Media Day Superlatives
by Ben Golliver on Oct 1, 2009 6:00 AM PDT
in News
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PrintI understand that it's cool to hate Media Day. It's scripted, it's mechanical and it feels kind of dirty because of all the television cameras and stilted dialogue. Personally I love Media Day. But I'm the same guy that used to spend part of my game recaps transcribing random Media Guide notes.
Media Day is an interesting test of personalities and quick-wits. Media Day sucks when a writer walks in with a story already pre-written, fishing for quotes. Media Day has serious potential if you go with the flow and see what happens. Media Day can be amazingly fun and spontaneous although most of the time it drags on and on and on, cliches piling up in the corner next to the buffet table.
To boil it down: Media Day is awesome for a combined 15 minutes or so out of the 2 hours that it lasts.
This post aims to give you those 15 minutes and a few thoughts that they provoked. I sifted through all the tape, gave it roughly 48 hours of reflection and came up with this list of superlatives. You already know my favorite moment and my MVP. Here's the best of the rest. Some of the quotes you might have already seen in other places but hopefully some of them are brand new too.
Best Compliment
Andre Miller "makes passes I know I'm afraid to make. He threads the needle." -- Brandon Roy
Biggest 180 Degree Spin
My, my, my... Brandon told us the $80 million dollar deal wouldn't change him but it turns out that he's the biggest flip flopper on the team. Why, it feels like just weeks ago (it was, in fact, just weeks ago) that Brandon was down in the dumps, looking at his contract negotiation as a business and expressing a teensy-weensy bit of resentment and frustration towards the organization. But by Monday? He's advising LaMarcus Aldridge, who is facing a more drawn out negotiation process, not to do the same.
"We've talked about [LaMarcus's lack of a deal]. Not a whole lot. I just told him of course everybody knows how important he is to this team. Try not to look at it as a business but more as a process that you have to go through. These are really tough times economically and the Blazers are going to try to do their best to make sure that LaMarcus is here for a long time. I know I want him here. I just try to help him understand how important he is to this team. That's all I am to him is a teammate. I'm not the owner. I'm not the General Manager. He's important to me as a friend and a teammate." -- Brandon Roy
In the end, I'm not complaining. The above was great advice when Lorenzo Romar gave it to Brandon Roy and it's still great advice when Brandon Roy gives it to LaMarcus Aldridge. What a difference a few weeks and a signed deal makes, eh?
Best One Liner
"I told Pau [Gasol] the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
No commentary necessary. Go ahead. Make it your signature. I won't stop you.
Most Meaningful Words of Encouragement
Just like you need to earn playing time from Coach McMillan you need to earn specific praise from Brandon Roy. He might give a generally positive assessment of any random player in the league if you asked him (he is, after all, a pretty nice guy) but he won't go out of his way to praise players that haven't earned it. Keeping that in mind, here's B. Roy's take on Oden.
"I've always walked away and said he's physically so dominant. This time I walked away and said 'he's stepped up his skills a lot. When we play pickup now, he's not just beasting guys anymore. He's doing little shimmies. Jump hooks with the left hand, jump hooks with the right hand. The biggest thing I was most impressed with is he's facing guys up now. He's shooting this little touch shot. If he can continue to add that touch to his game, he's going to be dominant. I always go back to: Greg is going to be as dominant as Greg wants to be. There's not much you can do to stop a guy like him. Once he fully realizes that, he's going to be a monster." -- Brandon Roy
There were times last year where getting Brandon to talk about Greg was difficult. You can speculate as to why that might have been. This quote flowed from him and is chock full of specifics.
I got a text message tonight from an out-of-town league source teasing me for "slurping Oden" in today's practice report. I pointed that source in the direction of the above quote: "You want to see some slurping!"
Most Detailed Workout Rundown
One of the go-to staples of Media Day: ask the guys how they spent their summer vacation. Usually one or two questions about the offseason regimen suffices. But for Greg Oden? He got roughly 10 questions. Here are his answers, strung together so you can hear, in his words, how he spent a quiet summer almost completely off the media radar.
"I lost some weight this summer.Coach Bayno was out in Ohio all summer, really every week. We worked on a lot. It was just me and him. We worked on a lot of offensive moves. For me to have the confidence to do it all summer. So I been doing it in these pickup games.He pushed me really good. It was good for me, it was something I definitely needed. We worked on a lot of offense but we also did a lot of defensive drills. Blocked shot drills. Running up and down. Blocking shots. Movement across the court. He put me through a lot of stuff.Offense is not the only thing I've been working on. Defensively, rebounding more, losing weight, being quicker on my feet to help me get more blocked shots and rebounds."How things are different from last year: "I was just doing things differently. You come in and you're like, 'I really don't know what to do. I really don't know where I need to be at.' This year I know I need to put some work in and do it this way.My attitude is that I put the work in this summer so I'm going to put it out there on the court this year.As I get lighter on my feet, I want to be the guy to protect the basket. I know I'm going to be able to do that a lot better. This summer at the USA thing I tried to focus on being the best rebounder and the best defender out there. Getting a lot of blocked shots and being active.I've always been one to really think about basketball. Even when the games over I'm thinking about this one play that I messed up on. For me, it's like, look, go out there and play the game you love to play. Don't worry about anything else. I feel good now because I know I put some really, really hard work in this summer. There's no problems now just go out there and play." -- Greg Oden
Best Indication of the Pecking Order
"You gotta be at Brandon Roy level to get your own shoe." -- Greg Oden
"[Starting] is very important for me. I love Joel to death but I want that starting spot." -- Greg Oden
"I've been here before. I know what to do. I'm going to be ready. It's a long season. I don't mind coming off the bench, whatever. Of course I want to start too. But I'm just going to be ready to play." -- Joel Przybilla
"I go to Whole Foods every now and then." -- Greg Oden
"I didn't think it would be this hard. Maybe I didn't do everything they wanted me to. But I felt like I did. Maybe there's more to it from their end... Like I said, I didn't think it would take this long. Like I said maybe they see something else that I don't see. Maybe I didn't do everything that they wanted or something like that." -- LaMarcus Aldridge
You wonder if there are some closed-door conversations where Aldridge is saying "Just get it done!" and his agent is saying, "You're worth more than that, man, come on!"
I'm mostly kidding about the "crisis of confidence" tagline but still: could the flashes of skill and huge biceps we've seen from LaMarcus contrast more with the sentiment above? I don't think so. More on LaMarcus later this week.
Best Honest Self-Assessment
"Every year I sit down with you guys saying I want to be an All Star. I can say every year I've gotten closer. Last year I was one guy away. The previous year I was like 15 guys away." (extended laughs)
"Hopefully this will be the year I'm not a guy away, I'm in the [All Star] Game." -- LaMarcus Aldridge
This makes up for the last one. I was starting to get worried about him and then he drops that line and makes the whole room cut up. You know it. He knows it. A brilliantly self-aware joke.
Frenchiest Self-Health Diagnosis
"My shoulder is OK. And away we go." -- Nic Batum
Someone make this your signature. Please and thank you. Merci.
Most Hilarious Piece of Revisionist History
Over the summer, Martell Webster decided to change his number from #8 to #23. He was originally prevented from wearing #23 because Darius Miles had already claimed it when he was drafted. Webster waited the requisite number of years according to team policy and made the switch official. Here's his explanation.
"It's the number I wanted when I got drafted. It's the number I've always worn. Darius Miles had it before I was here... It's my favorite number... [Michael Jordan] is the reason I initially got the number... after I got comfortable with the number, it's just the number I love. I've had it since 6th grade." -- Martell Webster
Every team -- college, intramural, high school -- has this guy. The guy who took 23 because it was MJ's, fell in love with it, tried to re-write history and claim it as his own, got called out by everyone who said it was really just MJ's, and then admitted that, yeah, it was originally MJ's because MJ is that awesome.
This scenario has played out on multiple teams I've been a part of. If you get enough Sugar Free Red Bulls in me you might even get me to admit that I'm this guy.
Most Heartwrenching Statement
"I don't think anybody is hungrier than me. After taking a year off. Experiencing what I experienced. Watching your team go to the playoffs. That's probably one of the hardest things as a professional athlete no matter what sport you're in. To be there when things weren't so great. And then now that it's taken that turn and gotten to that goal -- which is to the playoffs, and you weren't part of that, that leaves a bitter taste in your mouth. I'm definitely hungry and ready to get there again." -- Martell Webster
Man. Man. Man.
Longest "Three Months" Ever
Remember when Rip City Project broke the Jeff Pendergraph injury story and said he would miss almost the entire year with his hip injury. And then later that day the team issued a Press Release confirming the injury and surgery but with a recovery timeline of 2.5 - 3 months. Here's what Jeff said on Monday...
"I'll be able to do on the court stuff, work out, probably by December or January. So I'm not sure how long it will take me to get back to playing shape, I'm thinking like February maybe." -- Jeff Pendergraph
The Blazers timeline put Pendergraph back in action in Mid-November or December. Pendergraph mentioned the word February. It's October and he cannot walk without crutches. For the conspiracy theorists out there who think the Blazers sometimes cook the books when it comes to injury timelines, this should be an interesting one to track as it develops. File it away now.
Least Convincing Answer
"I'm excited for this season." -- Jerryd Bayless
Although Andre Miller got the attention for being standoffish (more on that below), Bayless went through the motions just as blandly as Miller, if not worse. Monotone. Curt. Bayless Face to the nines. A staring contest with the space of air directly above your head.
Before I completely abandon Team Bayless -- Whoa! My Team Dante Membership Card just arrived in the mail! -- I will say this: I am utterly amazed that he hasn't exploded yet. If stewing in silence at Media Day knowing that you're set up for a bunch of DNP-CDs while your buddies and draft mates are playing heavy minutes around the league is what passes for composure these days, then I'm impressed by his composure. But I'm dubious about how long it lasts.
After awhile, wouldn't you get sick of being known as the "hardest worker"? That line worked last year. This year he would settle for any title that involves playing time, such as, I don't know, "backup point guard." Anything less than that? Very difficult to swallow.
For the record, I was kidding about the "abandoning Team Bayless" thing.
Biggest Dose of Reality
"I don't know what my role is." -- Jerryd Bayless
See what I mean?
Biggest "Call Oprah In For Help" Situation
Blazersedge: Have you talked to Nate at all about your role yet?
"Nope." [Shakes Head] -- Jerryd Bayless
[Staff conveniently ends interview]
If I was Jerryd (or Nate) I would start that conversation sooner rather than later.
"Don't put anything crazy in the papers. I'll find out who you are." -- Andre Miller
-- Ben (benjamin.golliver@gmail.com)
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Comments
Blake > Bayless > Dre
and I really hope Martell has an awesome, awesome year.
Kobe is my profile pic because of this beatdown I received.
Blake > Andre
I would submit he's also better at golf
I just have a feeling
Blazer Fan
by leeroyjenkins on Oct 1, 2009 8:23 AM PDT up reply actions
I think he's referring to their respective personalities, since that's the only thing that make sense.
Stupid people have stupid ideas.
by AK1984 on Oct 1, 2009 9:11 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
That makes the most sense, and I definetely concur.
Chuck Norris' tears cure cancer. Too bad he has never cried.
by FiveOhThree-RipCity!! on Oct 1, 2009 11:45 AM PDT up reply actions
So we just spent $7 million a year
on a guy who isn’t as good as a guy who saw less than 5 mpg last year? I’d like to think our management is better than that.
Best cup of coffee I had in a long time
Thanks BeGo
Dre > Blake > Rex > Magic > Sergio
by broyposse on Oct 1, 2009 6:24 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Bedge-O
Ben IS Blazers Edge
Kobe is my profile pic because of this beatdown I received.
Blake > Andre
thanks for ruining his nickname...
with that, let me properly respond to the gracious and beautiful Corvid:
BeGo….as in [Bee Go]
Prez can run around and call him BedgeO but that’s not gonna give the real BeGo any street cred.
by broyposse on Oct 1, 2009 11:52 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Miller played in Philly
Where the media wasn’t so touchy-feely-good with the team like they are here. I love the way Miller is acting, this team needs an edge. And frankly some of this town’s media needs to be put in their place.
Blazer Fan
by leeroyjenkins on Oct 1, 2009 6:31 AM PDT reply actions 2 recs
mostly i'm talking about canzano, nobody at BE of course ;)
quick could use a hand slap from time to time too though
Blazer Fan
by leeroyjenkins on Oct 1, 2009 9:43 AM PDT up reply actions
Head Director of 'Tude.
You can measure skill and talent with your eyes, but productivity is shown through statistics.
Quick Request, Ben
Any chance we could have a few of these split with a jump? I love the amount and detail of the posts, but so much of the front page content is getting buried under an avalanche of scrolling downwards. Hard to keep up or look back at an article even from yesterday.
Seems almost wrong to complain about such a great writeup
but it would make site navigation easier.
But I’ll take it in this form, definitely. Great stuff, Ben.
As author of Da BOM (Blazer Optimist Manifesto), I hereby certify that we will win 62 games in the regular season. Disagree at your peril.
disagree
i love having it all on the front page…so I know how long it is an so I have one less click if I want to read the whole thing without commenting. Especially helpful if you’re on mobile too—just open the front page and you have a whole front page of goodness to read. Sucky to have to keep clicking links to read full posts.
Kobe is my profile pic because of this beatdown I received.
Blake > Andre
Fair enough
I don’t read BE on my phone so I can’t speak to it there. To clarify, though, I wouldn’t want everything jumped, but for longer posts like this (5 full pages, over twice as long as the last practice report), I’d prefer it. Not that it’s necessarily a bad thing, but even something like Dave’s thoughts about Freeman’s piece gets pretty buried past all of the sidebar content roughly 6 hours after being posted.
Still, it’s the content that counts and I’d much rather have this unjumped than a cut-down piece.
it’s only training camp. time to get that scrolling finger in shape.
nate will have you doing push-ups if you complain again.
by Ben Golliver on Oct 1, 2009 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
mm-hmm.
So what you’re really saying is that you’re not checking in with the BEdge multiple times per day, is that it?
Shame on you.
An offensive rebound in paragraph form. -Mr. Golliver
by you'vegottomakeyourfreethrows on Oct 1, 2009 10:51 AM PDT up reply actions
There's a LOT going on with the team.
The vibe is overwhelmingly positive but I am getting myself worked up over Trout and Rex. I do NOT want to see them get pushed out and then have great careers against us.
But at the same time, I want them to have great careers.
Gosh, what a predicament.
Great write-up Ben
Thanks for the work it took to put this together. It was well worth the wait.
SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES. NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING BUT THEY BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN PUSHED DOWN THE STAIRS.
Jerryd writes in his poetry album
If I see something that I like I go and grab it.
And if I can’t get it on the same day – ey, there be another one just don’t sweat it. You have to keep your head up and go for your dream,
sometimes it`s a little harder than what it may seem…
Believe in yourself and go for what you know,
sometimes it’s fast, sometimes it’s slow. There are moments in your life you wanna scream out loud,
and the others may wonder what is this all about?
But if I don’t like something, I’ll be quick to let you know!
Love that Nic and Joel seem to be all about being ready for business: We know what we can do, let’s get it going!
"I think he can still play" - Kevin Pritchard on Juwan Howard
Dre Miller
First off, long time lurker, first time poster. And, as you can see, die-hard Nuggets fan. That said, I’ve LOVED the Blazers for years now, and they are easily my second favorite team in the league to watch. My friends are even tired of me stating that I “welcome our Trail Blazer overlords” because, well, the division is set to be yours for a LONG time now.
ANYWAY, the purpose of this post is to point out that Dre has always had a bit of an edge to him in interviews. He was a full blown prick in LA when he was with the Clippers, and while he was better with the Denver media, he was never exactly warm & fuzzy. He’ll never be a “locker room leader”, but you guys don’t really need that with Roy around. Dre will find his place, he will fall in line and he won’t rock any boats. You’re going to enjoy watching him.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to go get 7 or 8 tattoos.
The artist formerly known as Nuggets4.
by JLucas4092 on Oct 1, 2009 8:07 AM PDT reply actions 4 recs
I thank you for that
I was somewhat worried about Dre bringing negativity to the team. We have had enough of that.
I feel somewhat relieved that he will find his place without causing a stink.
bbk
by BBK on Oct 1, 2009 8:13 AM PDT up reply actions
Be careful, people with tattoos cannot read
True story!
Blazer Fan
by leeroyjenkins on Oct 1, 2009 8:18 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm so conflicted
I hate Denver. Why, why, why, do you have to come here saying such nice things about the Blazers?
Is this a trick?
Witty Unpredictable Talent and Natural Game
Understandable
The Nuggets can bea hard team to cheer for if you’re not originally fans of them. Melo does some absolutely great things off of the court, but they’re not publicised. Then he does stupid things like “Stop Snitching”. KMart is cussing out owners. JR is a moron. Bird is a former drug addict. Not exactly a “feel good” squad — and you guys know this because you had to go through the “Jail Blazers” years. That said, they’re my team. And how can you not like Chauncey?!? :)
I’m a huge basketball nerd. Even though I live in Boulder (20 miles outside of Denver), I get league pass every year. I always pick an Eastern Conference team to watch, and a Pacific time zone team to watch for times when the Nugs aren’t on. Brandon Roy’s rookie year, I picked the Blazers and fell in love with watching him & Nate McMillan’s coaching. Then you won the lottery and I predicted big things (and still expect them). Yeah, we’re “division rivals”, but I like you guys. If the Nugs can’t win a championship, I’d love to see you guys hoisting the trophy. I save the hate for Utah and the Lakers.
The artist formerly known as Nuggets4.
I save the hate for Utah and the Lakers
The enemy of my enemy is my friend…unless we’re in direct competition
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
We'll beat the Nugs by enough this year
that we won’t have to hate them.
As author of Da BOM (Blazer Optimist Manifesto), I hereby certify that we will win 62 games in the regular season. Disagree at your peril.
If Co-division champions can't be friends
Then who CAN be?
Good luck this year and thanks for stopping by… I hope you make it a regular thang. I won’t hold it against you when you find yourself watching the Blazers game over the Nuggets in a year or two!
Welcome to Blazers Edge, old friend.
Mortimer
You'll Pry The Nugs
Out of my cold dead hands! I was actually interviewed on ESPN Radio (national) before the Nugs-Lakers game 3 (a game that will haunt me for the rest of my life) where the host was giving me a hard time about how I was nervous about the game. I finally said “I feel like the shelter dog that finally has a good owner, but every day I hear that front door open and I’m afraid I’m about to get a boot in the a**.”
I was quickly informed they wouldn’t need me for any more interviews.
The artist formerly known as Nuggets4.
That's funny
Well, once we aren’t competing for the same thing and the Nuggets re-charge once Billups finally slows down (could be years from now, he’s great), I won’t let anyone call you a bandwagon fan if you do “accidentally” choose to watch the Blazers/Lakers game over the Nuggets/Grizzlies game, if they were to compete for airtime.
I think Melo’s offensive game is still underrated, his contributions off the court as well, and Nene is one of my favorite players. He’s the reason I won my fantasy league last year. I admire the Birdman’s game and how he has come back— I mean, if he doesn’t have a relapse, he’s the first dude ever in NBA history to get banned for drugs and come back successfully. That’s a great accomplishment.
I can’t stand Kenyon Martin, but also respect how he has come back from a long series of UNLUCKY injuries.
Nene and Billups are where it’s at though. I don’t think JR Smith will be able to get out of his own way enough to become a star, even though he has the talent for it. I don’t trust that head of his one bit. But, he’s in a perfect role for the Nuggets right now.
Blazers versus Nuggets are gonna be some great games for a while yet.
Mortimer
Beautiful words
Hate for the Lakers and Utah is cool me with me. Besides, it’s not the players on the Nuggs I dislike, it’s probably the division thing. OK, yeah, it’s the division thing.
But I love the old Nuggets uni’s, with the pixeled rainbow skyline and mtns. And I’m certainly a Chauncey fan. And the story of Birdman is great. Love all that he’s overcome, even besides the drug problem.
Friends?
Witty Unpredictable Talent and Natural Game
It's all good
As so many on here have said already, the enemy of my enemy is my friend.
And I promise you, no one accuses me of being bandwagon. It’s kind of sad actually. The handle I go by at most places (Nuggets4) actually came because when I first signed up for the Rocky Mountain News Nuggets board (a newspaper that doesn’t even exist anymore), I couldn’t come up with a name so I thought “maybe Tony Battie will be the player we can build around”.
facepalm
I still have nightmares of that year in which the Broncos won more games than the Nugs did (11 — although if Eric Williams hadn’t gone down in game 4, we might have won 15 or 16 that year!).
The artist formerly known as Nuggets4.
I'm a huge Broncos fan [Three Amigos for Life]
So many Seattle Shehawk fans in Portland that it sickens me. How you can root for a team whose city looks down on your own (in more ways than one) is beyond me. This goes for the Mariners as well.
Whoops. Am i off topic here?
Portland's PG of the Future - Meet John Wall
Treat people well because Karma can hit you at any second.
three words
“Kiki Vandeweghe trade”
(you’re welcome)
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
A rec for your kind words...please feel free to post here anytime...
Hi, my name is Matt Daddy and I am a....
HUGE FREAKING DUCK FAN!!!!!!... "Hi Matt Daddy"
One Other Thing About Dre
Don’t worry too much about the conditioning. He’s notorious for “playing his way into shape” the first month of the season. Frustrating? Yes. But he still puts up decent numbers.
The artist formerly known as Nuggets4.
I have a question re: Brandon handling the ball
One reason I keep hearing Miller won’t mesh with Roy is because Roy needs to handle the ball. But wasn’t the reason Roy handled the ball so much last season because we didn’t trust anyone else to? Now we have one of the better ball-handlers in the league and we’re not going to allow him to play alongside Roy because we want Roy to dominate the ball? Do we not think other teams are going to adjust this season to the ‘stand around and let Roy go one-on-one’ play?
Blazer Fan
Agreed
I know his game has grown since UW, but Brandon played very well alongside Nate Robinson and Will Conroy, neither of whom is an off ball 1. I think he and Miller will complement eachother nicely, and this will free up Brandon to work his midrange game off some curls from Joel and GO
"My shoulder is OK. And away we go." -- Nic Batum
yeah, if Andre can hit Roy with a pass when Brandon's on the move
it’s going to make it that much harder for the defense to gang up on #7
and if Roy is double-teamed when he has the ball, he can hit Andre with a pass and Miller can break down the resulting 4-on-3 and get an easy basket for himself or one of the bigs
I don’t see “problems” between Roy and Miller, I see unlimited opportunities
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
It's almost like we're afraid to tinker with what worked last season
but look at the best teams, they ADD pieces. The Lakers added, the Cavs added, the Celtics added, the Spurs added. They all added guys who are going to change the entire dynamic of what they do.
