Transcript: Blazers Rookie G Allen Crabbe Meets Portland Media

Allen Crabbe, a 2013 second-round pick who was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers on draft night, conducted his first in-person interview with the Portland media on Tuesday at the practice facility.

The biggest news of note: He told Blazersedge that he was planning to sign his contract with the Blazers on Tuesday night.

Here's a transcript of Crabbe's interview session with local reporters.

How does it feel to be with the Blazers?

It's a great feeling. Shocked when they picked me but I feel like it's going to be a good place for me. We have a lot of young guys. I feel like we'll be able to get along on and off the court. It's just a blessing to be here. It's everybody's dream to make the NBA and I'm glad I'm here. I'm just going to do whatever I can to help contribute early.

Why were you shocked?

I didn't work out or speak to Portland, it's just funny how the draft process can go, you land with a team that you didn't even talk to or work out for. But like I said, this could be a good place for me to start off my career.

DId they give you a sense for why they came around and decided to take you?

No. They don't. That's really all I wanted, was a team to pick me. Take a chance with me. It would be my opportunity to come in and work, see if I can get some playing time early.

How do you think you fit in with the roster right now?

It's kind of early. I can't really tell too much. I know they're a team that likes to shoot a lot of threes so I got kind of excited when I heard that. I definitely think I can be another person on the team that can fill it up on the three-point side.

Did you shoot a lot today?

I try to get them up, try to get comfortable, just try to have an aggressive mindset, go out into Summer League and prove myself. Being aggressive is a good start.

CJ McCollum said he felt some chemistry with you on Day One

Definitely. I passed up on a couple of shots and he was like, 'Shoot the ball.' Everybody wants to play with a good point guard. I feel like CJ can get his teammates involved, he can score it, he can keep the defense on its toes. It will be a good Summer League for us.

Adjusting to the NBA three-point line?

It's not a problem. In college, I didn't shoot right up on the three-point line. I definitely feel like I have good range. With the weight room, getting in there more, I definitely feel like it will help the range scoot back a little bit further. I don't think it will be that big of an adjustment.

Outside of shooting, how would you describe your game?

I definitely feel like I can rebound well for my position. I'm definitely going to try to prove to people that I can help on the defensive end. Just going to come in and work, I know nothing is going to come easy for me here. I'm going to have to bring it. I'm looking to develop in the areas I'm not good at so I can become a complete player.

Signed your contract?

Not yet. Tonight, they said. I'll find out [all the specifics] tonight.

First impression of CJ McCollum?

He's a good player. I heard a lot about him, especially last year when he went off on Duke. That's when I first heard about him. That's when people make their name, in the NCAA tournament. You kind of follow their careers, since they're on SportsCenter a lot. I definitely feel like he's a great player and going to be a good addition to this team.

Also, be sure to check out this back-and-forth about Crabbe between Dave and SBNation's California Golden Blogs.

The Blazers traded for the rights to Crabbe on draft night; he answered some questions in a post-draft interview.

Blazers coach Terry Stotts' first impressions of Crabbe are right here. Blazers center Meyers Leonard offered some thoughts on Crabbe here.

-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter