NorthWest Sports Blog brings you daily features on Oregon, Washington State, and BC amateur and pro sports teams.
NWSB Insider Bryant Knox brings us a summary of how the Portland Trail Blazers did in the Summer League that just wrapped up. Damian Lillard was outstanding, earning co-MVP and owning one of the best moments of the tournament – a monstrous slam dunk. Second year player Nolan Smith was doing well until an injury sidelined him. And Kaleb Canales is showing why he was chosen as the replacement at the helm of the Blazers.
NWSB Insider Bryant Knox outlines what Nicolas Batum must do now that he’s signed his big money contract with the Portland Trail Blazers. He says he must become a reliable No. 2 scoring option behind LaMarcus Aldridge. He says if Batum wants to become an integral part of the Blazers’ success, he’ll have to stay aggressive on both ends of the floor. Neil Olshey believes that Batum will absolutely live up to this contract.
NWSB Editor and Writer Chris Anderson talks about the Blazers acquisition of Jared Jeffries and Dan Gadzuric. Although Felton still has promise in him and has vowed to score 50 against Portland (ooo, we’re so scared), Gadzuric and Jeffries give Portland two veterans that should be able to help build and teach their youthful roster.
NWSB Writer Blair Thomas talks about the Rose Garden, one of the premier venues for watching professional basketball. Even though the team has not witnessed prominent success since 2000, the Rose Garden Arena still remains one of the best places to watch an NBA game, even before the game starts. Mark Mason and an environmentally friendly atmosphere truly distinguish the Rose Garden from other arenas.
NWSB Insider and Portland Trail Blazers blogger Jon Irwin tells us the five players that make up his all time starting team in the next chapter of our Moments In Time series on Northwest sports teams. The players mentioned on this list include: Bill Walton, Brandon Roy, Scottie Pippen, Rasheed Wallace and Clyde Drexler. That sounds like a dream team to me!
NWSB Writer Jonathan Irwin gives you his take on who can fill the role at center for the Portland Trail Blazers. It’s been a whirlwind week for the Portland Trail Blazers. Desperately trying to fill the void at center, it was announced Monday the team’s offer to RFA Roy Hibbert is going to be matched by Indiana. Then comes Wednesday, when it was announced that Euro league big man Joel Freeland will officially be making his way to Portland on a three-year deal.
NWSB Insider and Portland Trail Blazers blogger Byrant Knox gives us his 2012 projections and predictions for the Blazers starting lineup in the fall. Unless the Blazers pick up a big man in free agency, expect the youngsters to make starting debuts. The stating center spot in Portland goes to Meyers Leonard, Wesley Matthews at SG, LaMarcus Aldridge at PF, Rookie Damian Lillard at PG, and Nicolas Batum at SF.
NWSB Writer Jonathan Irwin debates whether or not Nicholas Batum is the solution to all of Portland’s woes or if they should think about trading him. Nicolas Batum—the current incumbent—is sitting on a four year, $45-$50 million, offer from Minnesota. Portland seems fully prepared to match. However, Minnesota is determined, reportedly exploring multiple sign-and-trade opportunities.
NWSB Insider and Portland Trailblazers blogger Bryant Knox tells us why Brandon Roy was such a beloved figure in PDX. The form UW Huskies star gave his all night in and night out in RIP City. Today he’s back to make a comeback. Signing with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Any fan of Roy’s will be happy to see him back in the basketball world. A career 35.2 percent shooter from beyond the arch. Hope for the best.
NWSB Editor and Writer Chris Anderson talks about the recent news that the ex-Blazer Jamal Crawford will be playing for the Los Angeles Clippers next season. Opting out of his second year with the Blazers, Crawford became a free-agent and per a report by the LA Times will sign with the Clippers once the NBA moratorium on free agent signings is lifted. Despite being from around the area, Crawford would like another change of scenery.
NWSB Writer Blair Thomas talks about the latest news of northwest grown and former Portland Trail Blazer Brandon Roy. Due to Portland’s decision to waive Roy under the league’s amnesty clause, the guard cannot play for the Blazers until the 2014-15 season. Though many would like to see the Roy back on the team, we hear the Indiana Pacers have shown quite the interest. Also Portland is chasing Indiana center Roy Hibbert.
NWSB Insider and Portland Trailblazers blogger Blair Thomas talks about RIP City’s GM Neil Olshey’s possible interest in bringing in Chauncey Billups to Portland for Jamal Crawford. What could be a struggle for Olshey is trying to convince Billups to take a secondary role for a team that failed to make the playoffs in 2012.
