Freeman Article

by Dave on Oct 27, 2008 9:18 AM PDT

Joe Freeman has a nice, long piece at OregonLive about Nate McMillan, his outlook, and expectations. It's a great read, especially if you don't quite get why folks are saying this year may be a roller coaster ride and why there's a difference still between this young, talented team and the true contenders.

One of the money quotes:

Later, during practice, Portland State basketball coach Ken Bone remarks that in the 15 years he's peeked in on NBA workouts, as he's doing this day, he's never seen more teaching and work on rudimentary fundamentals. Welcome to McMillan's world.

Click here to read.

--Dave (blazersub@yahoo.com)

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KP:

“… it all starts with Nate. He’s the leader of this organization.”

That says something.

Rudyculize: The act of Rudy making others look slow, dim and generally oafish.

http://www.myspace.com/y5k

by Y5k on Oct 27, 2008 9:58 AM PDT reply actions

This team has such a great vibe.

It all starts at the top. Kudos to Paul Allen.

"Personally, I'd rather give an elephant a prostate exam on Chili Day." --Dave on rooting for the Lakers or Celtics

by MiledAnimal on Oct 27, 2008 10:39 AM PDT reply actions

Nate groomed to be Sonics coach

Back in 1996 when Sonics los to the Bulls in the finals, it was clear (to the fans) that Nate was going to be coach of the Sonics. the Hiring of Paul Westphal was seen as a stop gap coach until Nate was ready for full-time coaching duties. As the sonics were my team of choice until moving ot PDX in 1999, I was amazed to read that Nate never saw this coming. Both my friends and I saw it coming and I was a casual fan. Nate had coach written all over him as it was clear that he really controlled the team when he played (despite Payton being the starting PG). I think GP had his career greatly enhanced playing behind Nate when he entered the league.

Nate is one of the top five coaches in the league at this point, and he is very young. We are on course for a very special ride.

by NWfan on Oct 27, 2008 11:57 AM PDT reply actions

great article

honor terry porter

by Ben Golliver on Oct 27, 2008 12:51 PM PDT reply actions

Ditto

Ditto on the great article, and on one word “patience”. There’s also an interview with Nate on Bayless, which confirms the work on fundamentals and the importance of the coaching/teaching skills of Nate and his team. The rash of injuries cut into practice and the use of pre-season to get everyone on the same page, and the loss of Webster threw an additonal monkey wrench into the startup of the season. On the other hand, everything is pretty much as one would have expected. The team will be fine, but it will be better than fine next year, and the one after.

by Eben Calder on Oct 27, 2008 2:24 PM PDT reply actions