During a Tuesday night interview with Blazers broadcasters Mike Barrett, Mike Rice and Brian Wheeler on Blazers Courtside, Portland Trail Blazers center Joel Przybilla endorsed interim coach Kaleb Canales for the full-time head coaching position.
Thoughts on Kaleb Canales
"I'm proud of him. He's put in more work and time to this organization than anyone I've seen. Many many nights I've talked to him the next morning and he's slept at the Practice Facility. He's always there, no matter what time of day.
"He deserves everything he's getting. When he became the interim coach I met him the same night. I told him, 'Just be the same person you are, Kaleb, don't change.' The reason you're the coach now is what you've done to get to this position. We've played hard because that's what he's asked from us."
Would you endorse him for next season as the full-time head coach?
"Definitely. I'm definitely comfortable playing for him. He's learning, this is his first head coaching job. The progress he's made in just a few weeks is so significant. Talking in front of the guys, the referees, whatever it may be. He's made such strides in a few weeks. I'm excited for the future for him. He has great potential to be a great coach for many years."
As for his own future, Przybilla, who is nearing completion of a one year contract, said this.
"I just want to get through this season, get to the summer and see what my options are. I would definitely love to come back. That's up to the team... A lot of it depends on what [my family wants]. I definitely do what my wife and kids say. Deep down that's what really matters to me. If they want me to play or not play or where they want me to play, that will be a family decision."
-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter