Wesley Matthews Returns to Practice, Terry Stotts Looks to Improve "D"

Erik Gundersen of the Columbian's Blazer Banter Blog shares an excellent look at the Portland Trail Blazers defense and what they hope to improve upon in the coming season.

The article features this quote from the Head Coach of the Trail Blazers, Terry Stotts

"The things we are going to be emphasizing is giving up fewer transition points I think that and fewer attempts at the rim," said Terry Stotts at media day. "Our defense at the rim was actually decent. We were top 5 in terms of percentage at the rim but we had too many times the ball got to the rim. SOme of that was in transition. Understanding how we need to do with transition defense, understanding our weak side has to get better."

Blazer's Edge author Willy Raedy offered this take on Portland's defensive woes earlier this week.

Gundersen also updates Wesley Matthews' condition, reporting that the Blazers' shooting guard returned to practice on a limited basis on Friday and hopes to play in Sunday's Fan Fest.

Hat tip to conspirator5 for getting the defense story into the Fanshots.

--Dave blazersub@gmail.com / @DaveDeckard / @Blazersedge