Boston's 5 Partisans

This very moment in a large sunlit room Bill Walton is sitting cross legged on a pillow with a pen in his hand and a pad in his lap. The ex-Celtic and current ESPN broadcaster is feverishly writing rants for this season's nationally televised Celtic games. Televised and Celtics you say? Queue Walton, 'After the deal for the Warrior named Kevin Garnett Boston hasn't been this excited about basketball since the days of Larry Bird whose talent was much like that of Barbad the Great the famous court musician of the Sassanid Empire of Persia! The Sassanid empire was the fourth imperial dynasty of Iran..' It goes on from there and it only gets better, thanks Bill. On Tuesday July the 31st Timberwolve fans everywhere had to part with the only significant thing to ever happen in 'Sota. GM Kevin Mchale hooked up his old team by giving away KG for a fistful of draft picks and Sebastian Telfair? Well, maybe other players were involved but whatever. This trade is great for the game of basketball because we will know if (Below, middle 3 from left) Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett are for real or just dudes that put up fat regular season numbers.

The picture above is a sculpture in Boston called 'The Partisans' which honors WW2 era Polish guerrilla soldiers. Formerly in the Boston Commons the statue has been given a new home, while on a tour in Boston years ago a native told me it was the Celtic's starting five, hanging their heads low because they didn't make the playoffs. Danny Ainge (Above, far left) has given a whole city hope with 2 blockbuster trades, Coach Doc Rivers (Above, far right) is already feeling the pressure.

Capitol Hill Block Party 7/27/7

Picture above, Blue Scholars Block Party 07

Thursday I bought a beer (Miller Low Life) and a ticket (Capitol Hill's 10th annual Block Party) at Neumos. It was about time I supported the local music scene, KEXP I gotta stop dodging the pledge drives because you are the only reason I love my Ipod and knew about the 2 bands that I wanted to see on Friday's Main Stage; Blue Scholars and Silversun Pickups. The NW's Blue Scholars are made up of singer Geologic and Deejay Sabzi who delivered a sharp and socially conscious set that rocked the thousands of spectators under Seattle's setting sun. While watching the audience during the duo's show I saw many people singing along to lyrics that were about politics and social justice. This was an encouraging site considering the politically apathetic young people and the fluff music industry in our society today. Before I got to righteous or whatever I opened a new tab and bought their latest album, Bayani, for $15.16 with shipping. Now I just need to register to vote in King County.. Blue Scholars; fat beats and tight rhymes that earned my support.


SSPU Block Party 07

Silversun Pickups played a great show with an electrifying presence on stage, to be honest I missed their first 2 songs because I was in KFC. From what I did see singer Brian Aubert was cool to watch, he understands that 'showmanship' isn't a bad thing and lead the band in a long encore session. Bassist Nikki Monninger was, for lack of a better term, 'cute as hell' passing out picks after songs and flashing all types of smiles. This band is touring all over the world and it was a pleasure to get to see them, thanks for coming to Seattle!!

Pictured below, Skaters on Broadway during the Block Party

Road Trip! Dodger Stadium 7/20/7

I came for the infamous Dodger Dog, the opportunity to see a prime National League match up and left Dodger stadium with a rare find; a Californian team you (a Pacific Northwesterner) and I can actually like. I'll be honest, multiple intangibles panned out for this rare positive SoCal experience. 1) I drove to Dodger stadium all the way from San Bernardino county without seeing any congestion or getting lost 2) Thanks to a friendly tailgater bought 2 box seats for under face value. After those 2 miracles the LA Dodgers took care of the rest..

Pre Game:

I payed a slim $15 to park right next to the park, I saw flashes of tailgater's open beers and wide smiles. Then came the trip's second amazing stroke of luck , buying box seats for under face value (the 1st being traffic). From there I went to the pro shop and bought the Dodger's on field proback. I don't want to complain that official hats now cost $30+ because I get a lot of use out of hats, I'm just hoping they stay at this price point for a few years.

I poked around the ballpark, went all the way up to the upper deck after waiting in a cue for the elevator and was surprised by 2 things. 1) The sheer incline of the top level, reminded me of the Staples Center. The LA franchises have a flair for the steep angles 2) The parking lot outside of the stadium was hazy due to smog! This wasn't even a half mile away! (See below)

Game Recap, Sorta:

The season ticket holder next to me groaned at the introduction of the Dodger's starter, Brett Tomko. The righty from Placentia's El Dorado High managed a no decision and no boos from the Dodger faithful. Tomko is alright, he went to the same HS as Green Day's Jason Freese and married a playmate. Nomar Garciaparra hit a jack in the 2nd inning for his club's only score. Luis Gonzalez struggled on offense going 0-4 and on defense and was responsible for Tomko's only run after colliding with Juan Pierre going after a pop fly. After hitting a single in the 1st inning Pierre stole 2nd and 3rd and proceeded to look lame in Center Field. The Mets won.

Wrap Up:

This park has charectar, not like Fenway but isn't sterile like say the Kingdome was or like, what's the A's park called? The organ player, a cute little old lady named Nancy Bea plays tunes which contributes to Dodger stadium's old school, 'good time at the ballpark' feel and the chant's from the center field bleachers should make any baseball fan feel good. The food selection sucks but also adding to the old school feel which is cool. The Dodger dog does come boiled or grilled and shouldn't be passed upon. The teamshops are tiny, bathrooms clean and the ushers were friendly enough. People were allowed to hang out by the Dodger's dugout in the frontrow to ooh and ahh at Nomar's windsprints before the game. A number of players signed autographs right up until the National Anthem, which was sung by a soldier with an amazing voice. If the Dodgers are playing the next time you're in the HelLa area check 'em out.

Blazers Vs Durants: 7/15/7

1st Quarter:

No LMA or Oden for Pdx tonight?! Here is what the Blazers are missing: Aldridge averaged 21 pts 11 rebs and 3 blks in 2 games. Oden shot .600 for 9 pts and swatted away 3 per also in 2 games. Those 2 guys already have food money, Zendon Hamilton got bills to pay so here's to his final shot in Vegas.

Zendon Hamilton (below) looks hungry, no I mean really hungry. After drawing his first 2 shooting fouls he was robbing front row folks of their nachos between free throws. Dude has played for 7 NBA teams, this guy wants to be in the NBA.

Jeff Green (below) misses 3 straight FTs, I guess Georgetown's famed Princeton offense doesn't bother with the charity stripe.



Frenchy Johan Petro (below) looks real active for Seattle. Good thing, he was a first round draft choice 2 years ago.




Some guy named Kevin Durant (below) is playing too. He misses his first 2 shots. Then hits a 3, draws a shooting foul and then hits a jumper. Hmmm, maybe this guy CAN score the ball.


Sergio Rodriguez (below) has good court vision and knows how to keep the dribble alive, just like Steve N__ whoa, never mind. He awards teammates hustle plays by passing them the ball and last year ranked #3 in the NBA in assists per 48 mins.



Man these fouls are ticky tacky. Are the refs trying to get the players to adapt to NBA calls?

2nd Quarter:

Blazer GM Kevin Pritchard does an interview from his seat and sounds very sharp. Do you remember the, 'Trade Whitsitt' sign in the Rose Garden a few years ago? Everyone remember to appreciate the new 'old Blazers'.

Dale Ellis's son Chris Ellis gets a silly and 1 dunk. Makes many babies cry in the greater Vegas area.

Not to be topped: 2006 Blazer draft pick, Brit Joel Freeland (right) throws down a sick 2 handed alley-oop from a baseline inbounds pass with 2:24 left in the 2nd quarter. Every child 10 and under in England cries.