Blazer Fan
by leeroyjenkins on Oct 1, 2009 9:41 AM PDT up reply actions
but not adding players just to add them
that leads to Whitsitt-ism
adding quality vets and thinning the herd (somewhat) is the way to balance the roster, if you want to compete in May-June. 8 really good (smart) players in the rotation, and 4 other guys who “don’t care” how much they get to play, as long as the team is winning
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Nate Robinson played some off guard on offense at UW, but Will Conroy was a pure point guard.
Stylistically, Andre Miller could be considered a souped-up Conroy; however, it’s a bit hard to compare players who have such a disparity in talent, as well as size and bulk.
Stupid people have stupid ideas.
Great point!
At points I wonder what issues are involved in the, “Brandon needs the ball all of the time,” theory?
1. Perception? (hearing, vision)
2. Memory loss?
3. Schizophrenia?
4. Saboteurs?
It should be obvious that Brandon NEEDS to play off of the ball at least 70% of the time. A ball handler who can facilitate ala Hedo or Andre is exactly what Brandon’s doctor and team management are calling for.
There is more to an athlete than how fast they can run, they also better be able to see what they are doing and know why they are doing it.
Yes!
This is the crux of it. Brandon will keep us good, very good, but come playoff time if our offense depends too much on him, we’re done.
When it comes to Nate, BRoy, and the Blazers, it is all about CONTROL.
For us to get to the next level, Nate and Brandon are going to have to learn to TRUST.
Familiar issues, eh?
Joel is cool, I hope he says in basketball even after he retires
front office or assistant coaching or something
Blazer Fan
by leeroyjenkins on Oct 1, 2009 9:46 AM PDT up reply actions
I don't think he'll need the money
and I suspect he won’t want to put the travel miles in
I think he’ll go home to MN and never be heard of again on the national stage. But he’ll be “involved” in his local community
but I could be reading him wrong
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Maybe he'll stay in Portland
Lots of people in MN don’t like him because of the college thing.
As author of Da BOM (Blazer Optimist Manifesto), I hereby certify that we will win 62 games in the regular season. Disagree at your peril.
but his peeps are up there
and his wife’s family, I think
Przy spends his offseason there, so unless he doesn’t like the snow I suspect he’ll retire there and help out the High School team, like Stockton does up in Spokane
Joel doesn’t strike me as the NBA asst-coach-type personality, but you never know
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Batum
I can’t wait to see what Nic brings this season, he sounds hungry and he and Webster will really push eachother at the 3.
"My shoulder is OK. And away we go." -- Nic Batum
"Don't put anything crazy in the papers. I'll find out who you are." -- Andre Miller
you’ve got to wonder how a veteran like Miller feels about his Coach blasting the team’s conditioning results to the media. For a guy who has worked hard to maintain his privacy over the years, he is probably feeling a little bit exposed right about now.
If I was Jason Quick I’d have my head on a swivel
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Oct 1, 2009 8:53 AM PDT reply actions 2 recs
+1
It is time for some of our players to feel free to get some of the teams self respect back from, "the media." How do you think that bathroom story went down with players on opposing teams last year?
The Big Comedian to Greg, "I know it is time to jump center here son, but if you have to go do your business, I’ll understand." "Lord knows I would hate to have you soil your pants while I am guarding you."
We need to stand up and be men this year, both on and off the court. That is, if we want to be taken seriously. Let’s put the Jail Blazer baggage behind us once and for all!
There is more to an athlete than how fast they can run, they also better be able to see what they are doing and know why they are doing it.
Best Product Placement
If you get enough Sugar Free Red Bulls in me
S
The Princess of Blazersedge
Sport is my boyfriend
kind of like
ordering a diet Pepsi at the “all you can eat” buffet?
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
That's smart.
Makes more room for food.
Disclaimer: everything I know about basketball I learned on Blazersedge.
I go by value
I admonish all those near me who get bread and mashed potatoes or pasta at a buffet.
M, again.
nah, I don't care
but I’m sure your dentist loves your repeat business
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Never had a cavity
Diet drinks don’t got stuff in them that rot your teeth. Sugary sodas do.
MY TEETH IS VICTORY.
M—
Wow, I'm even starting to pity Jerryd Bayless.
That aside, I still want him out of here for everyone’s sake.
Stupid people have stupid ideas.
Hey Jerryd, your role is
“Break glass in case of emergency”
Life is tough, but you’re being well-compensated. Now stay as close to Andre and Brandon as you can without actually following them home
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Knowing Andre Miller's withdrawn nature, he and Jerryd Bayless would mix just like oil and water.
Besides, Miller has enough on his mind; thus, he shouldn’t have to waste his precious time tutoring a gargantuan, if not hopeless project like Bayless.
Stupid people have stupid ideas.
I don't see it as a traditional mentorship
More of a situation where Bayless sees what Miller does well and then tries to duplicate it.
Which would be a good thing.
I don’t imagine Andre taking Bayless under his arm and showing him how to have good court vision… but Bayless will pick up what Blake and Andre do well that he does not eventually, and that knowing to do what they do is the key to playing time.
Young kid mopeyness is temporary.
Morty
just stay in his hip pocket (but not too close)
don’t ask questions, watch and listen. I know you think Bayless is a non-starter in Portland, but he can gain experience in the preseason, during practice, garbage time and through observation during the next 2 seasons. Then, he’ll get his big chance the year after his rookie contract expires (Jack, Sergio, etc) unless KP attaches him to a trade of some sort before then, but I’m not expecting that to happen nearly as much as you are
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Sort of need him in case of an injury tho right?
Miller and Blake are no spring chickens. Bayless is better than signing some scrub out of the d league imo.
Blazer Fan
by leeroyjenkins on Oct 1, 2009 9:36 AM PDT up reply actions
Why not package Jerryd Bayless for a banger 4/5 and sign a veteran point guard like Tyronn Lue?
Unlike Jerryd Bayless, Lue — whose admittedly got some flaws — would happily accept his role as a third-stringer without any tension or turmoil in the locker room.
Stupid people have stupid ideas.
Brrr, Lue got 0 upside. A PF/C backup upgrade might become necessary with injuries, but a future point guard will be necessary under any scenario.
Miller is here for 2-3 years. Blake for 1 – ?.
"I think he can still play" - Kevin Pritchard on Juwan Howard
I was just thinking of a guy who could be a one-year stopgap as a third-string point guard.
As it pertains to the long-term outlook at point guard for the Portland Trail Blazers, it’s doubtful that Jerryd Bayless has the patience to wait a couple more years. On top of that, Bayless really isn’t a pure point guard — or even an efficient off guard in the mold of Steve Blake, Kirk Hinrich, et al. — but rather a me-first gunner who’s an undersized shooting guard. All in all, Bayless is just not the right answer to any question concerning Portland’s present or future.
Stupid people have stupid ideas.
Since when have you not liked Bayless?
You used to always say he was the future PG for the Blazers.
Let me direct you to a past comment you wrote on Sonics4ever.org:
Now, indeed, moreover, if you were to ask me, AK1984, about who, indeed, would be the best choice to play pointed guard next to Brandon Tiberius Roy on the Portland Trailed Blazers, it would indeed be Jerryd Bayless. His size, physicality, and shooted-guard game combined with his ability to defend quick or physical pointed guards makes him an admirable coupling with the University of Washington standout.
And only NOW, after Bayless sounds a little sad, do you change your mind.
Morty
by Mortimer on Oct 1, 2009 11:01 AM PDT up reply actions 5 recs
brace yourself
storm’s a’comin’
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
I approve of Mortimer's sarcasm, as it made me look for my actual old quotes.
Stupid people have stupid ideas.
by AK1984 on Oct 1, 2009 3:54 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Great sleuthing, Morty
I have something more to add. I discovered it on BaylessByTheBay.com. Actually AK1984 is Jerryd. One of his parents is a psychologist, and he learned this at home.
By using absolutely over the top absurd criticism of himself, and repeating it over and over, it’s going to leak out into the main media. And then, Nate will have to rise to his defense, KP will tell Nate he has to play Jerryd, and Andre’s body will be found in a dark alley one night.
AK unmasked.
As author of Da BOM (Blazer Optimist Manifesto), I hereby certify that we will win 62 games in the regular season. Disagree at your peril.
by jscot on Oct 1, 2009 2:24 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
It's like if Marca didn't exist...
Sergio would have to create it to air out his displeasure with Nate…
Brilliant, Jscot and AK… brilliant.
So Bayless/AK has created a forum where he can force the Blazers to play him more. His own “Marca”.
PLANS WITHIN PLANS.
Mortimer
I never knew things could get so deep around here
As author of Da BOM (Blazer Optimist Manifesto), I hereby certify that we will win 62 games in the regular season. Disagree at your peril.
I bet we're barely scratching the surface...
We don’t want to know what really goes on, man… we think we do, but we’re afraid to know the truth.
M—
I've been perfecting my truth-dodging technique for years
As author of Da BOM (Blazer Optimist Manifesto), I hereby certify that we will win 62 games in the regular season. Disagree at your peril.
Without further ado, here's my quotes about Jerryd Bayless from SuperSonicSoul.
"Jerryd Bayless, whose closest comparison right now is Monta Ellis, has several question marks — such as his porous defense and inability to facilitate an offense — thus, I’m not at all sold on him. Bayless would need to be paired with a backcourt partner like Kirk Hinrich, so as to mask his flaws; otherwise, he’d be exposed at the NBA level.
Anyhow, O.J. Mayo is definitely the most talented combo guard available in the 2008 NBA Draft — as Bayless sucks on defense, Russell Westbrook is raw offensively, and Eric Gordon has a limited skill set — nonetheless, he’s got a ton of red flags concerning character issues. Yet, due to today’s events, I’d be satisfied with a backcourt duo of Mayo and Earl Watson.
I, however, expect that the Minnesota Timberwolves will select Mayo — despite its need for a defensive-minded interior presence like Brook Lopez to team with Al Jefferson on the frontline — even though there’s already an undersized shooting guard (i.e., Rashad McCants) and a combo guard (i.e., Randy Foye) on the roster.
In all likelihood, Mayo’s immense potential — and, of course, tag as "best player available" (a.k.a., BPA) at the 3rd pick — will win over Glen Taylor, Kevin McHale, et al. That, therefore, will place Sam Presti in a very, very precarious position. […] it’ll be interesting to see Presti choose a direction."
http://www.supersonicsoul.com/2008/05/4.html
Stupid people have stupid ideas.
Seems like people underrated Westbrook's offense. I did too.
"I think he can still play" - Kevin Pritchard on Juwan Howard
Yeah, Russell Westbrook transitioned to the NBA quicker than I expected ...
last year. I’ve got the same vibe about Jrue Holiday, too, so let’s see if he could also prove me wrong. I doubt it, though. UCLA seems to pump out a lot of these tall, defensive-minded combo guards, with Malcolm Lee next on deck.
Stupid people have stupid ideas.
AK have you ever made a post without Hinrich love?
Oh wait there are always the Mike Miller ones!
"BEER IS LIVING PROOF THAT GOD LOVES US"
- Benjamin Franklin-
Freeman's article on Blake yesterday
Joe said several coaches and key players (cough, Brandon, cough) consider Steve to be “irreplacable”
and Blake is making noise that he wants to stay around and win with PDX
so I expect he’ll be staying around
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
maybe someone who gets to go to the PF
should ask KP or Steve if they’re talking about a contract extension this month, in lieu of free agency, next summer?
