Tue, 04 Aug 2009 16:53:42 -0400 http://blazers.topbuzz.com/ Blazers Topbuzz http://blazers.topbuzz.com/images//themes/gardensupplycenter/images/blazers-topbuzz.png http://blazers.topbuzz.com/ blazers@topbuzz.com http://blazers.topbuzz.com/a-15.html October 2009 Tue 27 vs Houston 7:00pm Thu 29 vs Denver 7:30pm Sat 31 @ Houston 5:30pm November 2009 Sun 01 @ Oklahoma City 4:00pm Tue 03 vs Atlanta 7:00pm Fri 06 vs San Antonio 7:30pm Sun 08 vs Minnesota 6:00pm Tue 10 @ Memphis 5:00pm Wed 11 @ Minnesota 5:00pm Fri 13 @ New Orleans 5:00pm Sat 14 @ Charlotte 4:00pm Mon 16 @ Atlanta 4:00pm Wed 18 vs Detroit 7:00pm Fri 20 @ Golden State 7:30pm Sat 21 vs Minnesota 7:00pm Mon 23 vs Chicago 7:00pm Wed 25 vs New Jersey 7:00pm Fri 27 vs Memphis 7:00pm Sat 28 @ Utah 6:00pm December 2009 Tue 01 vs Miami 7:00pm Sat 05 vs Houston 7:00pm Mon 07 @ New York 4:30pm Wed 09 @ Indiana 4:00pm Fri 11 @ Cleveland 5:00pm Sat 12 @ Milwaukee 5:30pm Tue 15 vs Sacramento 7:00pm Thu 17 vs Phoenix 7:30pm Sat 19 @ Orlando 4:00pm Sun 20 @ Miami 3:00pm Tue 22 @ Dallas 5:30pm Wed 23 @ San Antonio 5:30pm Fri 25 vs Denver 7:30pm Mon 28 vs Philadelphia 7:00pm Wed 30 vs LA Clippers 7:00pm January 2010 Sat 02 vs Golden State 7:00pm Mon 04 @ LA Clippers 7:30pm Tue 05 vs Memphis 7:00pm Fri 08 vs LA Lakers 7:00pm Sun 10 vs Cleveland 6:00pm Wed 13 vs Milwaukee 7:00pm Fri 15 vs Orlando 7:30pm Mon 18 @ Washington 10:00am Wed 20 @ Philadelphia 4:00pm Fri 22 @ Boston 4:30pm Sat 23 @ Detroit 4:30pm Mon 25 vs New Orleans 7:00pm Wed 27 vs Utah 7:00pm Fri 29 @ Houston 5:30pm Sat 30 @ Dallas 5:00pm February 2010 Mon 01 vs Charlotte 7:00pm Wed 03 @ Utah 7:30pm Thu 04 vs San Antonio 7:30pm Sat 06 vs LA Lakers 7:00pm Tue 09 vs Oklahoma City 7:00pm Wed 10 @ Phoenix 6:00pm Tue 16 vs LA Clippers 7:00pm Fri 19 vs Boston 7:30pm Sun 21 vs Utah 7:30pm Tue 23 @ New Jersey 4:30pm Wed 24 @ Toronto 4:00pm Fri 26 @ Chicago 5:00pm Sat 27 @ Minnesota 5:00pm March 2010 Mon 01 @ Memphis 5:00pm Wed 03 vs Indiana 7:00pm Sun 07 @ Denver 7:30pm Tue 09 vs Sacramento 7:00pm Thu 11 @ Golden State 7:30pm Fri 12 @ Sacramento 7:00pm Sun 14 vs Toronto 6:00pm Fri 19 vs Washington 7:00pm Sun 21 @ Phoenix 7:30pm Thu 25 vs Dallas 7:30pm Sat 27 @ New Orleans 5:00pm Sun 28 @ Oklahoma City 4:00pm Wed 31 vs New York 7:00pm April 2010 Thu 01 @ Denver 7:30pm Sat 03 @ Sacramento 7:00pm Wed 07 @ LA Clippers 7:30pm Fri 09 vs Dallas 7:00pm Sun 11 @ LA Lakers 12:30pm Mon 12 vs Oklahoma City 7:00pm Wed 14 vs Golden State 7:30pm Tue, 04 Aug 2009 16:53:42 -0400 http://blazers.topbuzz.com/a-14.html The 2008-09 Blazers schedule is out! The team will visit the LA Lakers to open the season on October 28th. Then it will be several more tough tests with the Spurs to open at home, the Suns, the Jazz, and the Rockets right after. So we should find out how tough this young team is right off the get go.October Tue 28 @ LA Lakers 7:30pm Fri 31 vs San Antonio 7:30pm November Sat 01 @ Phoenix 7:00pm Wed 05 @ Utah 6:00pm Thu 06 vs Houston 7:30pm Sat 08 vs Minnesota 7:00pm Mon 10 @ Orlando 4:00pm Wed 12 @ Miami 4:30pm Fri 14 @ New Orleans 5:00pm Sat 15 @ Minnesota 5:00pm Tue 18 @ Golden State 7:30pm Wed 19 vs Chicago 7:30pm Fri 21 @ Sacramento 7:00pm Sat 22 @ Phoenix 6:00pm Mon 24 vs Sacramento 7:00pm Wed 26 vs Miami 7:00pm Fri 28 vs New Orleans 7:00pm Sun 30 @ Detroit 12:00pm December Tue 02 @ New York 4:30pm Wed 03 @ Washington 4:00pm Fri 05 @ Boston 5:00pm Sun 07 @ Toronto 10:00am Tue 09 vs Orlando 7:00pm Thu 11 @ Utah 7:30pm Fri 12 vs LA Clippers 7:00pm Tue 16 vs Sacramento 7:00pm Thu 18 vs Phoenix 7:30pm Mon 22 @ Denver 6:00pm Tue 23 vs Denver 7:00pm Thu 25 vs Dallas 7:30pm Sat 27 vs Toronto 7:00pm Tue 30 vs Boston 7:00pm January Fri 02 vs New Orleans 7:00pm Sun 04 @ LA Lakers 6:30pm Wed 07 vs Detroit 7:00pm Sat 10 vs Golden State 7:00pm Mon 12 @ Chicago 5:30pm Wed 14 @ Philadelphia 4:00pm Thu 15 @ New Jersey 4:30pm Sat 17 @ Charlotte 4:00pm Mon 19 vs Milwaukee 7:00pm Wed 21 vs Cleveland 7:00pm Sat 24 vs Washington 7:00pm Mon 26 @ LA Clippers 7:30pm Wed 28 vs Charlotte 7:00pm Sat 31 vs Utah 7:00pmFebruary Mon 02 @ New Orleans 5:00pm Wed 04 @ Dallas 5:30pm Fri 06 @ Oklahoma City 5:00pm Sun 08 vs New York 3:00pm Wed 11 vs Oklahoma City 7:00pm Thu 12 @ Golden State 7:30pm Wed 18 vs Memphis 7:00pm Fri 20 vs Atlanta 7:00pm Sun 22 vs LA Clippers 3:00pm Tue 24 @ Houston 5:30pm Wed 25 @ San Antonio 5:30pm Fri 27 @ Minnesota 5:00pm March Sun 01 vs San Antonio 5:00pm Wed 04 vs Indiana 7:00pm Thu 05 @ Denver 7:30pm Sat 07 vs Minnesota 7:00pm Mon 09 vs LA Lakers 7:00pm Wed 11 vs Dallas 7:00pm Fri 13 vs New Jersey 7:00pm Sun 15 @ Atlanta 10:00am Mon 16 @ Memphis 5:00pm Wed 18 @ Indiana 4:00pm Thu 19 @ Cleveland 5:00pm Sat 21 @ Milwaukee 5:30pm Mon 23 vs Philadelphia 7:00pm Thu 26 vs Phoenix 7:30pm Sat 28 vs Memphis 7:00pm Tue 31 vs Utah 7:00pm April Fri 03 @ Oklahoma City 5:00pm Sun 05 @ Houston 4:00pm Tue 07 @ Memphis 5:00pm Wed 08 @ San Antonio 5:30pm Fri 10 vs LA Lakers 7:00pm Sat 11 @ LA Clippers 7:30pm Mon 13 vs Oklahoma City 7:00pm Wed 15 vs Denver 7:30pm Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:51:29 -0400 http://blazers.topbuzz.com/a-13.html The Blazers will start off the pre-season with a game vs. the Sacto Kings, followed by the Warriors the next night. Both games will be in the Rose Garden. DATE OPPONENT VENUE LOCATION TIME Oct. 7 Sacramento Rose Garden Portland, OR 7 p.m. Oct. 8 Golden State Rose Garden Portland, OR 7 p.m. Oct. 10 Atlanta Sprint Center Kansas City, MO 7 p.m. Oct. 12 Utah Rose Garden Portland, OR 3 p.m. Oct. 20 Sacramento ARCO Arena Sacramento 7 p.m. Oct. 22 L.A. Clippers Staple Center Los Angeles 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23 Utah Energy Solutions Arena Salt Lake City 7 p.m. Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:52:38 -0400 http://blazers.topbuzz.com/a-12.html A night that started with ESPN’s announcement that the Trail Blazers had acquired Jerryd Bayless and Ike Diogu from Indiana in exchange for #13 pick Brandon Rush, guard Jarrett Jack and forward Josh McRoberts ended with no official announcement of a deal. The night also included four other deals, netting the Blazers another European prospect and a bevy of future draft picks. “We were very active,” General Manager Kevin Pritchard said after the last pick was made. “The biggest thing for us is that we were very well planned out. We saw the draft fold out.” The true repercussions of Thursday’s draft likely won’t be known for at least a couple of weeks, but what is certain is that Kevin Pritchard and his staff executed at least four trades. Brandon Rush was selected by the Trail Blazers with the 13th pick. In their first trade of the night, The Portland acquired the draft rights to forward Darrell Arthur (selected 27th overall) from the New Orleans Hornets in exchange for cash considerations. Arthur’s tenure as a potential Trail Blazer didn’t last long though, as he was traded along with Joey Dorsey, who the Blazers selected with the 33rd pick, to the Houston Rockets for Nicholas Batum, who was taken with the 25th pick. Batum, a 6-8, 210 lbs. small forward who most recently played for club team Le Man in France, is a long, ultra-athletic player who has possibly the most upside of any player in the draft. He’s considered a project at just 19 years old, but he has all the physical tools to become an elite wing in the NBA. Unlike many European players in this year’s draft, Batum is expected to sign with the Blazers and will be with the team at the start of the 2008-09 season. The acquisition of Batum wouldn’t be the only Blazers move involving a European. With the 36th pick, Portland selected Omir Asik, a 6-11, 230 lbs. center out of Turkey. Asik’s draft rights were then traded to the Chicago Bulls for three second round draft picks: New York’s 2009, Denver’s 2009 and Chicago’s 2010. Finally, the Blazers finished their night by selecting Mike Taylor, a former member of the Idaho Stampede and the first D-League player ever to be drafted. Taylor was subsequently traded to the Los Angeles Clippers for their 2009 second round pick. All told, the Trail Blazers ended up with four future second round picks. The book on the Trail Blazers’ 2008 Draft is yet to be written, but Kevin Pritchard seemed satisfied, at least with the initial results. “I feel like we’re very balanced right now,” noted Pritchard. “There’s a good focus on our team. I think we’ll know who our potential starters will be… I like our top ten a lot.” Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:53:42 -0400 http://blazers.topbuzz.com/a-11.html Here is the pre-draft workouts schedule as posted on Blazers official site: June 3 Rodrigue Beaubois (France/PG) *underclassman Rudy Mbemba (Congo/PG) Mike Green (Butler/PG) June 4 Giorgi Shermadini (Rep of Georgia/PF) C.J. Giles (Oregon State/PF) June 7 Sasha Kaun (Kansas/C) Steven Hill (Arkansas/C) Gary Forbes (UMASS/SG) Stanley Burrell (Xavier/SG-PG) Victor Claver (Spain/SF) *underclassman June 9 Lester Hudson (Tenn-Martin SG-PG) Jaycee Carroll (Utah State/SG) J.J. Hickson (NC State/PF) *underclassman James Gist (Maryland/PF) June 10 Bryce Taylor (Oregon/SG) JaJuan Smith (Tennessee/SG) Marcus Dove (Oklahoma State/SF) David Padgett (Louisville/C) Darian Townes (Arkansas/PF-C) June 12 Russell Westbrook (UCLA/PG) Tywon Lawson (North Carolina/PG) *underclassman June 15 Jeremy Pargo (Gonzaga/PG) *underclassman Bo McCalebb (New Orleans/PG) Luc Louves (France/SF) *underclassman Pat Calathes (St. Joseph’s/SF) June 16 Davon Jefferson (USC/SF-PF) Shawn James (Duquesne/PF) June 17 Joe Alexander (West Virginia/PF-SF) *underclassman Donte Greene (Syracuse/SF) Marreese Speights (Florida/PF) *underclassman Deron Washington (Virginia Tech/SF) June 18 DJ Augustin (Texas/PG) June 19 Robin Lopez (Stanford/C) Javale McGee (Nevada/C) Kosta Koufos (Ohio State/PF-C) Malik Hairston (Oregon/SG) Darnell Jackson (Kansas/PF) Richard Hendrix (Alabama/PF) *underclassman June 20 Luc Mbah a Moute (UCLA/SF) *underclassman Will Daniels (Rhode Island/SF) June 21 Brandon Rush (Kansas/SF-SG) Courtney Lee (Western Kentucky/SG) Mark Tyndale (Temple/SG) June 22 Maarty Leunen (Oregon/PF) Juan Palacios (Louisville/PF) June 23 Darrell Arthur (Kansas/PF) Anthony Randolph (LSU/PF-SF) *tentative June 24 Nicolas Batum (France/SF) Sonny Weems (Arkansas/SF-SG) Marcellus Kemp (Nevada/SG) Shan Foster (Vanderbilt/SG) Wed, 04 Jun 2008 01:02:42 -0400 http://blazers.topbuzz.com/a-10.html The Blazers Schedule is here! Highlight games include the opener in San Antonio vs. the Spurs and a Christmas battle vs. the Sonics at home, ______________ Pre-season Schedule: Wed., Oct. 10 L.A. Clippers Rose Garden Portland, Ore. 7:00 PM Fri., Oct. 12 at Denver Coors Event Center Boulder, Colo. 6:00 PM Sun., Oct. 14 at Atlanta Philips Arena Atlanta, Ga. 11:00 AM Fri., Oct. 19 Sacramento Rose Garden Portland, Ore. 7:00 PM Sun., Oct. 21 at Sacramento Arco Arena Sacramento, Calif. 6:00 PM Wed., Oct. 24 Seattle Rose Garden Portland, Ore. 7:00 PM Fri., Oct. 26 Denver Deschutes Co. Expo Center Redmond, Ore. 7:00 PM Regular Season Schedule: October Tue 30 @ San Antonio 5:00pm November Fri 02 @ New Orleans 5:00pm Sat 03 @ Houston 5:30pm Wed 07 vs New Orleans 7:30pm Fri 09 vs Memphis 7:00pm Sat 10 vs Dallas 7:00pm Tue 13 vs Detroit 7:00pm Wed 14 @ Denver 6:00pm Fri 16 @ Philadelphia 4:00pm Sat 17 @ Washington 4:00pm Mon 19 @ Charlotte 4:00pm Wed 21 vs New Jersey 7:00pm Fri 23 vs Sacramento 7:00pm Mon 26 vs Orlando 7:00pm Wed 28 vs Indiana 7:00pm Fri 30 @ Dallas 5:30pm December Sun 02 @ San Antonio 12:30pm Mon 03 @ Memphis 5:00pm Thu 06 vs Miami 7:30pm Sun 09 vs Milwaukee 3:00pm Tue 11 @ Utah 6:00pm Wed 12 vs Golden State 7:00pm Fri 14 vs Utah 7:00pm Sun 16 @ Denver 5:00pm Mon 17 vs New Orleans 7:00pm Wed 19 vs Toronto 7:00pm Fri 21 vs Denver 7:00pm Tue 25 vs Seattle 5:00pm Fri 28 vs Minnesota 7:00pm Sun 30 vs Philadelphia 3:00pm Mon 31 @ Utah 5:00pm January Wed 02 @ Minnesota 5:00pm Thu 03 @ Chicago 5:00pm Sat 05 vs Utah 7:00pm Wed 09 vs Golden State 7:00pm Sun 13 @ Toronto 9:30am Mon 14 @ New Jersey 4:30pm Wed 16 @ Boston 4:30pm Fri 18 @ Miami 4:00pm Sat 19 @ Orlando 4:00pm Mon 21 @ Atlanta 11:00am Wed 23 @ New Orleans 5:00pm Fri 25 vs Houston 7:00pm Sun 27 vs Atlanta 3:00pm Wed 30 vs Cleveland 6:00pm February Fri 01 vs New York 7:30pm Mon 04 vs Denver 7:00pm Wed 06 vs Chicago 7:00pm Fri 08 @ Detroit 5:00pm Sat 09 @ Indiana 4:00pm Mon 11 @ Houston 5:30pm Wed 13 @ Dallas 5:30pm Tue 19 vs Sacramento 7:00pm Thu 21 vs Seattle 7:30pm Fri 22 @ Seattle 7:30pm Sun 24 vs Boston 3:00pm Tue 26 @ LA Lakers 7:30pm Wed 27 @ LA Clippers 7:30pm Fri 29 vs LA Lakers 7:30pm March Sun 02 @ Golden State 6:00pm Tue 04 vs Phoenix Rose Garden 7:00pm Fri 07 @ Milwaukee 5:30pm Sat 08 @ New York 4:30pm Mon 10 @ Cleveland 4:00pm Tue 11 @ Minnesota 5:00pm Thu 13 @ Sacramento 7:00pm Sat 15 vs Minnesota 7:00pm Tue 18 vs Phoenix 7:30pm Fri 21 vs LA Clippers 7:00pm Sat 22 @ LA Clippers 7:30pm Mon 24 @ Seattle 7:00pm Tue 25 vs Washington 7:00pm Thu 27 @ Golden State 7:30pm Sat 29 vs Charlotte 7:00pm April Wed 02 @ LA Lakers 7:30pm Thu 03 vs Houston 7:30pm Sun 06 vs San Antonio 3:00pm Tue 08 vs LA Lakers 7:00pm Fri 11 @ Sacramento 7:00pm Sat 12 vs Dallas 7:00pm Tue 15 vs Memphis 7:00pm Wed 16 @ Phoenix 7:00pm Thu, 02 Aug 2007 19:09:01 -0400 http://blazers.topbuzz.com/a-9.html According to this article, the Blazers have inked Steve Blake to a 3 year contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Blake was looking for something around the mid-level. Apparently the front office wanted some veteran leadership at the point, despite the team being stacked at the position. Blake averaged 8.3 points and 6.6 assists last year with Denver. With his stint at the Nuggets, Steve should be well versed in throwing alley-oop lobs, so be prepared to see some highlight reel Blake-Oden plays over the season! Fri, 13 Jul 2007 18:00:20 -0400 http://blazers.topbuzz.com/a-8.html Apparently the Blazers have made Steve Francis a free agent by agreeing to pay a whopping $30 million of the $33.6 million remaining on his contract. That is a ton of money- literally. Did the Blazers really had absolutely no use for Stevie? I think that's a very arguable point. I mean now we're going to be paying him to perhaps even come back and hurt us as a member of another Western Conference team (maybe the Clippers?) Anyways here's the breaking news via NewsDay: As beautifully as the Zach Randolph trade may work out for the Knicks, it's hard to argue with what Steve Francis got out of it Tuesday night. The former Knicks guard received his wish when his new team, the Portland Trail Blazers, bought out the final two years of his contract. The deal, in the works for weeks, was completed Tuesday and Francis hits the waiver wire at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday. In seven days, Francis will be an unrestricted free agent after banking more than $30 million of the $33.6 million he was due. No wonder Francis and his longtime agent, Jeff Fried, celebrated at a Ruth's Chris in D.C. Tuesday night. "This was the definition of a win-win situation with Isiah and the Knicks getting Zach Randolph and Steve being the ultimate beneficiary in being bought out," Fried said. So essentially, the Knicks traded Channing Frye for Randolph and let Paul Allen, the Blazers' billionaire owner, take care of Francis, who will get a chance to revive his career in a more favorable situation. The Heat, Clippers and Mavericks are the most likely landing spots for Francis. Article. Wed, 11 Jul 2007 01:47:11 -0400 http://blazers.topbuzz.com/a-7.html After two mediocre Summer League games, Greg Oden will be sitting out the rest of the summer league due to inflammation of his tonsils. Blazers GM Kevin Pritchard compared the size of Greg's tonsils to those of golfballs. Here's the official word from the team: Las Vegas, NV -- Portland Trail Blazer rookie center Greg Oden left Las Vegas late Tuesday afternoon bound for Los Angeles where he’ll be a presenter at the ESPN ESPY Awards Show. Originally Oden had planned to return for the Trail Blazers final two summer league games this weekend, but instead Oden will fly to Portland where he’ll have a tonsillectomy later this week the team announced Tuesday. “It’s unfortunate,” said Trail Blazers general manager Kevin Pritchard. “He’s shown a lot of toughness because he’s been sick for about two weeks and he’s pushed through it, but it came to the point where we felt like it was the best thing to do is to shut him down and make sure he gets healed, gets a tonsillectomy this weekend and then be prepared as much as he can for the regular season and preseason.” Oden is scheduled to undergo the tonsillectomy on Saturday. Dr. Don Newell will perform the procedure at The Vancouver Clinic in Vancouver, Wash., and the recovery time is expected to be between two and three weeks. “Anybody who has as much symptoms and problems as he was having, it was tough for him,” said Pritchard. “He’s a tough kid. He wants to do things the right way and that’s why we love him. He wanted to push through the sickness, but it came to a point where he couldn’t do it anymore.” Oden will also miss the USA Basketball Men’s Senior National Team training camp, which is being held July 20th-22nd in Las Vegas. Ironically, Oden is coming off his best performance of summer league in two scrimmage games on Monday against the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers. Between the two 40-minute scrimmages Oden combined for 15 points (4-8 FG), eight rebounds and five blocked shots. In addition to being sick, the 19-year old Oden, who’s become a bit of a media darling with his quick wit and charming personality, has had an exhausting appearance and interview schedule that started well before June’s NBA Draft. “He needs some time mentally just to get away from basketball,” added Pritchard. “Sometimes you can get burnout and he’s had some burnout and I think this is a good situation. Get the surgery. Get him healthy. Get him some time off and then he’ll come back the season refreshed.” Portland lost both scrimmage sessions to the Nuggets and Clippers and is winless in two summer league games. “I think people are getting really concerned about whether we’re winning or losing or not. This is summer league,” explained Pritchard. “What this is about is to see what players can do in a different system, different structure, and different atmosphere and in a bigger role. Do we want to win? Absolutely. These kids are learning how to play basketball with each other for the first time and this team is going to be together for a long time, so evaluating right now and in the next five years is more important than just saying this is a snapshot or this is where we are today. We’re going to take the long-term approach.” The Trail Blazers return to summer league action on Wednesday night as they battle the Los Angeles Lakers at UNLV’s Thomas and Mack Center. NOTES: The Trail Blazers held a light practice session at Cox Pavilion on Tuesday afternoon. Oden did not attend. Wed, 11 Jul 2007 01:34:04 -0400 http://blazers.topbuzz.com/a-6.html Here's the official press release: The Portland Trail Blazers today acquired guard Steve Francis and center Channing Frye from the New York Knicks in exchange for forward Zach Randolph, guard Dan Dickau and guard Freddy Jones, it was announced by Trail Blazers general manager Kevin Pritchard. Francis, 30, enters his ninth NBA season with career averages of 18.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 6.1 assists. The three-time NBA All-Star and 2000 NBA co-Rookie of the Year posted 11.3 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 44 games this past season with the Knicks. A second-year pro from the University of Arizona, Frye, 24, was a 2006 member of the T-Mobile All-Rookie First Team, posting career numbers of 10.8 points and 5.6 rebounds. The 6-11 center averaged 9.5 points and 5.5 boards this past season. Randolph, 25, led the Trail Blazers with averages of 23.6 points, 10.1 rebounds and 35.7 minutes over 68 games in 2006-07. Picked 19th overall by Portland in the 2000 NBA Draft, Randolph paced the team in points and rebounds in each of the past four seasons. Dickau, 28, was acquired by Portland from Boston on Draft Day 2006. In 50 games, the Vancouver, Wash., native posted averages of 3.3 points and 1.4 assists in 2006-07. A former Oregon Duck, Jones, also 28, averaged 4.8 points, 1.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 18.7 minutes in 24 games with the Trail Blazers last season after being acquired in a mid-season trade with Toronto. In a separate transaction, the Trail Blazers traded the draft rights to forward Demetris Nichols, whom they selected with the No. 53 pick, to New York in exchange for the Knicks’ second round pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. Tue, 03 Jul 2007 22:31:57 -0400 http://blazers.topbuzz.com/a-5.html The Portland Trailblazers had a VERY busy night. Let's have a quick summary of what happened- who's in and who's out: In: Greg Oden (via Draft, 1st round pick, #1 pick overall) Rudy Fernandez (via Trade from Phoenix Suns, 1st round pick, #23 pick overall) James Jones (via Trade from Phoenix Suns) Petteri Koponen (via Trade with Philadelphia 76ers, 1st round pick, #30 pick overall) Josh McRoberts (via Draft, 2nd round pick, #37 pick overall) Taurean Green (via Draft, 2nd round pick, #52 pick overall) Demetris Nichos (via Draft, 2nd round pick, #53 pick overall) Steve Francis (via Trade from New York Knicks) Channing Frye (via Trade from New York Knicks) Out: Zach Randolph (traded to New York Knicks) Dan Dickau (traded to New York Knicks) Fred Jones (traded to New York Knicks) Derrick Byars (traded to Philadelphia 76ers, drafted in the 2nd round, pick #42 overall $3 million bucks out of Paul Allen's pocket ("Traded" to Phoenix) It seems that the focus is to win now with the addition of Stevie Francis (assuming he doesn't get bought out), a veteran guy like James Jones, and Channing Frye. We'll miss Zach's low-post scoring for sure, however. Rudy Fernandez will stay in Europe for at least one more season, Peterri Kopenen will like do the same. Fri, 29 Jun 2007 21:42:28 -0400 http://blazers.topbuzz.com/a-4.html [Offical Blazers Press Release] Portland Trail Blazers announced today that the club has named Larry Miller as Team President. Miller joins the organization after ten years at Nike, Inc. near Beaverton, Ore., including recent leadership as Vice President and General Manager, Basketball. “It is a very exciting day for the Trail Blazers organization to be able to announce the hiring of Larry Miller as our team President,” said Trail Blazers Chairman and Owner Paul Allen. “In addition to being firmly rooted in Portland, Larry is a preeminent figure in the basketball industry and one of the most widely respected sports professionals in the country.” As President of the Trail Blazers, Miller will be responsible for all aspects of the Trail Blazers business portfolio, including all team business activities, the Rose Quarter and Rose City Radio and will report to Vulcan Sports CEO Tod Leiweke. “Larry Miller has operated successfully at the highest levels of our sport“, said NBA Commissioner David Stern. “The Trail Blazers and the city of Portland will greatly benefit from his expertise and vast knowledge of the NBA. I am pleased to welcome him to the league.” The Trail Blazers also announced that Executive Vice President, Mike Golub has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer reporting to Larry Miller. Golub will oversee Sales and Marketing, Business Affairs, Arena Operations, Broadcast, Community Relations and Public Relations. Also reporting to Larry Miller will be General Counsel, Mike Fennell, Chief Financial Officer, Gregg Olson with General Manager Kevin Pritchard reporting into Miller on all business aspects of the basketball team. Completing the Blazers senior management team is Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Sarah Mensah, Senior Vice President of Business Affairs, J. Isaac, Vice President of Communications, Cheri Hanson, Vice President of Broadcasting, Dick Vardenega, Vice President of Sponsorship, Jack Bradley, Senior Director of Ticket Sales and Service, Brad Stith, Chief Information Officer, Chris Dill, Director of Human Resources, Traci Reandeau and Director of Community Relations, Traci Rose. “I am very honored to join the Trail Blazers Family” said Miller. “Having lived in Portland for the past 15 years working for a great company such as Nike, I understand the vital role a successful Trail Blazers organization plays in our community. I look forward to working with Paul Allen, Tod Leiweke, Kevin Pritchard and the excellent people already on staff in helping restore the Trail Blazers as the pride of Portland and one of the model franchises in sports.” Miller, a Philadelphia native, joined Nike as Vice President, USA Apparel in 1997, having previously served as President of Jantzen since 1992. Miller was promoted to president of Brand Jordan in 1999. During his tenure in that role Miller led Jordan through a period of strong growth as it expanded product offerings, including women’s apparel, added to its portfolio of Team Jordan athletes and celebrated the 20th anniversary of Air Jordan. Brand Jordan grew revenues 40 percent in fiscal 2006 and Miller was named Vice President and General Manager, Basketball on October 4 of that year. In his most recent role at Nike, Miller was in charge of developing and executing integrated global strategies designed to deliver premium experiences across all product engines to basketball worldwide. He was also responsible for Nike’s global basketball business, including the day-to-day operations of the Jordan Brand. “Larry leaves behind a very talented team at Nike, and we wish him much success in his new role,” said Nike Brand President Charlie Denson. “We look forward to continuing Nike’s strong relationship with the Trail Blazers and with Larry.” ABOUT THE PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS Winners of the 1977 NBA Championship, the Portland Trail Blazers are Portland's only major league professional sports franchise. Owned by investor and philanthropist Paul G. Allen of Seattle since 1988, the Trail Blazers continue to be a competitive NBA leader in playoff appearances, sports marketing and community relations. With a corporate culture that promotes volunteerism, the Blazers Community Builders employee volunteer program was a key centerpiece in the Trail Blazers receiving the prestigious National Points of Light Award for Excellence in Corporate Community Service. The Trail Blazers were the first and continue to be the only professional sports team to achieve this honor. Thu, 21 Jun 2007 00:14:45 -0400 http://blazers.topbuzz.com/a-3.html [AP] Greg Oden admitted he was out of breath after his workout Wednesday for the Portland Trail Blazers. By no means was the 7-foot draft prospect coasting in on his reputation. "Really, I'm trying to sell them on me, not the other way around," the forward from Ohio State said after a vigorous solo workout. The Portland Trail Blazers have the No. 1 selection in the June 28th draft. Oden figures to be one of the top picks along with Kevin Durant, a forward out of Texas, who is scheduled to visit the Blazers on Friday. "All I can do is be me," Oden said. A couple dozen fans stood across the street from the Trail Blazers practice facility south of Portland hoping to catch a glimpse of the Big Man. The media turned out in droves. Ford: Oden's health questions The Greg Oden-Kevin Durant debate got a little more interesting this week when NBA teams received the physicals for each player from the Orlando predraft camp. At the top of the red-flag list was Greg Oden, who had three specific injuries that concerned doctors, writes Chad Ford. Blog Insider Team owner Paul Allen, the billionaire co-founder of Microsoft, sat and watched the workout with general manager Kevin Pritchard. Several players, including Zach Randolph, Rookie of the Year Brandon Roy, and LaMarcus Aldridge also looked on. "What came out is that he's a really good person who cared about how he did in the workout," Pritchard said. "He's a unique talent. To have an opportunity to get a kid like this is a great opportunity for this organization." Said Allen: "Seeing Greg in person, it's not just his size, it's his amazing athleticism. You can see the potential there." Oden was scheduled to meet with team doctors later Wednesday. After getting a late start his freshman year at Ohio State because of a wrist injury, Oden led the Buckeyes in scoring (15.7) and rebounding (9.6) per game and topped the Big Ten in shooting percentage (.616). The Buckeyes went 35-4 and won the Big Ten's regular-season and tournament titles before advancing to their first national championship game since 1962, where they lost to two-time champion Florida. In the championship game, Oden had 25 points and 12 rebounds. After his workout with Portland, Oden was asked whether he likened himself more to Shaquille O'Neal or Bill Russell. Without hesitation he answered "Russell." "Ten fingers, 11 rings," he explained. Both funny and personable, the 19-year-old smiled broadly after jokingly telling reporters that he'd cry if he wasn't the top pick in the draft. Oden says he and Durant are pals and trade text messages. "We're pretty cool," he said. "This year we realized we were going to be connected for a long time." Oden said he felt immediately welcome in Portland. Roy and Aldridge met Oden and his mother at the airport. Fellow Ohio State freshman Mike Conley Jr. has also declared himself eligible for the draft. Oden is represented by Conley's father, Mike Conley Sr., who won the Olympic gold medal in the triple jump at the 1992 Games in Barcelona. Pritchard said the organization is keeping an open mind when it comes to its selection. None of the Blazers' brass was indicating which way the team might be leaning. "This gives us an incredible opportunity to improve our franchise for the next decade, so you have to be extremely careful," Allen said. "But it's a lot of fun." Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press Thu, 21 Jun 2007 00:07:42 -0400 http://blazers.topbuzz.com/a-2.html There are a ton of mock draft sites out there and the overwhelming consensus seems to point to the Blazers selecting Greg Oden. There are some who think that we will or should pick Kevin Durant instead. Here's the skinny as of today: NBADraft.net: Greg Oden DraftExpress.com: Greg Oden Sporting News: Greg Oden ESPN Chad Ford: Greg Oden HoopsWorld: 60% Durant, 40% Oden Fox Sports: Greg Oden AOL Sports: Kevin Durant Yahoo Sports: Greg Oden Fri, 08 Jun 2007 03:28:06 -0400 http://blazers.topbuzz.com/a-1.html Apparently the front office is looking to swing a deal to land more first round picks. Chances are very good that we'll be selecting Oden, so one of the other first rounders may well be used to try to draft his buddy Mike Conley. Could Zach Randolph be on the move? Here's the scoop from the Oregonian: The Oregonian has learned that the Trail Blazers general manager is plotting to land another first-round pick through a trade on or before the day of the draft (June 28). That pick probably would be in the mid- to late first round, but sources say that Pritchard has been flirting with teams in the top 10 as well as listening to offers from other teams. Pritchard on Wednesday would not discuss his intentions but acknowledged that his strategy every season is to accumulate as many first-round picks as he can. "You figure out what you like, and you go get it," Pritchard said. The Blazers have tentative plans to work out first-round prospect Nick Young, a guard from USC, on June 25, and more secure plans to look at another first-round talent, Javaris Crittenton, a 6-5 guard from Georgia Tech, on June 26. There have been efforts to bring in more first-round prospects, but Pritchard said his inquiries continue to be met with a cold shoulder. The Blazers have four second-round picks, and Pritchard has hinted that he probably will trade at least one of the picks. It would take more than a second-round pick -- or picks -- however, to secure a first-round selection, meaning the Blazers would have to deal one of their current players. Read the entire article. Fri, 08 Jun 2007 03:10:17 -0400