3rd Quarter:

Sergio Rodriguez draws an illegal defense T all on his own by keeping his dribble. Not a single young American basketball players notice because they're all too busy watching And 1 mixtapes, the US is doomed to lose the next 45 Olympic games.

Gary Payton's turn to be interviewed. Says Durant shoots well and should be on the post more so he can pass out of the double teams. Lost count on how many times GP said Durant needs to get stronger. GP says JeffGreen needs to improve his shot. Payton closes the interview by saying he wants to work in the Sonics front office.

So how many mismatches will Durant 6-9 and Green 6-9 create this year because of their ballhandling? Jeff Green is sporting the new white and blue Lebrons.

Joel Freeland looks tired but he hasn't quit.

One of the announcers says Pdx needs to combine Rodriguez's penetration, Steve Blake's ability to run a team and hit the 3 and Jarret Jack's physicality to form Jason Kidd. Paul Allen picks up his phone to call to a Cuban doctor that specializes in such procedures.

4th Quarter:

The Sonics new GM Sam Presti (below) flashes on the screen. That guy is going to be carded at bars for the next 10 years. I guess he looked younger on TV, must have been the polo.



I write down Mouhamed Sene (below) is a non-factor, announcers then rant on this.

Durant already is getting superstar calls?? Petteri Koponen called for blocking on a Durant charge. Announcers express similar feelings yet again taking away the originality of my observation.

So the Sonics are playing in the Salt Lake, Rocky Mountain Revue summer league too. Wonder how often teams play in both?

Sergio Rodriguez gets his own superstar call. Maybeline!! (makeup, mofo)

How unfair is Steve Francis's buyout when guys like Zendon Hamilton don't have pro contracts?

Someone missed their tea time: I caught a glimpse of Joel Freeland pouting on the bench, at least he wants to play, I guess.

LMA's antifreeze green shirt is disgusting. Why not wear a Blazer throwback?

Oh yeah, Blazers win.

Darius Miles*Pdx Preview

NEWS FLASH!! Darius Miles has officially been named a consumer and is no longer considered a basketball player per the blog, Legendary Ticket. The ex-athlete's career was cut short buy his lack of competitive fire and desire to, 'chill out, watch Scarface and buy sh*tt.' Darius has been excelling at his new career; the future shopping HOFer can be seen below buying an Iphone. Shopper #23 may have said, 'Shopping is my J-O-B and that's tight, you know? But it's like I do want to be remembered for more then just my skillz in busting out the American Express card! So here's a look at my summer.'

What else has Darius Miles been up to this Summer???

Here it looks like Darius has been skiing and doing Karaoke. Not seeing any basketball yet..
At least Darius's god given athletic ability isn't going to waste, looks like he's into a ballet! There he is playing the guitar, sticking to his strict hot dog diet and riding a carousel. Man, I hope he finds some time to get lost this summer.

Martell and Travis*Pdx Preview

Martell Webster: Martell appeared in all 82 games in '07 averaging 7pts on a .398 shooting percentage in 21 minutes of action. He's a local boy, a Seattle Prep pro and you gotta love it. He has shown flashes of an outside stroke you cannot deny. Even so, Officer Beer Goggles pictured below tells Martell he needs to improve his ball-handling, defense and court awareness to prove he deserved to be a #6 draft pick. If Martell's game time mug is as half as mean as in the pic he'll be alright. God I hope that was Halloween party, for Martell's sake.


Travis Outlaw: Travis posted a career-high 36 points (16-16 FT) in the '07 season ending loss to the Playoff hungry Warriors, could it be a preview for '08? This past season he scored 9 pts a night and got 1 block a game, good for 36th in the NBA. Whenever Coach McMillan is seen staring off into the distance he's actually dreaming of this kid's potential. How many points do you think Outlaw would have averaged on Nashs or 'Bron's squads? Luckily enough for Pdx, Outlaw coming into his 4th season has always shown steady improvement from the year prior. Now, if only Portland had a big man that stretched out the floor and played D, oh wait, god bless that pin pong ball! Be prepared to see a slashing Travis make even more SportCenters this year and provide stellar weak side help on the defensive end instead of having to help Z Ho and his non-exsitent defense. Don't you wish Darius Miles and Travis Outlaw could swap contracts? Hey, I wonder what Darius has been up to this summer?? Come back Sunday to find out.






