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Joel Pryzbilla Appreciation Thread.

An awesome Blazer, We will all miss the Vanilla Gorilla.

A poem, for the Thrilla:

You were the Thrilla

Our Vanilla Gorilla

Because it was hard to spell Pryzbilla,

But you were more

Although you didn't often score

You rebounded like a boss

Almost never got toss...ed

Always working hard

Always doing your part

And always giving your heart

You were one of my faves

Dunks and rebounds for days

Always called blue collar

But you never would hollar,

Unless at Tyson Chandler

Showed him up like a bison handler (?)

Anyway thats all

See you again next fall?

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcOTqe51X8c

Comment 146 comments  |  115 recs  | 

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Haha, thanks.

Mike Rice: "Camby nearly rejected that with his Armpit!"

Mike Barrett: "Now that would be a fragrant foul."

by TheNoPoFuzz on Feb 24, 2011 1:10 PM PST up reply actions  

I can if you'd like.

You can also do it yourself if it’s your post. But I commented in the other one that Przybilla was so awesome for us that he deserved two appreciation threads.

"The madman is not the man who has lost his reason. The madman is the man who has lost everything except his reason." - G. K. Chesterton, Orthodoxy, 1909

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by T Darkstar on Feb 24, 2011 1:14 PM PST up reply actions   1 recs

Ah, looks like it's down now.

"The madman is not the man who has lost his reason. The madman is the man who has lost everything except his reason." - G. K. Chesterton, Orthodoxy, 1909

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by T Darkstar on Feb 24, 2011 1:15 PM PST up reply actions  

haha you make a good point though. He is definitely that awesome.

Vanilla Gorilla will live on in the hearts of blazer fans.

Basket's that way, Chief!

by OneTrickPony on Feb 24, 2011 1:34 PM PST up reply actions  

You do know

He hates that nickname.

"My shoulder is OK. And away we go." -- Nic Batum
"wang-dang diddly wubba SPROING wow-wow" -- Dave

by DonkeyShins on Feb 25, 2011 12:34 PM PST up reply actions  

but... but... we love it!!!

"The game was delayed for over 15 minutes with 5:07 left in the second quarter after France's Nicolas Batum, who plays for the Portland Trail Blazers, dunked and twisted the rim. Volunteers and officials scrambled to put a new rim on the basket and reattach a net."

http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/olybb/news/story?id=5509394

by ratbastird on Feb 25, 2011 8:45 PM PST up reply actions  

My Przybilla jersey just came in the mail yesterday....

Not bad timing, I ordered it because I was pretty sure he’d be gone. Thanks for the years of service Joel. Enjoy your retirement (whenever you decided to hang it up) and time with your family. It’s been great routing for you.

THANKS JOEL #10! :D We’ll miss you.

by MattyDread on Feb 24, 2011 1:16 PM PST reply actions  

I like your glass half full take with regards to your jersey purchase.

I have a feeling you might be able to get the same one for cheaper in the next few weeks though :)

Basket's that way, Chief!

by OneTrickPony on Feb 24, 2011 1:34 PM PST up reply actions  

Hard to say goodbye

He poured so much of himself into this franchise, it is hard to see him go. It was difficult watching him hobble around, never complaining or giving up on a play. Classic, throwback, blue collar, lunch pail.

30 days would be great, but he’d need to be bought out.

by ORDucktape on Feb 24, 2011 1:22 PM PST reply actions   1 recs

Sorely missed

Lone remnant from the “dark era” – Joel is the current Mr. Trailblazer and personifies everything I love about our team and town. A man’s man, I already miss him.

by The Penguin on Feb 24, 2011 1:23 PM PST reply actions   1 recs

Joel will always be a beloved Blazer. He left his heart and soul out there for some godawful teams. I’m glad that at least he got to play in the playoffs once with us.

long live the jd.

by jksnake99 on Feb 24, 2011 1:24 PM PST reply actions  

Not enough can be said about the Vanilla Gorilla

We can only hope the spirit of Pryz stays with this team. I will pop a Coors Light in your honor tonight big guy! You will be missed.

