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The Mason Plumlee, Gerald Henderson, and Noah Vonleh era has officially begun for the Portland Trail Blazers.
Portland's three recent acquisitions were introduced at a press conference in Tualatin on Monday. Joined by Head Coach Terry Stotts and General Manager Neil Olshey, the players took the podium to field questions from local media members.
The newcomers discussed topics such as their ability to fit into the Blazers' roster and identity, their expected roles with the team, and their excitement about living in Portland. Plumlee was especially enthusiastic about the prospect of teaming up with Blazers All-Star point guard Damian Lillard.
"As a big, it's very exciting to come in and play with a player like Damian Lillard" — Mason Plumlee
— Casey Holdahl (@CHold) June 29, 2015
Coach Stotts seems confident that all three additions have not just the skill, but the character necessary to help the Blazers going forward.
"I take seriously building a culture here and you do that with character….these three guys certainly fit into that." Coach Stotts
— Amy Schwartz (@TheAmySchwartz) June 29, 2015
Plumlee was acquired from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, the No. 23 pick in the NBA draft, and Steve Blake. Plumlee averaged 8.7 points and 6.2 rebounds per game for the Nets last season.
Henderson and Vonleh came to Portland in a trade that sent Nicolas Batum to the Charlotte Hornets. Henderson, a six-year veteran, posted 12.1 points and 3.4 rebounds per game in 2014-15. Vonleh, who is just 19 years of age, put up 3.3 points and 3.4 rebounds per game in just 25 games during his rookie season.
Pat Connaughton, who was also acquired in the Plumlee trade, did not make an appearance at the press conference. According to Olshey, Connaughton will be in Portland in early July for the Blazers' Summer League training camp.