As training camp rapidly approaches, it seems appropriate that a google image search led me to the following Barrett Blog post here.

The post in question is from the 2006 season. It's odd to think how much the team has changed, and how far we've come, in just two years.

Some gems:

"Outlaw, who has been very impressive during the past several weeks, is heading into what will be a very important season for him. The starting small forward spot is very much open, and don't think Travis doesn't realize that. Each season during training camp, Nate McMillan demands that his players pass a conditioning test, that involves timed, full-court sprints. It is not easy, and many players fail it several times before earning a passing grade. Outlaw, who failed the test four-straight times during last year's camp, has reportedly already passed it with flying colors heading into this year's camp. It's been said he's in, by far, the best physical shape of his career."

""He's an experienced, hard worker who will help push our big guys during camp," says Blazers player personnel director Kevin Pritchard. "A couple of our assistant coaches have spent time with Zendon in the past, and felt very comfortable bringing him in.""

And here's an excellent fan comment: "Hmmmmmmmm between aldridge, lafrentz and joel...do we really need another big guy?"

I won't suck up too much bandwidth posting anymore quotes, but it's really intersting to see how some expectations have changed, and some situations, such as Outlaw's place on the team, haven't changed a bit.