"OK, it's going to rain tomorrow. And there is going to be a Greenpeace meeting and hippies are going to be protesting" ~ The Buffet of Goodness on Portland

by Blazer on Feb 24, 2011 1:28 PM PST reply actions   1 recs

Cheers to that.

Mike Rice: "Camby nearly rejected that with his Armpit!"

Mike Barrett: "Now that would be a fragrant foul."

by TheNoPoFuzz on Feb 24, 2011 1:29 PM PST up reply actions  

The last of a former era

Joel is the last of the Blazers from before the modern Blazers era, with Outlaw being traded last year. He was a lunchpail guy, admirable for his effort and dedication. I hope he can get healthy and play again, if that’s what he wants, or he is able to move on and have success in other things, if he chooses that path instead.

by baduk on Feb 24, 2011 1:31 PM PST reply actions  

Unlike Sergio, Travis, Martell....

This is one guy I wouldn’t mind see return to the Blazers…

by Visionary2 on Feb 24, 2011 1:32 PM PST reply actions  

Sorely missed...

I thought that through his consistency and role, Joel was the MVP of our 54-win ‘08-09 season. He’s just not that player any longer.

Thanks for everything, Joel. You are a warrior and I hope you continue to make Portland your family’s home.

by LewPDX on Feb 24, 2011 1:33 PM PST reply actions  

Got's to love me some Vanilla Gorilla!

Hope you get to come back in 30.

To summarize: Wade too quick, Kobe too skilled, LeBron too physical - Batum

by Ltlgto on Feb 24, 2011 1:34 PM PST reply actions  

Much respect, Joel

You were a beast and put up with a lot of crap in your first couple of years here. Glad you stuck around for the turnaround.

by Charon on Feb 24, 2011 1:40 PM PST reply actions  

Thanks Joel

Come back if you can

Harry Bosch: "Everybody counts....or nobody counts."

by 92wastheyear on Feb 24, 2011 1:40 PM PST reply actions  

To #10

Thank you, Joel, for working your ass off every night for this team. Best of luck!

We’ll miss you!

Columbus til I die, Columbus til I die. I know I am, I swear I am, Columbus til I die!

by Andrew Tolliver on Feb 24, 2011 1:40 PM PST reply actions  

See you in 30 days Joel!

You’re the man and you always have a home here in Portland

"If I had a dime for every basket I made today, you'd still suck!" - from the book 'John Dies @ the End'

by sammymohawk on Feb 24, 2011 1:44 PM PST reply actions  

Thank you Joel.

There have been few players in Blazer history that worked as long, hard, and tirelessly as you did. You always brought it every night, and fought hard on every play.

You are exactly the kind of player that makes the Blazers a great team to watch, in spite of any other distractions that are going on. We have been very fortunate to have you with us for so long.

I feel privileged to have witnessed your last game in a Blazer uniform, but fervently hold out hope that it might not have really been, nonetheless.

Portland Trail Blazers, Future World Champions 2011-2021.

by Majikj0n on Feb 24, 2011 1:47 PM PST reply actions  

Y'all are making me teary eyed.

I get way too emotionally attached to our players. Is it the curse of being Portland soccer mom?

by gtbassett on Feb 24, 2011 1:48 PM PST reply actions  

it is a blessing and a curse

and it is a credit to our fanbase

"If I had a dime for every basket I made today, you'd still suck!" - from the book 'John Dies @ the End'

by sammymohawk on Feb 24, 2011 2:03 PM PST up reply actions  

Good luck Joel

You the man Joel, thanks for all your hard work and passion. You will be missed!!!

by JoeDaddy on Feb 24, 2011 1:49 PM PST reply actions  

#10

THE 2010-11 PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS!!!

Starring:

Marcus Camby as The Human Trebuchet

by SpyderRyder on Feb 24, 2011 1:56 PM PST reply actions   1 recs

I always new it would be a SAD day to have to say goodbye to Joel.

If anyone SCREAMED Blazers it was Joel. Go out, do your job, say very little and carry a BIG stick. If there is a basketball god, Joel will be back in a month (with hardhat, lunch box and BIG stick)

by blazinagain on Feb 24, 2011 1:56 PM PST reply actions  

one of my favorite Blazers

good luck and thanks for the years of hard work

Fan of Portland Trail Blazers, Denver Broncos, and Portland Timbers

by PortlandOrange on Feb 24, 2011 1:57 PM PST reply actions  

Joel Pryzbilla, you sire are a gentleman and a basketball hero.