(cough, Ben, cough)
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
DUDE GUYZ ITS ONLY A FEW SHORT WEEKS FROM OPENING DAY NBA 2009-2010
We can all agree that is exciting!!!!
Blazer Fan
by leeroyjenkins on Oct 1, 2009 9:51 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
when do sinlge game tix go on sale?
I need my January 15th Orlando Magic Tickets.
Yuaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
Keep pumpin, ain't worried bout nuttin
Busters thought we was frontin, so reload and keep dumpin
they're already on sale
"I think twittering and all that facebook crap just makes you a loser." ~ Charles Barkley
You can always score tickets on resale sites
or, take the path I did and buy them from a Wells Fargo employee who doesn’t really want to go and got a bunch of tickets as a corporate benefit. Can you say – opening night behind the visitor’s bench? Oh yea.
by blacknoiseNW on Oct 1, 2009 10:13 AM PDT up reply actions
Finally a useful corporate bonus from a bank ;)
"I think he can still play" - Kevin Pritchard on Juwan Howard
Thanks GUYS!
Keep pumpin, ain't worried bout nuttin
Busters thought we was frontin, so reload and keep dumpin
Keep Sleeping on Orlando...
Great stuff, Ben!
I suspect that winning games will have the same curing effect for this Dre “drama” as it does for every other sort of off court drama.
LET’S GO BLAZERS!!! LET’S GO BLAZERS!!! LET’S GO BLAZERS!!! LET’S GO BLAZERS!!!
LET’S GO BLAZERS!!! LET’S GO BLAZERS!!! LET’S GO BLAZERS!!! LET’S GO BLAZERS!!!
LET’S GO BLAZERS!!! LET’S GO BLAZERS!!! LET’S GO BLAZERS!!! LET’S GO BLAZERS!!!
LET’S GO BLAZERS!!! LET’S GO BLAZERS!!! LET’S GO BLAZERS!!! LET’S GO BLAZERS!!!
LET’S GO BLAZERS!!! LET’S GO BLAZERS!!! LET’S GO BLAZERS!!! LET’S GO BLAZERS!!!
LET’S GO BLAZERS!!! LET’S GO BLAZERS!!! LET’S GO BLAZERS!!! LET’S GO BLAZERS!!!
An offensive rebound in paragraph form. -Mr. Golliver
by you'vegottomakeyourfreethrows on Oct 1, 2009 10:25 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Roy takes a max shows frustration to the media and tell aldridge he shouldn't complain?
SELFISH
bayless leaves over my dead body
andre miller>hedo
real.baller
I thought it was Greg who took the Max?
Kobe is my profile pic because of this beatdown I received.
Blake > Andre
Inglourious Basterdly Write Up
So much get’s written, voiced and analyzed about Media Day and in the wake of Media Day. I found this to be a condensed, focused and real glimpse. Good collection of quotes and thoughts.
Having said that, I find it sad that it seems not only do a lot of players really not enjoy media day, but conversely it seems from Bens comments that aside from himself for about 15 minutes out of 2 hours, that a lot of the media isn’t enjoying it either.
Well I think the fans enjoy it. By the time the season approaches most of them are starving for quotes. It kind of becomes an exercise in the grade school, “What did you do last summer?” and " What do you expect to accomplish this school year?" Sure it has a BS, forced feeling on some levels because the season hasn’t started but I still think it’s a nice way for the team to connect with members of the media and the fans.
I just wonder how we could get it to be more enjoyable for the players and the media? It shouldn’t feel like 2 forced hours of cliche’s. Maybe The Blazers need to make it more like a party? Throw some extra fancy catering at it? Of course I’ve never been to a media day, but the way it get’s described now is like a chain of forced interrogation. It should be kept fun, I think you get better feedback and better quotes. Right now some of the players sound adversarial towards media day….which is a sad way to start the season. Media Day should be an optimistic celebration of the upcoming season, not a scene out of Inglourious Basterds.
Col. Hans Landa: ….and so Mr. Batum, you will not be offended if we switch our conversation from French to English?
Nic Batum: No, that would be fine.
Col. Hans Landa: Good, we all want to be comfortable. So just for my personal records, could you tell me how your shoulder feels? Plus explain to me again how you got this injury? You were flown from Europe to the USA for a MRI were you not?
Nic Batum: (small sweat beads forming on forehead) Uh….do you mind if I smoke?
Col. Hans Landa: No, not at all, this is of course your own practice facility, please make yourself comfortable.
Nic Batum: My shoulder was bothering me last season, it’s feeling much better now.
Col Hans Landa: ( Takes out own pen and paper, hit’s play on small voice recorder)
Nic Batum: (Larger beads of sweat now clearly visible) I can’t really remember any one event that lead to this injury, it was a….long season last year…..(coughs)
Col Hans Landa: Certainly…of course. I was just wondering how much of a factor it was last season? I mean we didn’t hear much about it until your play for your national team. A young man in the midst of his rookie year in the N.B.A. can’t be expected to remember everything….it must of been an exciting time for you? Could I trouble you for a glass of milk?
Nic Batum: (Now clearly rattled) Uh, what milk? Screaming across facility "Hey Bayno! Col Hans Landa would like a glass of milk! ….uh, (coughs again) Yes, The Blazers flew me into Portland and I had an MRI, I was cleared… I was cleared to return and play for my national team…..
Col Hans Landa: (Closes Notebook, Turns Off Recorder, Speaks in French) So Mr, Batum, I have come to enjoy a level of success in my job by learning to think like a player. While my colleagues are stuck thinking like Journalists and Reporters, I have separated myself from them by knowing how a player thinks. That is why I am known as “The Quote Hunter”. So I must ask you to reply in calmly and in french? Alright?