If you haven't heard yet.. Obama Girl

Brian Roberts Robs Seattle

The Seattle Marienr's JJ Putz looked unhitable going into the All Star game sporting a silly stat line reserved for Xbox; .88 ERA for 24 saves, 44 Ks and a mere 7 walks. Putz was pitching with 2 down in the bottom of 9th last night in the '07 All Star game when a ground ball squirts to Oriole second baseman Brian Roberts. Mariner fans began to celebrate their lone pitching All Star Putz, he had secured home field advantage for the AL, what an amazing save the Mariner's stole the show! Roberts then ponders his piss poor nickname: B-Rob and fails to make the routine play. JJ Putz, MVP Ichiro, Mariner fans, Cal Ripken Jr every self respecting Oriole fan hangs their head in shame. So I ask, When else has Roberts failed America?


When not practicing poor defense on the baseball field Brian Roberts practices poor national defense. Pictured here in 2001, Roberts was a key military advisor to the Bush White House during the decision to go to war against Iraq.

Brian Roberts effects the city of Seattle everyday. Robert's convinced Mayor Greg Nickels to make each and every decision you DO NOT like. Hate the Mayor's Alaskan way viaduct debate? Blame Roberts. The Mayor's stance on Belltown's nightlife? Yep, Roberts too. Brian Roberts taught Nickel's son how to cheat at cards. If you ever see Brian Roberts, don't yell or curse just give him 5 bucks and tell him to go ride our non-existent public transit system.

Greg Oden's Tonsils

The Portland Trail Blazers have reported #1 draft pick Greg Oden will miss the remainder of the Las Vegas Summer Leauge due to a tonsillectomy. Don't worry, Greg will be fine; Blazer owner and mega billionaire Paul Allen will be flying three of the world's best doctors directly to Portland to perform the procedure. Doctors Doug Ross, Doogie Houser and Captain Hawkeye Pierce will be landing at Portland International Airport any day now to remove Oden's enflamed tonsils.

Much has been said about Oden's Vegas performance, worrying some that he is been over-hyped coming out of Ohio State. Oden is a stude, he was quoted, 'There's no excuses, because I was out there playing. And if I'm playing, I'm playing, so if I have a bad game, it's not on my tonsils, it's on me.' Although still bitter about not picking #1 The Logo, Memphis GM Jerry West is rumored to be interested in signing Oden's tonsils to a 1 year mid-level exception for the upcoming season. An unidentifed NBA GM said, 'Oden's tonsils will be good, damn good. 10 and 7 plus quality D every night this year. From then on they will only improve. Were talking All Star games within 2-3 years. West is making a good move.' Here is the scouting report on Greg Oden's tonsils;

Here is another famous tonsil shot:

The Seattle Kevin Durants

It has been a great summer for Pacific NW Pro Basketball. Pdx beat astronomical odds on draft day and made a move that altered the direction of the entire franchise for years to come.. The New York Knicks AKA a team that HATES the playoffs accepted a trade for Z Ho. Moving on, as a Blazer fan living in Seattle I am happy to see that the Sonics won super stud Texas-Ex Kevin Durant and made the right move for everyone by trading for Hoya Jeff Green. I'm still amazed the Sonics found the time to ship Ray Allen out of town. I heard they are on Craigslist like all the time looking for a new, 'place to crash' . Nevertheless it's going to be one hell of a show(season) watching this sinking(leaving) ship(franchise) this year.