Hopefully Mr. Uppercut will be sure to pass along the depth and breadth of our appreciation for him. He has been the rock of Gibraltar that has helped to lead this team out of the dark days by being a stand up guy both on and off the court.

Whether or not Joel can pull a “Big Z” move and come right back to us again, or even if he would want to, he’s a permanent part of this team’s history., and we’ll always have 7 feet of room in our hearts for him.

"By the transitive property of General Manager idiocy, this means the Blazers traded Deron Williams for next year's heavily protected 1st Round Hornets pick plus the rights to Joel Freeland..." - Timbo

by conspirator5 on Feb 24, 2011 2:00 PM PST reply actions  

#10

one of my favorite Blazers, and I loved his tough demeanor on the court. good luck Przybilla!

by chickenmelt on Feb 24, 2011 2:05 PM PST reply actions  

He’ll be back. At least I hope so. You can never have too many guys with his kinda work ethic. I wish I had it.

by JakeN1985 on Feb 24, 2011 2:07 PM PST reply actions  

Thanks #10.

Always stood up for the team on the court.

by xncd on Feb 24, 2011 2:14 PM PST reply actions  

Sometimes...

It’s not so bad not being able to watch the games…

When the world knows Nico Batum as "The Inevitable", I'll be very happy with where he is as a player.

"Batum, who stands 8 feet tall with a 9-foot wingspan and never makes mistakes..." - Posting and Toasting

I still believe in #52. See you soon, Greg!

by ictoagsn on Feb 26, 2011 6:02 AM PST up reply actions  

You will be missed!!

Pryz is the guy who always brought fire to our team. Standing up for teammates and choosing to sign with Portland made him one of my favorite Blazers. Would love to see him back here someday, wish he could retire a Blazer.

by Blodgett on Feb 24, 2011 2:18 PM PST reply actions  

Thanks Joel

For bringing a toughness to this team that it so desperately needed. I wish you best (and I am secretly hoping “the best” is that you are bought out and that you resign with us later).

by homersolo on Feb 24, 2011 2:28 PM PST reply actions  

THANKS for the hard work and dedication Vanilla Gorilla!!!

Joel will always be a member of the Trail Blazer’s family………hate to see him traded.

Maybe he’ll sign with us after Charlotte buys him out.

Witty Unpredictable Talent and Natural Game

by iDea on Feb 24, 2011 2:30 PM PST reply actions  

#10...

I love the warrior mentality and how you never backed down from anyone Joel!.. I really, really hope the plan is to bring you back… SOON!

On that note can any of the many experts out there tell me what the limits are of bringing Joel back if he’s bought out?..
I know that Big Z left the Cavs and then came back almost immediately. Can someone spell out the possibilities?

Either way thanks for your heart, blocks and boards #10… You’ll always be one of my favorite Blazers!!!…

by Ilikeemall on Feb 24, 2011 2:32 PM PST reply actions  

Joel, Thank you so much

You will always be a Blazer in my book.

by jaywalker on Feb 24, 2011 2:35 PM PST reply actions  

Carpool

How many players and broadcasters carpool to the games? If I remember correctly Barret is the one who water Joel’s lawn when he’s out of town in the summer, their wives are close friends so they spend a lot of time together.

Down with the Ruskies

by TheSabasFan on Feb 24, 2011 2:48 PM PST up reply actions  

This

When he resigned, it was the first time I truly thought the team would turn the page on the jail blazers and largely the reason to watch pre Roy. In the words of the immortal Peter Venkman “I am going to miss him”

by bunk moreland on Feb 24, 2011 6:39 PM PST up reply actions  

You chose us

We chose you

Blazer forever

Joel Przybilla #10

When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!

by two4larue on Feb 24, 2011 9:45 PM PST up reply actions  

Is that Erik Sten on the left? Anyway . . . .

Like many here Joel became our hope for a better future with his commitment to the organization. THANK YOU JOEL!

I will still think of you every time I drive up I-94 from St. Paul to my parents cabin when I pass the Monticello exit, even though you disappointed my dad by leaving the “U” early.

You seem to have your priorities straight – family first. Good for you and I wish you a great career while it lasts. Hopefully we see you back in Portland – we can only be so lucky!

Best wishes for a wonderful life.

put a body on 'em

by RayBourque on Feb 25, 2011 12:59 AM PST up reply actions  

Definitely Erik Sten lol

What, me worry??

made em jump like Rod Strickland

by Guaranteed on Feb 25, 2011 4:33 AM PST up reply actions  

#10! #10 #10 #10

Aaaaaaaaand at Center, out of Minnesota, The THRILLA PRZZZZZYBIIIIIIIIIIILLLLLLLLLLLLLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

Just want to imagine it one more time…..

"Im ready for a fight..." -Joel Przybilla

by KillaPrzydollaBILLA on Feb 24, 2011 2:44 PM PST reply actions  

Bummed Out

Man, I prepared myself for him being traded, but this is still really bumming me out. I have a soft spot for guys who are willing to go toe-to-toe with anyone in the league that messes with him or any of his teammates, and Pryz is irreplaceable in that respect.

by bocious on Feb 24, 2011 2:47 PM PST reply actions   2 recs

fortunately, he was traded for another tough guy

It would’ve been brutal if Joel had been flipped for a prissy guard or yet another skinny stretch 4

When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!

by two4larue on Feb 24, 2011 9:48 PM PST up reply actions  

Thanks and Props to Mighty Przybilla!

long time member/lurker, longer time Blazer fan – I just came out of hiding to give a shout out to Joel and Dante today. Joel – I hate to see you go. I hope you know it is just business and that the fans of the Trailblazers love you like a hero. You are a complete stud on D and I wish you all the best for what remains of your career. I’m damn glad you spent all these years on my team. Good luck!

by i-goes-2-da-rack on Feb 24, 2011 3:01 PM PST reply actions  

Thank you, Joel

I always loved that you loved my favorite team.

by parkinglotj on Feb 24, 2011 3:09 PM PST reply actions  

I Przybilla !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This just lost the guy that most rightly should be considered the heart and soul of the roster. He always gave his all every single time he checked into a game. We had a lot of great nicknames for him: The Thilla (his own favorite), Ghost Face, and Vanilla Gorilla. I loved typing “GORILLA DUNK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” into Game Day Threads.

I hope that you get a buyout Joel because you belong in a Blazer jersey and you always will until you retire.

LaMONSTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by LaMarvelous on Feb 24, 2011 3:11 PM PST reply actions  

Stupid software stole the heart!!!!

I <3 Przybilla !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LaMONSTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by LaMarvelous on Feb 24, 2011 3:12 PM PST up reply actions  

Isn't that the truth.

"The madman is not the man who has lost his reason. The madman is the man who has lost everything except his reason." - G. K. Chesterton, Orthodoxy, 1909

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by T Darkstar on Feb 24, 2011 6:46 PM PST up reply actions  

So long, Joel. Portland misses you already

Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!

by HailOden! on Feb 24, 2011 3:24 PM PST reply actions  

Tougher than tough.

Stay strong, Joel. You’re welcome back anytime.

by sabas4eba on Feb 24, 2011 3:24 PM PST reply actions  

One of my favorite Blazers of all time

hurry back now!

I dispense B.S. and facts. It is up to you to figure out which is which.

by GMan83201 on Feb 24, 2011 3:29 PM PST reply actions  

You are already missed.

Hoping the buyout and return to the Blazers option rumor turns out to be true.

by Ragermack on Feb 24, 2011 3:29 PM PST reply actions  

Respect is earned and Joel has all of ours.

Hope you return shortly!

LaMarshmallow - Distant Memory.

by mlsinpdx on Feb 24, 2011 3:31 PM PST reply actions  

#10

if he doesnt get a buyout and return to portland, can we at least retire the #10?

by iamdavin on Feb 24, 2011 3:32 PM PST reply actions  

What a great player

Couldn’t have asked for a better guy and teammate through the good and the bad years.