Nic Batum: (Tears running down face)
Col Hans Landa: Andre Miller? You know of him? Yes, certainly you do. The Blazers summer free agent aquirement? Well what you did not know, was that I advised Hedo Turkoglu in his dealing with The Blazers….ah Mr. Bayno with the milk…I am looking forward to talking with Oden later….he has so many nice things to say about you Mr. Bayno….(sips milk)
Nic Batum: ( Seem to be internally looking for inner strength while fighting back silent tears ).
Col Hans Landa: (In French) So Mr. Andre Miller? Conspicious in his absence at todays “Media Day”?
Nic Batum: I haven’t seen him….(gulps visibly)
Col Hans Landa: You see, many of my colleagues would be happy to move on. To go speak with Juwan Howard, or Joel Przybilla….but I WANT Andre Miller. And so, unless you want me to write an article saying that your shoulder injury is chronic and has been a hidden issue I would suggest you answer my following questions as earnestly as possible Mr. Batum. Do we have an understanding?
Nic Batum: (Mimics Bobblehead…Nods Silently)
Col Hans Landa: So….Andre Miller is hiding underneath the floorboards of this basketball court is he not?
Nic Batum: (Blood trickles from corner of mouth as he subconciously bites tongue, while tears gush from face) Nods.
Col Hans Landa: Good, now if you would be kind enough to point out roughly where he is located underneath the floorboards, I think we can end our interview and I can go ask him how he feels about the prospect of being Steve Blakes back-up.
Nic Batum: (Points to spot on the court where Blaze has been sitting over a concealed trap door)
Col Hans Landa: (Close notebook, clicks pen, drops voice recorder into jacket pocket) Switching to English-Thank You Mr. Batum…you have made this an interesting Media Day. I’m sure that shoulder is nothing. Like I told Jerryd Bayless earlier….there are things you must take very, very seriously and things you must let slide…and often the secret to sucess is knowing the difference. Have you ever been to Toronto Mr. Batum? Very cosmopolitan city…great pizza I hear…..
Nic Batum: (Totally crumpled in seat, sobbing silently)
"Mother Nature started this fight, I think it's about time we ended it!"
by Krang on Oct 1, 2009 11:42 AM PDT reply actions 6 recs
Classic line on Przy
Exactly what you expect to hear. Exactly what you want to hear. Nothing flashy. An offensive rebound in paragraph form.
Awesome.
Great stuff, Ben.
Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.
One hundredth!
The counsels of impatience and hatred can always be supported by the crudest and cheapest symbols. For the counsels of moderation, the reasons are often intricate, rather than emotional, and difficult to explain. And so the chauvinists of all times and places go their appointed way: plucking the easy fruits, reaping the little triumphs of the day at the expense of someone else tomorrow, deluging in noise and filth anyone who gets in their way, dancing their reckless dance on the prospects for human progress, drawing the shadow of a great doubt over the validity of democratic institutions. And until peoples learn to spot the fanning of mass emotions and the sowing of bitterness, suspicion, and intolerance as crimes in themselves - as perhaps the greatest disservice that can be done to the cause of popular government - this sort of thing will continue to occur.
Ben, I think you might be a better writer than Dave. You are surely much better than Casey. Blazers
should hire you. Nice write up. Is there a reason you can’t record any video of practice?
he should have taken Ben?
Hi, my name is Matt Daddy and I am a....
HUGE FREAKING DUCK FAN!!!!!!... "Hi Matt Daddy"
i used to rock 23 all the time in sports, but it had nothing to do with mj. My 23(including the one in my name) is a shout out to philly eagle great troy vincent who was my favorite player growing up. eventually i stopped rocking the 23 in sports because everyone thought i was that kid that ben was talking about.
Ah..that name takes me back
He was solid as a rock at the CB position. He’s probably my 4th favorite all time behind Dawkins, McNabb, and Cunningham. Still can’t believe we didn’t spell couple million buck to keep Dawkins…now we’re stuck with Macho Harris, which is probably his porn name.
Miller's prickliness with media may actually be a sign of character.
Perhaps he doesn’t like being insincere all the time. And make no mistake about it, the media are constantly looking for ways to bring celebrities to their knees. That’s how they create intrigue, and elevate their own importance.
Miller has to prove his usefulness on the court to get away with taking the high ground with the media.
The good news: I watched a short video of yesterday’s practice, and he already looks indispensable. Finally, a point guard who can pass the ball!
That is very good news for the Blazers.
I think he's just a vet who has done way too many of these things
And isn’t a guy who ever liked doing them anyways… so, he gets annoyed with it.
I think it is understandable, though of course you’d prefer him keep that fake media niceness on so people don’t worry. I don’t worry, but people do.
His game is what it is and he’ll come to our team and play his game, no matter how much he dislikes media day.
M—
Andre is setting a tone for his new young team.
One might call it a hard edged attitude. This is something that his maturing teammates need to pick up on as part of their own on the court demeanor. Nice? Polite? Not Really! More like serious, somewhat irritable, and possibly mean.
There is more to an athlete than how fast they can run, they also better be able to see what they are doing and know why they are doing it.
Ben~
Who you callin’ out for drinkin’ Red Bulls at night? LOL
Nice recap, thanks.
"Rudy’s flashy passes had the place whispering to each other like we were in junior high" ~BlazermaniacAndy
by courtsideerrandboy on Oct 1, 2009 3:04 PM PDT reply actions
You may not have fallen in love with Dante yet...
But ’Nova Nation is endeared to the guy. Check out this video a fan whipped up today.
Feeling bad for Bayless
I almost hope he gets traded to somewhere he could get minutes, but I still want him as backup for our geriatric PG squad. I hope he keeps it together and just keeps working but at the same time I’d like to see him play even if it’s for another team, like OKC. They could use all the help they can get…
"No disrespect to Jeff Blake"
by Eat Politicians on Oct 1, 2009 11:44 PM PDT reply actions
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