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

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 ?????

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?

BRANDON IS R O Y 2007 Pt. 2

Let us hope Brandon R O Y doesn't follow in his foot steps; When I hear the name 'Damon Stoudamire' I don't think of phrases like, 'Good decision maker', 'Quality passer/defender' or 'Smarter then my breakfast toast'. Thinking about 'Mighty Mouse' evokes images of weak defensive play a shoot, shoot and maybe pass PG and most prevalent 3 legendary arrests for pot. The hit list includes in chronological order; 1)An empty home owned by Stoudamire on the west-side of Pdx is searched by Police after a house alarm is repeatedly set off. The search reveals a gang of weed, which Damon's father PSU legend Willie Stoudamire takes the fall for. 2) After a game against the Sonics Sheed and Stoudamire roll back to Pdx in Stoudamire's yellow H2. You and I may get away with this one because we aren't rolling a truck that screams, 'Pull me over' but the Blazers caught Blazing. Pulled over for speeding cops find residue on the floor boards and a Bob Marley tin filled with weed. 3) Completing his degree from UA Stoudamire tries to leave town and attempts to board an airplane in Tucson. Maybe it was the summer course work or bong rips but D-Stod straight up gives airport security a ball of tin foil filled with gas after setting off the metal detector. Tinfoil?! I forgot this is supposed to be about Brandon, who got screwed on the ROY vote. However he is not the first Blazer rookie to be put over a barrel by a Raptor. As a Huskie Roy had it coming..

BRANDON IS R O Y 2007

Brandon Roy is as Pacific Northwest as they come, that's why I ordered this tee right after I heard he won ROY. The former Pac-10 player of the year got robbed by not being named unanimously.. Brandon isn't the first Blazer freshman to be robbed by a Toronto Raptor; for the 95-96 season Arvydas Sabonis finally decided to come play for the home squad years after a Hall of Famer and a sick, sick, sick, sick, sick and sick cast had been broken up. Apparently Sabonis was not interested in making the Blazers a dy-nasty from the mid 80s til probably the early 90s. Fortunately he did eventually cross the pond for the 95-96 season. Sabas starting for a playoff team averaged 18 and 8 lost the ROY to a player from the Toronto Raptors, at the time an NBA doormat franchise. Can anyone name that player and his drug of choice? WARRIORS ALL THE WAY!!!!!