"Part of me wants him to beast up the Blazers, but part of me thinks he should move to Hawaii and become a dentist." - Llamaiguana

by llamaiguana on Feb 24, 2011 3:34 PM PST reply actions  

Best of Luck Joel!

I started watching and appreciating Joel while he was in Minnesota. He is a class act. Best of luck and I hope for a quick return to the Rose City!! It’s gonna be strange with you not on our side.

by cabhorn on Feb 24, 2011 3:35 PM PST reply actions  

We'll miss you!

Thanks for all your hard work in the paint and your great demeanor off the court. You’re a terrific example of the great Blazer ethic this town embraces.

Huzzah! A toast to Joel Pryzbilla!

Aren't the T-Wolves colors red and black?

by BlazerFanInMN on Feb 24, 2011 3:43 PM PST reply actions  

Come Back Soon!

You are a class act Joel…Get bought out by ’cats and come back soon!

"From Bill Walton to Brandon Roy, we wanna know it all
From Clyde Drexler to Greg Oden, from the basket to the ball
Every move they make is covered, somebody make the call
The shot clock's always running at Blazersedge"

It's a Blog's Life (Living on the Blazersedge)

by balladofgregoden on Feb 24, 2011 3:46 PM PST reply actions  

Hey, what's the rec for recs?

We need to break the record here.

The Dude abides.

by BrewDude on Feb 24, 2011 4:00 PM PST reply actions  

183 recs and counting from two years ago.

For a story that may be even more heartwarming than Joel’s. Comments may be closed due to being over a month old, but you can still rec it today.

"The madman is not the man who has lost his reason. The madman is the man who has lost everything except his reason." - G. K. Chesterton, Orthodoxy, 1909

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by T Darkstar on Feb 24, 2011 6:50 PM PST up reply actions   1 recs

Love u Joel.

Hope u come back.

The cake was a lie.

by xedubx on Feb 24, 2011 4:07 PM PST reply actions  

As the longest-tenured Blazer, Joel will be missed

Especially by Timbo. But at least a bit by every fan. You put in countless great moments of work and hustle. And occasional brilliance like an unplanned tip-in dunk. As Nate would say: You are scrappy, and can do some things. Keep a home in Portland even if your permanent home will be back around Minneapolis.

by Norsktroll on Feb 24, 2011 4:26 PM PST reply actions  

a great leader and teammate

Time after time our young guys would get messed with and only Joel would be willing to fight back. A good move for the team, but we’re losing a good guy.

by Blazerverse on Feb 24, 2011 5:35 PM PST reply actions  

Joel's awesome

It was painful to watch him play this season but I’ll root for him wherever he ends up.

The Leeroy Rule: being insistent >>>> being correct

by leeroyjenkins on Feb 24, 2011 5:53 PM PST reply actions  

Tough guy, we will miss you.

"Don’t listen to your critics. Listen to your fans."

— Michael Scott, The Office

by ireallylikejerrydbayless on Feb 24, 2011 6:06 PM PST reply actions  

Did all the little things out there.

I’ll never know how to spell your last name without looking at it and copying it, but you will always have a place in the hearts of all Blazer fans. #10!

Hope to see you soon.

Clyde the Glide and look out below....kersey nurse.

by RollandTodd on Feb 24, 2011 6:09 PM PST reply actions  

Arguably

My favorite Blazer of all time. Including Drexler, Kersey, Lucas, …anyone.

You’re on that list for me Joel.

Come back soon.

we can still win........

by RastaMonsta on Feb 24, 2011 6:14 PM PST reply actions  

Joel was the bastion of consistency on this team

He was the ray of hope in the middle of Jailblazer deliquency and resigned with us when he had other, more attractive suitors. He brought 100% effort and intensity to every game, and provided that menacing presence only when necessary. Best of luck to him in Charlotte. I hope he gets an unbelievable ovation when he comes back to the RG.

by jayzien on Feb 24, 2011 6:21 PM PST reply actions  

STANDING OVATION !!

CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP WOOOOOHOOOOOOO CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP JOEL YOU ARE A MAN’S MAN !

by BOSSMAO on Feb 24, 2011 6:38 PM PST reply actions  

Joel, Joel, Joel...

