team of young generous sprinters can beat established teams of dual superstars with laborious journeymen. But I don't think a second title will have the epic resonance of the first. Compare the 2004 and 2007 Red Sox, for example.

BlazersEdge.com: In the essay, you call basketball the "coolest game." Does its popularity in Portland - a city whose reputation is "weird", at least if you read the bumper stickers -- carry a certain irony?

I have actually had a polite argument with, of all people, His Holiness the Dalai Lama about what is the greatest game of all, soccer (his pick) or basketball (Mine). He says soccer is the most flowing of games, and he was good at it, too, he says, before he got his professional call; but I pointed out that it's finally not as generous a game as basketball, in which mostly everyone scores. On this one issue in the world I am right and he is wrong. And to me it's very Oregonian, hoop - the game rewards independence and creativity, while also demanding generosity, communal energy, and hard work from everyone. Plus you can play it indoors, which helps in a place where there is simply a wet season and a dry one (briefly).

Thanks to Ben for the interview and to Brian for taking time to speak with us!

--Dave (blazersub@yahoo.com)

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Good interview

One thought about which would be more meaningful; a second championship or the 77 championship. I kind of think a second championship would mean more. Because the NBA has grown much more popular since 77 it'd be a bigger "look at us world!" moment. Plus with the growth of the media, internet, and all it'd be a much more vivid experince. The clips, the magazine covers, the merchandise, the reminders wouldn't stop.

A second championship would also validate how consistent a franchise we were through the years despite being a small market team.

by jayseyfield on Dec 30, 2007 12:17 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

I kind of agree

but for different reasons.

Nothing will ever equal the first one, just like nothing will ever equal that first blush of love when you were a teenager. You don't know what the hell you're doing...it's just all passion. You think it's going to last forever.

Then again, there's something to be said for marriage that you choose, nurture, work for, and intentionally give yourself over to. It's not the mindless rush and there are probably fewer highs and lows, but you realize how precious it is because it doesn't come around every day.

I think this next one will be just as special. It won't be the same cultural revolution, but it will be quite the cultural affirmation.

--Dave

by Dave on Dec 30, 2007 12:39 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Good analogy

Ladies and Gentlemen, Channing has arrived and the Buffet is open.

by jamon51 on Dec 30, 2007 9:07 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I was born in 74 and have no recollection of the

Blazers winning the title beyond pictures of myself at three with a Blazers championship shirt.

This would be my first EXPERIENCE which would make it extremely special. I could see how it might not be as special for people who can vividly remember the first one.

I, as most of us in here have followed the Blazers with amazing passion for as long as I can remember. To celebrate a championship after all of our heart-breaking collapses. Game 6 against the Lakers in 91 (the botched fast break, the wide open Porter miss), The 4th quarter collapse in Chicago in 92 in game 6, The HUGE 4th quarter in LA in 2000. Hell, the Sean Elliot jumper in game 1 of the 1999 WCF, we had that game and folded after that loss.

I am sure I am not the only one who felt we were cursed.

To actually win the whole deal? Are their words?

by jferg on Dec 30, 2007 1:42 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

good print but 2 things

I dont think travis will be an all star in the western conference for awhile...and he's crazy if he really thinks a championshio wouldnt set this state on its rear end..it would be monumental... we have a larger fan base now..the league is prime time not tape delayed..he hasnt lived here long enough.. but it still was a good article
happy new years ladies and gentlemen....and fatty

if it can be conceived it can be achieved

by lyfefindsaway on Dec 30, 2007 6:11 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

'77 vs '09 (?)

I agree that a new Blazer championship wouldn't be quite the phenomenon the first was. It simply wouldn't have the shock value. I wasn't living here in '77, but I'm sure that, deep down, Portlanders didn't believe their little city could "conquer the world." Hey, we Bay Area residents didn't even really believe our Warriors or 49ers could win THEIR first championships. This time around, with Oden, Roy, & LMA on board, an eventual Blazers' championship is practically expected.

Having said that, a new championship for the Blazers would have a meaning the first one lacked. That is, it would represent redemption for a franchise that had tried and failed to win the "wrong" way. The new championship would be a morality play of sorts--a demonstration that nice guys don't necessarily finish last. Portland's pride in winning this one--with likeable guys playing team ball--would be all the greater because of the well-publicized embarrassment of Bob Whitsitt's "Jail Blazers."

"Ime caught the guy in mid-air with a fist and calmly continued his dispatching of oncoming people." -Gabe Muoneke

by hurryup09 on Dec 30, 2007 7:16 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Well said hurryup...

I am a native born Portlander and I am old enough to remember the 1977 Championship, and I agree with what you wrote whole heartedly.

"Now LMA steals!!!!!!! And LMA DUNKS ON THE OTHER END!!!!!!!" - Dave

by LaMarvelous on Dec 30, 2007 7:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Prior to 1978

Portland was in Maine to most of the country. We had free flowing traffic and affordable housing and frankly were sometimes like the little kid in a crowd of grown-ups - tugging on coats to get attention. So that championship did shock the country and the next championship will do the same (although the current win streak is forewarning). The Blazers were so low-key that training camp was in a high school in Vancouver and I was never questioned walking in and sitting down and watching the practices day after day.

Business calls in 1978 often began with the other guy saying "home of the Trailblazers" when talking to the east coast. We were noticed and we mattered and they actually had a safe subject that they could relate with us. That we beat Dr J and Philly in a year they were certain to win was all the sweeter.

With the internet and cable there are no surprises now. Anyone who wants to know can find numerous sites for every team (though not as good as this one!). Serious fans devour Moneyball type analysis of the game and they know who we are. Also San Antonio has recently demonstrated that a small market team can win consistently so Portland will be viewed much the same way.

by lee3022 on Dec 30, 2007 8:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Ben and Brian

good questions - thoughtful, interesting answers.

I'm with hurryup, Brian, & Dave - who don't think a 2nd championship would be quite the same as the 1st. It would be just as meaningful to current fans, but I doubt it would mean much to those who aren't currently on board.

(And I just wrote and erased a paragraph -twice- full of cynicism about these "non-fans". I guess I got up on the wrong side of the bed...)

by jorga on Dec 30, 2007 8:16 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Cathy Freeman?

Just curious: was having an Aboriginal Australian win a gold in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney a huge story anywhere other than Down Under?

Now Cathy Rigby winning back that silver back in '70: THAT was huge (at least in the States).

by dmac on Dec 30, 2007 8:51 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

I thought Freeman was the story of those games

"Ime caught the guy in mid-air with a fist and calmly continued his dispatching of oncoming people." -Gabe Muoneke

by hurryup09 on Dec 30, 2007 10:20 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Another difference in the next title

is that the Pacific Rim - esp China had become such an important business partner. With Seattle about to leave the NBA, Portland becomes more a Northwest focus for Pacific Rim countries who follow basketball. So I postulate that Portland's next title will bring economic intangibles far more than the first one.

by lee3022 on Dec 30, 2007 8:16 PM PST reply actions 0 recs