So, What does the 2007 season hold for the Seattle Super Durants besides house hunting, then packing and watching the playoffs on television? Who cares? Here is my view on their season. I hope Kobe lights up for 80 plus 'cause who the hell is going to guard him on the Durants roster? Uggghh, strong language there but I mean it. Watch B Roy have a career night against the home town team, I'm thinking a quadruple double. See Rid light it up and play some D. Of course watch the Lotto players do the damn thing.

I went to the Sonics urr I mean the Durants last 4 games of the 2006 season to see AI, Kobe, Yao and Dirk. Feeling good about myself I bought season tickets , the salesman actually brought up priority playoff seating but anyways.. I'd like this franchise to win 78 games this year and lose the 4 games to the Blazers by 100 points. Come October when the Season tips-off I will be delivering at game reports and media to Legendary Ticket. I'm gonna to try to recruit Shane aka Jeff Gor Don to blog about the Sonics, tempt him with some tickets(I get Lebron Mother F#^@er). He loves the Sonics/Durants like I love the Blazers, therefore he has more to offer you, the readers. I want this site to be about the *corny* passion of being a hometown fan and Shane I hope you'll become a part of this.

Thank you Arranging Matches

GREG ODEN TV

Below watch the 4 most interesting Oden clips I was able to find. If you only have time to watch one check out #3 Oden's car ride with the Bills, Russel and Walton. I'm really enjoying Oden's personality; he was truly fun at the rally and always seems to be genuine in what he is saying, especially in this interview. Now I'm waiting on word from Nike so I can go buy Oden's first shoe. FYI: here is an Article on Channing Frye, he's already putting in the extra effort for the Rose City.

#1 Oden's Summer League Debut

http://blazerclips.blogspot.com

#2 Oden on Blazer History:


#3 Oden With Russel and Walton:


#4 ?????

PETTERI KOPONEN'S PAST

Blazer draft pick Petteri Koponen is the love child of Finland's President Tarja Halonen and art icon Albert Edelfelt. The relationship and subsequent child between the two famous Finns set off a firestorm of controversy in the tabloids and television talk shows. At the heart of the contoversy was the betrayed love of Edelfelt's wife the renowned model and violinist Linda Brava. While Brava was away from Finland touring in the United States Edelfelt attended a State dinner hosted by President Halonen. It is rumored Halonen seduced the artist Edelfelt with promises of an opportunity to paint her official Presidential portrait. It turns out they never got around to the painting and instead had Petteri Koponen.

Hounded by his questionable familial circumstances in his younger years Petteri turned to the basketball court for solitude. At first everyone still made fun of the 'President's son' but then Petteri started dropping dimes everyone had to respect. This is why he is known as a pass first, pass second and shoot third point guard. He had a very strong showing in the international U20 tournament. He has not signed a contract with the Trail Blazers but is playing on the team's Las Vegas Summer League roster.

2007 Blazer Rookies

Josh McRoberts: You either love it or hate it, McRoberts is a Dukie. If you hate Coach K and Duke as much as my friend Joy or the rest of the ACC don't worry, all you have to do is love the Blazers and you'll have plenty of reasons to root for this versatile 6' 11'' and 230 pound post. Versatile you say? On December 19, 2006 McRoberts became the only Blue Devil EVER to have at least 4 of the following in a single game; 19 pts, 6 blks, 6 rebs, 4 asts and 4 stls. This year McRoberts was the ONLY player in the country to average at least 1o pts, 7 rebs, 3 blks and 3 asts per game. Josh didn't do that bad during HS in Carmel, Indiana winning the '05 McDonald's All-American player of the year and the McDonald's All-Star game MVP. Many good sites compare him to a less athletic C-Webb. Less Athletic?! Go watch Josh at 35 secs, 1 min 39 secs and 2 min 10 secs then try saying, 'less athletic then C-Webb.'

2nd Round??


Taurean Green: This kid has basketball is his blood, father Sidney Green was an All-American at UNLV and scored 5080 points in the pros. Taurean learned how to win at University of Florida, you may have heard of their back to back titles. That makes him the most experienced guard in the '07 draft class, never a poor 2nd round decision. The outside stroke: at the Orlando draft camp he hit the 2nd most 3s at a clean 57%. Sounds good too because I heard we may have an inside game this year and seeing this Blazer burying teams would feel good.

more to come on Petteri Koponen and The Main Act #52

Our New Blazers

Channing Frye: The 6ft 11in big was born in New Hampshire and attended high school at Phoenix's St. Mary's Prep and played damn well for Lute at UA. His mother, Karen, was an Emmy winning TV reporter. Picked #8 in '05 by the NYK and then made the Rookie 1st team. In 137 NBA games Channing has averaged 10 and 5, this kid could be good. I saw him at a UA practice and play Mac Court a few times, he can get off the ground and finish. Breaking News! UA has 80s parties too!


James Jones: Character wise it's amazing this guy was involved in the Z Bo trade.. Nephew of a former Major Leaguer Jones grew up and attended college in Florida winning accolades on and off the court on his way to the NBA. At American Senior High School in Miami Jones was a member of the National Honor Society and in college was the first Miami Hurricane named to an national All Academic team, he majored in finance. Drafted 49th by the Pacers in '03 Jones was traded to the Suns for a second round draft pick in '05. Coming from the Suns to the Blazers as a $3 million trade exception I think this guy is way under rated for two reasons. 1) Having spent the last 2 years with a Suns team that plays an amazing brand of team basketball he could have intangibles that will show up in the locker room and during practices (Jones also started the first 6 games of the '07 playoffs, most notably for his defense). 2) The good grades he earned in HS and college can be a positive indicator of his personality, not saying GPA correlates with one's moral fiber but hey this guy has never been arrested.



(Thanks for the video, Blazer Forum)

ODEN'S RAINY RALLY

Off season rally leaves much to be desired; Mr. Rip City introduces the Main Act, Greg Oden, to drenched fans at Pioneer Courthouse Square. Oden and his family arrived cheaply yet in style on MAX to a drum line and thousands of cheering fans shortly after 12pm on Friday June 29th. Many faces could be seen peering down into Portland's living room from the surrounding buildings as Greg Oden, Coach McMillan and GM Kevin Pritchard each gave short speeches. This was the first Blazer rally I had been to since freshman year of high school; a buddy and I skipped had afternoon classes for the playoff gathering. Fan enthusiasm is the only thing that carried Oden's welcoming party as the Blazer's presentation lacked creativity and energy. Oden seemed sincere and a low key kind if guy if not very tired.

IF ONLY:

1) The Blazers had spent as much effort on the rally as they did on cranking out the merchandise

2) Bust-a-Bucket had been played on the main PA system then Buck goes and gives Oden #52

3) More free stuff was given away but I did get a cool Nike poster!

THE ORIGINAL #52'S SONG

In Other News:
On draft day the Trail Blazers Googled 'NBA + Desperate' pressed the 'I'm feeling Lucky' button, found Isiah Thomas's cell number and moments later traded Randoph to the Leauge's newest social experiment. Paul Allen will most likely buyout trade tool Steve 'Sad Face on Draft Day' Francis's contract. Nicknamed 'The Franchise' the best thing he has done in the NBA is help the Portland Trail Blazers get rid of Z Bo. One thought, think of how often Randolph found trouble in little 'ol Portland, Orygun and then look at this equation; Zach Randolph + NYK( NY Media Scrutiny)(7 Deadly Sins accessibility) / Isiah Thomas's Brain Cells= countless hours of laughing until I cry. Did that even make sense? This is going to be GREAT to watch. With all the contract buy outs the Blazers have gone through over the years considering the millions of dollars, why couldn't everyone at the Greg Oden rally got like a $1000 gift card to Nordstrom?