Heart and soul does not even begin to describe what you’ve been for this team.
Thank you for years of hard-nosed service, getting seriously red-faced (Red *ss! You and Blake!) when the intensity ramped, and basically taking ZERO guff as our big bad center!!
You will totally be missed! ‘Not in my house’ tattoo included. =D

'Mar-cus Cam-by' (clap-clap, clap clap clap). - Rose Garden

'That was the only game I could go to this season, and it freakin' ruled.' - P.Roy
\m/

by patrickroy on Feb 24, 2011 6:47 PM PST reply actions   1 recs

good work anders

i’m sure your english teacher (gonzo?) will appreciate

If you weren't a jail blazers fan...
you aren't a trail blazers fan.

by rudy fernandez forever on Feb 24, 2011 6:49 PM PST reply actions  

Like for so many others, truly one of my favorites

It’s always seemed telling to me that Joel is so beloved by his team mates. That says a lot. Great guy. I’ll miss him. Nobody messes with Joel.

by serinpdx on Feb 24, 2011 7:08 PM PST reply actions  

Joel Pryz-bil-la clap, clap, clap-clap-clap
Joel Pryz-bil-la clap, clap, clap-clap-clap

Always a professional and a leader on this team. A true enforcer in a league that is in short supply. Can’t say enough about how much he meant to our defense. Joel was always that anchor in the middle that made sure no one was going to get an easy bucket, and if they drove to the middle he was going to make them think twice about doing it again. Joel was the definition of a blue-collar player for this team. That’s why he will always be a fan favorite here in Portland. He never quite on the boards, never took a play off, drew more offensive fouls than the rest of the team combined, altered nearly every shot in the lane, simply impressive. I’ll miss Joel more than any player we have parted with since Clyde, and maybe a little more than Clyde. Portland lost a hero today.

I sure hope he finds his way back to the Rip City. Whether in a buy out, in free agency in the summer, or as a sideline reporter or color commentator.

I wish Joel all the luck in the next stage of his career and I sure hope Bobcat fans show him the respect he is due – its a ton.

THANK YOU JOEL

"AND THE GAME IS OVER! THE GAME IS OVER!! THE PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS HAVE WON THE NBA CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!" Bill Schonely, game 6 of the NBA Finals, 1977 and 2011

by dirtboydave on Feb 24, 2011 7:19 PM PST reply actions   1 recs

I always knew this day would come,

but it saddens me still, even if I know in my heart it is the right move.

Joel, you are the best.

Taxes don't kill jobs.

by shenanigans on Feb 24, 2011 7:49 PM PST reply actions  

Thanks for selflessly setting the best picks in the league for your teammates

and for being the only Center who consistently blocked dunks at the rim. You are a class act, and we are all hoping for that buyout, because we’re not ready to say goodbye for good.

Faith applied reasonably is practical magic.

by Matthews vs Roy... Fight! on Feb 24, 2011 8:05 PM PST reply actions  

Thanks Pryz

Your 6 years here have not gone unappreciated.

by BlazinGreen on Feb 24, 2011 8:06 PM PST reply actions  

One of the best descriptions of Joel I’ve seen. Well said.

by serinpdx on Feb 24, 2011 9:54 PM PST up reply actions  

Goodbye Joel.

It’s been a good ride, hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as I have, we’ll see you soon big guy.

We’ll see you soon.

The Faith don't panic, the Faith freaks out, burns out small farms and villages in the name of the Faith.

by faith on Feb 24, 2011 9:12 PM PST reply actions  

Joel is so awesome. Really, the perfect player to back up Oden.

Well, that was the plan anyway. I hate that he’ll be playing for another team. At least there’s some consolation that he was involved in getting a quality player coming back.

by Stryder9 on Feb 24, 2011 9:15 PM PST reply actions  

Joel you're the man!

You were easily one of everyone’s favorite for your work ethic and your no BS attitude. Even Shaq respects you, even though he had a funny way of showing it on the court. Hope you and the Blazers have some sort of hidden aggreement like the Steve Blake trade and sign.

#20

by hohowan on Feb 24, 2011 9:18 PM PST reply actions  

A True Blazer Warrior

Joel, your presence on our team was singular— you scrapped, fought, hustled, set skyscraper picks, and let every opponent know ( including fat ass O’Neill). That they best not mess with your mates or they’d be messing with you. our young team needed the kick ass big brother and you played your role with class and heart. I hope we will see you in a Blazers uniform in 30 days!

by KnightBlazer on Feb 24, 2011 9:23 PM PST reply actions  

Sorry to be a hater...

But it kind of irks me to have an appreciation thread for Joel, but then to not even spell his name right. It’s Przybilla, not Pryzbilla.

"Nicolas! You're the strongest boy in the world!"

by ericking on Feb 24, 2011 9:29 PM PST reply actions  

Yeah for real, whatever happened to attention to details

Too bad Przybilla isn’t in the spellchecker. It should be. IT WILL BE SOME DAY.

made em jump like Rod Strickland

by Guaranteed on Feb 25, 2011 4:41 AM PST up reply actions   1 recs

"Because it was hard to spell Pryzbilla"

My favorite part of the poem, for the sheer irony of it.

by dbomb on Feb 25, 2011 5:07 PM PST up reply actions  

Joel is the man

I will really miss you Joel. Thank you..

by JuNov on Feb 24, 2011 10:53 PM PST reply actions  

If Joel is back for another team, PLEASE don't give him the Blake treatment

Steve didn’t deserve it at the Lakers game. Boos and cat-calls after busting his arse for the Blazers and the Blazers shipping him off twice. I hope that changes in the next game here even though I hope we stomp on his team.

Please people, show respect for Joel if he comes back here to play for someone else. He gave us the best years of his career.

put a body on 'em

by RayBourque on Feb 25, 2011 1:05 AM PST reply actions   1 recs

Blake sold his soul and signed with the L*kers

He deserved the boos.

Porter, Drexler, Kersey, Williams, Duckworth. The greatest starting 5 ever.

by Bib Fortuna on Feb 25, 2011 2:14 AM PST up reply actions  

Przybilla will always be greeted with a warrior's welcome in Portland

This man gave up the chance at a championship with the Spurs or Pistons to play for the team that gave him a chance to play in this league. Joel, you showed loyalty to the team that trusted you, and this city will always be loyal to you. If retirement is the answer after two gnarly surgeries, so be it, you had a great run. If Charlotte makes you suit up, we’ll all be wishing you the best of luck. You helped give this franchise a kick in the ass when it most severely needed it, you will never ever be forgotten by Blazers fans. I hope you are as happy in whatever endeavors the future brings you, as you have made me watching you keep this team together during good times and bad.

made em jump like Rod Strickland

by Guaranteed on Feb 25, 2011 4:40 AM PST reply actions  

Wow 88 recs

I wonder what the most recs in a single thread is.

Portland could coast along with their superior talent and stay right with us. Now that Portland woke up, the hammer cometh down.

Bayless > Daffy Duck after 3 cans of rockstar

by Batumshakalaka on Feb 25, 2011 6:47 AM PST reply actions  

One of my favorite Blazers of all time.

Not enough can be said for him re-signing with Portland.

Like others have said here, he always had everybody’s back and he stood up tall for a small market undermanned, underdog team.

I’m still hoping that he will somehow end up back on the roster this year and retire as a Blazer. I really hope that his feelings aren’t too hurt by the trade.

Either way, best of luck Joel and thank you!

by SaveOden on Feb 25, 2011 7:30 AM PST reply actions  

Thank You Joel Pryzbilla...

   What I remember and appreciate about Joel Pryzbilla was the fact that IMO he was the first bright spot coming out of a dark time. When John Nash announced the aquirement of a center named Pryzbilla, it registered to me as a fan much like the obtainment of a Sean Marks or what I thought would just be a temporary or mediocre role player.

  At the time, Joel Pryzbilla was like a fresh breeze. His hustle, enthusiasm and skill was one of the first things that gave me hope for the future of the franchise at a time when there wasn’t a lot positive to take.

  Then going forward, I was continually impressed with Joels loyalty, focus, and the intangibles he brought to the court, and the tangibles he brought as a citizen off the court.

  So anyway, Yes…good luck Joel. Whatever happens, whatever you decide to do, moving forward…best of luck. It’s been a pleasure watching you play and having you be part of the franchise I follow.

"Mother Nature started this fight, I think it's about time we ended it!"

by Krang on Feb 25, 2011 10:24 AM PST reply actions  

More recs!

"You know, when you are in the game, you hear 20,000 people behind you, you don't feel anything."
- Nicolas Batum on playing through his shoulder injury during the 2010 playoffs.

by halo_on on Feb 25, 2011 12:31 PM PST reply actions  

#10

Please come back soon, Joel. I want to see you (a) recover from your knee surgeries and (b) retire (healthy) as a Blazer. You have been the heart and soul of this team for many years.

"My shoulder is OK. And away we go." -- Nic Batum
"wang-dang diddly wubba SPROING wow-wow" -- Dave

by DonkeyShins on Feb 25, 2011 12:35 PM PST reply actions  

Speaking of retirement,

do you think we’ll ever retire his number?

Stealth > Wealth

by 500dogs on Feb 25, 2011 1:24 PM PST up reply actions  

I highly doubt we will

But we should, Joel meant way more than just the numbers he put on the board. He truly was the heart of this team.

by gtbassett on Feb 25, 2011 2:23 PM PST up reply actions  

My favorite Joel moment

was when he was giving Yao Ming “the business” in Mike Rice’s unforgettable words. I’ve been searching (unsuccessfully) for a video clip of that.

by chown on Feb 25, 2011 2:35 PM PST reply actions  

#10

We will miss you Joel, thank you for everything.

(Still holding out hope you can come back in a month!)

You can measure skill and talent with your eyes, but productivity is shown through statistics.

by austinpwnz on Feb 25, 2011 2:43 PM PST reply actions  

What can I say?

Your hard-nosed play has served us well
An’ you’d still be here ‘cept you fell
A beer for you
A cheer for you
We’ll miss your Kryptonite, Jo-el.

I hold it true, whate'er befall;
I feel it, when I sorrow most;
'Tis better to have loved and lost
Than never to have loved at all.
--Alfred Lord Tennyson

by CatMan2 on Feb 25, 2011 3:07 PM PST reply actions  

#10#10#10

#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10#10

"The game was delayed for over 15 minutes with 5:07 left in the second quarter after France's Nicolas Batum, who plays for the Portland Trail Blazers, dunked and twisted the rim. Volunteers and officials scrambled to put a new rim on the basket and reattach a net."

http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/olybb/news/story?id=5509394

by ratbastird on Feb 25, 2011 8:50 PM PST reply actions  

He'll be missed

Had to come back temporarily to say this. It’s not just his play on the court that will be missed, but his character. His heart, his hustle – his “Blazerness”. He redefined what it was to be a member of the Trailblazers. Before, it was to be a “Jailblazer”. After, it meant everything he was. Giving everything for the team. Giving up the opportunity to go for a title, showing faith in those who had faith in him. I hope he never wears another jersey. If he does, I hope his last game in a Blazer jersey is yet to come. No matter what happens, he’s a Blazer forever. We’ll miss you Joel Przybilla!

Dante’s going to be missed too. He was like a smaller version of #10. Going out there, playing hard, and giving everything to help the team. The Inferno is the kind of player who will always find a home in the league, and will always be a fan favorite. He may not be the one that you look back and say “he won us that game”, but he can swing the momentum, and others will take it from there.

We miss you both already. #10 and #33.

When the world knows Nico Batum as "The Inevitable", I'll be very happy with where he is as a player.

"Batum, who stands 8 feet tall with a 9-foot wingspan and never makes mistakes..." - Posting and Toasting

I still believe in #52. See you soon, Greg!

by ictoagsn on Feb 26, 2011 6:11 AM PST reply actions  

Joel and my photo with you...

You were a gentle beast, the anchor to our boat in the middle of a hurricane. You will come back because our boat is the best… no doubt.

by DevotedBlazer on Feb 26, 2011 10:34 AM PST reply actions  

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