Leave Andre Miller Alone, Media.

If anyone else was listening to Jason Quick on John Canzano's show tonight around 4:30PM, they would have heard his update on how Andre Miller's attitude was a storyline to pay attention to.  You're not serious are you J?  You'll probably also remember that Quick was involved with Andre Miller during media day when their time slots on Canzano's show clashed sending Miller out for the day instead of waiting for Quick to finish his chat prompting some choice words from John.

Doesn't it feel like our local media is just squeezing about has hard as they can to make something of the Andre Miller vs. Steve Blake for starting point guard battle? It's as if this team has come so far from its Jail Blazer era that we need to pull them back down a goodie-two-shoe notch.  Or maybe it's because the new guy isn't a 24 year old jokester coming off a season long injury?

Has anyone stopped to think that maybe a guy in his 11th year might be sick of the media day extravaganzas which Juwan Howard even pointed out as being over the top now-a-days?  This is a 33 year old grown man from southern California that's been through it all.  Just because he comes off as a little surly during his 25th interview doesn't make him the next "story to watch out for."  And let's not forget that he just dealt with the media circus a few weeks ago while letting the ink barely dry on his newly signed Portland contract.

It sounds like everyone who covers this team for a living needs to step back, do a little Dre Miller research, and give the guy a chance before jumping to locker-room-troubled assumptions on day 3 of training camp.  Maybe we should shift our focus from looking for the mistakes the new guy can make and onto the positives, like the fact that he was the last guy on the court today taking some extra strokes from deep.

(Cheers Casey for the pic.)

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Blazers Training Camp Concerns or Thoughts?

How can you not love this week?  There are so many storylines, so much hype and way too much media, but we still enjoy it all.  What if this season turns out to be one we'll never forget?  It sure has that certain feel about it doesn't it?  Even with all the positive vibes flowing from Tualatin, we still have some thoughts and concerns...

• Brandon Roy on Blake vs. Miller - Since Monday, I've seen at least three columns from major local media outlets quoting Brandon Roy as saying how "comfortable" he is with Steve Blake.  We've also seen the not-so-positive coverage of Andre Miller's media day which included a lack of "chemistry" between he and Roy followed up now with full fledged articles specifically propping up Steve Blake as the truest of "true" point guards.  At some point the local media needs to ease up on it's coverage of this situation before it actually does become a distraction.  Nice welcome from the local media to our new $7 million dollar a year point guard.
  

• The Aldridge Contract - This hasn't been an issue, but now that we're fully engulfed in camp, it might become one; and once again, I'm going after the media for this topic.  If you continue to ask the kid after each practice whether or not his contract negotiations are a distraction, you're going to make it one.  I love LaMarcus, but he has always come off as a little too worried about himself which could make everything uneasy unlike the Brandon Roy contract talks which were a non-issue if you approached them as any reasonable person should.
  

• Oden Expectations - Who isn't loving everything they are hearing about Greg Oden?  Lighter, happier, hungrier, with possibly a few shimmies thrown in here or there?  For me, it's an I'll believe it when I see it sort of thing, but right now, Blazers fans have got to be salivating.
  

• Turkoglu...so Tired - The rumors of Hedo Turkoglu's exhaustion have been confirmed now that Raptors training camp has started.  Apparently his deep run into the Playoffs followed by his play with the Turkish national team have left him just too tired to participate with the rest of his new teammates.  Everyone should now take a minute to thank his wife and the Turkish population of Toronto.

• Camp Invitees -  Other than Ime, do we care about any of these guys?  If people really start breaking down Quinton Hosley's off-hand or Jarron Collins' post presence, we've all hit rock bottom.  Once your roster position hits the teens, you are no longer worthy of coverage.
  

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Blaze of Glory - 9/28/09

The Blaze of Glory is your almost-daily link list of Blazer blog ridiculousness and other random Blazers info. If you ever want your Blazer blog featured, make sure to drop us a line unless your name is Dwight Jaynes. (Kidding!)

• Does it really still come down to Oden?  Yes.  [John Canzano]
  
• Our favorite off-season topic, who starts at point guard?  [DIME]
• 10 Best shooting guards of the last decade.  Roy at #8.  [Ball Don't Lie]
  
• Blazers Edge Night has been announced with details.  [Blazers Edge]
• Barrett talks about media day and his expectations.  [Mike Barrett]
• And the Blazers roster leading into camp.  [Blazers.com]
  

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Is it Official? Opening Day of the 2009-10 Season?

Today is the day we've been waiting exactly 4 months for and the day we can officially say marks the beginning of what we're already calling "The Dream Season."  The entire team should be back in town now for media day which I'm sure has the team oh-so-excited and then tomorrow, the sweat begins to pour.

And let's not forget that single game tickets hit the market today at NOON.

We'll keep up as best we can during today's activities and make sure to bring you all Oden gems as they're dropped.  The best way for you to keep up with us is probably going to be through Twitter (follow here).

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Trail Blazers Sign Ime Udoka

Welcome back Ime!

As always, the terms of this deal were not released but the signing of him in general is a little mind bending.  Another SF?  We all know how much McMillan loves Udoka, but what does this say about their confidence towards Batum?  Or does this mean the team has realized that Martell will never reach his potential or recover from his foot surgeries?

Trail Blazers Sign Ime Udoka

Portland native played 2006-07 season with Trail Blazers

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Trail Blazers have signed forward Ime Udoka, General Manager Kevin Pritchard announced today. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"We're really excited about having Ime back," said Pritchard. "He played a key role in our resurgence and we look forward to adding a player of his talent, character and experience to what is shaping up to be a very competitive camp roster."

Udoka (6-5, 220), a five-year NBA veteran, has posted career averages of 6.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.0 assist and 20.4 minutes in 227 games (78 starts) with the L.A. Lakers, New York, Portland and San Antonio.

The 32-year-old saw action in 67 games, including three starts, with San Antonio in 2008-09. He averaged 4.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 0.8 assists and 15.4 minutes.

As a Trail Blazer in 2006-07, Udoka experienced his best season as a professional, notching career highs of 8.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 28.6 minutes in 75 games (all starts). His .461 field goal percentage and .406 three-point percentage also marked career bests.

A Portland native and Jefferson High School graduate, Udoka played his senior season and graduated from Portland State University in 2000.

Trail Blazers training camp tips off on Tuesday, September 29.

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Trail Blazers Media Day 1 via Twitter

The updates and highlights from yesterday's media day as viewed through our sparkling Twitter eyes.

Trailblazers.com:

"They have been competitive to say the least. Andre Miller does not let players take plays off." -KP on offseason workouts

Nate said he'd start training camp with the same starting 5 that ended the season last year. Roy, LA, Blake, Przy, Batum

Blazers Blog:

KP calls Dre Miller a "unique leader"

KP on workouts: Andre does not let players take plays off . . . I think Andre + Blake can play together.

KP on GO: we don't want to throw the entire kitchen sink at him now

Blazers Edge:

Kevin Pritchard just called @johnhollinger "the expert in the world" when it comes to offensive efficiency.

Pritchard: "we call Andre Miller the director."

Kevin Pritchard described Jerryd Bayless as "anxious" to see playing time but also called him a "pro" in handling the situation.

Kevin Pritchard re. 15th roster spot: "They say you can never have too many bigs. But I'm a former PG + you can never have too many PGs"

Blazer Banter:

Blazers GM Kevin Pritchard says point guard Andre Miller has become known as "The Director"

Blazers GM Pritchard says contract negotiations with LaMarcus Aldridge are ongoing. Pritchard says contract will not be an issue during camp

Blazers GM Pritchard on coach McMillan dealing with roster-depth issues: 'Nate is as good as they are'

Blazers GM Pritchard says team is not afraid of expectations, ready to take it to another level

Blazers center Greg Oden hit 18 straight free throws today during practice, has developed a short turnaround jump shot.

Blazers guard Steve Blake has fully recovered from surgery. After hitting first post-surgery shot, Blake said, 'That feels so much better'

Blazers coach McMillan says this is 'Phase two of my era'

Blazers coach McMillan says 'Players will decide who plays, based on what they do on the floor'

Blazers coach McMillan says team will initially look at 10-man rotation

Blazers coach McMillan says 'I've seen teams on paper. I don't get caught up in that. ... We've got to show it.'

Blazers coach McMillan: 'We have a lot of guys who need the ball and want the ball. (Andre Miller) doesn't need to score to be productive.'

Blazers coach McMillan says LaMarcus Aldridge is in a good spot mentally and will be ready to go when training camp begins.

Trail Post:

Pritchard recap he sez something will happen some day

Probably shouldnt have asked kp about cba

Free bottled water hell yes

Nate McMillan media day summary: Grumble grumble we'll be good this year.

Most awkward part of media day: Tim Chisholm yelling "YOU LIE!" at Kevin Pritchard

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Blazers Tickets Presale! Maybe Not...

Waking up to an email from NBA.com reading "Member-Only NBA Ticket Presale" will surely perk you right up, until you realize your team is one of 4 in the entire league that isn't having a presale.

That's right fans, "your" Portland Trail Blazers along with the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics and for some odd reason, the Golden State Warriors will not be having a presale.

An awesome new pricing scam plus the absence of a presale...go Blazers!

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Maurice Lucas Headed Back to the Bench

Glad to hear he's continuing to improve.  Welcome back Mo!

TRAIL BLAZERS ASSISTANT COACH MAURICE LUCAS TO RESUME COACHING DUTIES

PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland Trail Blazers assistant coach Maurice Lucas, who underwent successful bladder cancer surgery in April, has resumed coaching duties and will be with the team when training camp begins on Tuesday, September 29.

Lucas, 57, has elected to adopt a schedule that will allow him to continue player development responsibilities at the Trail Blazers practice facility and at home games. At this point, he plans to travel only occasionally with the team to road games.

"I feel great," Lucas said. "I have been listening to my doctors, getting my rest, and I'm very excited about being back. I am fortunate to have the support of an organization and a head coach that have allowed me to continue to contribute, and grateful to have had the support and encouragement of a lot of great fans during the past six months."

A 14-year NBA/ABA veteran and five-time All-Star, Lucas was a starting forward on the Trail Blazers 1977 NBA Championship team. He joined the Trail Blazers coaching staff in 2005 at the request of Head Coach Nate McMillan, a former teammate of Lucas when both were in Seattle during the 1986-87 season.

"We are glad to have Luke back, healthy, and working with our big men again," McMillan said. "He is a very important part of our family and we all missed having him here during the stretch run last year."

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Trail Blazers Fan Fest Info

Just another step closer to the greatest NBA season of our lives...

WELLS FARGO FAN FEST SET FOR OCTOBER 4

Free tickets now available at area Wells Fargo stores                                                      

PORTLAND, Ore. - Fans will have their first opportunity to catch the 2009-10 Portland Trail Blazers in action when the team continues its popular annual preseason tradition - the Wells Fargo Fan Fest - on Sunday, Oct. 4, at the Rose Garden. Doors open at 5 p.m.

An intra-squad scrimmage will headline the event, tipping off around 6 p.m., giving fans an opportunity to see the team in action before the preseason officially begins on October 6 vs. Sacramento. Fans will have a chance to meet players as they pass through the turnstiles, and get to know the 2009-10 Trail Blazers during an informal on-court q&a session hosted by Mike Barrett shortly after doors open.

The event will also give fans a chance to see the new-look BlazerDancers perform, and will include prize giveaways from Blaze the Trail Cat and the Stunt Team. All regular-priced merchandise at the Fan Shop will be 15 percent off.

Wells Fargo and the Trail Blazers are continuing their strong commitment of supporting the community, and have invited local non-profit partners benefiting youth to be a part of Fan Fest. Participating groups will have booths set up throughout the 100-level concourse with information about their respective organizations to share with fans.

Free tickets and family passes for the Wells Fargo Fan Fest are available at all Wells Fargo stores in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Fans will also be admitted if they show any Wells Fargo check/credit card at Rose Garden entrances. Parking is free, subject to availability.

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Brandon Roy the Family Man

There is a great new photo gallery of Brandon with his kids over at I Am A Trail Blazers Fan which you should all go check out.  Here are a few of the pictures with the babies but there are others of him hitting the gym in his new skinny form which are also worth viewing.

Coolest NBA dad award goes to?

 

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Brandon Roy Cover Model

OK maybe not cover model, but at least he's on a damn cover!  Joining Kobe and Carmelo Anthony, please welcome Brandon Roy to the cover of the Yahoo Sports 2009-10 NBA Preview.

You know what this means right?  The season is just a few short weeks away with training camp in a couple, followed by pre-season whackiness...you can almost smell it!

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Blaze of Glory Weekend - 9/18/09

The Blaze of Glory is your almost-daily link list of Blazer blog ridiculousness and other random Blazers info. If you ever want your Blazer blog featured, make sure to drop us a line unless your name is Dwight Jaynes. (Kidding!)

• As we reported a few days ago, single game tickets on sale 9/28.  [BoL]
  
• NBA Refs are officially locked out.  Hell replacements!  [Yahoo Sports]
• Delonte West is Antonio Banderas.  Awesome.  [ESPN.com]
• In case you missed the new Steve Nash commercial.  [Hoop Doctors]
• Kobe Bryant's greatest dunks.  Sorry for the Lakers link.  [NBA.com]
• Lamar Odom about to marry the ugly Kardashian?  [EOnline.com]
• The SLAM dictionary is born!  [SLAM]
• Knicks employee wins the freakin' $168 million jackpot.  [DIME]
  

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FIBA Eurobasket 2009 Cheerleaders - Red Foxes

Aside from the slew of Blazers playing in the 2009 FIBA Eurobasket tourney, we kept looking for some other reason to pay attention to any of it.  Well, we've found it and it's a hell of a lot more obvious than we had imagined.  The cheerleaders of course!  And I'd guess they are taking a little page out of the Heat dance team's book.  No matter what, we approve.  Say hello to the "Red Foxes" or better yet, the Ukrainian dance team.

 

 

 

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Portland Signs Juwan Howard - 1 Year Deal

Did anyone else realize that Juwan Howard is 6'9" and a whoppin' 253 lbs?  Damn J, you need to get on B-Roy's workout plan.

TRAIL BLAZERS SIGN JUWAN HOWARD

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Portland Trail Blazers have signed free agent forward Juwan Howard to a one-year contract, it was announced today by General Manager Kevin Pritchard. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Juwan Howard will add a wealth of experience and veteran savvy to our young, talented roster," said Pritchard. "We look forward to Juwan's contributions on the court and in the locker room."

Howard (6-9, 250, Michigan) holds career averages of 14.9 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 1,043 games (871 starts) over a 15-year NBA career with Washington, Dallas, Denver, Orlando, Houston and Charlotte.

Originally selected by Washington with the fifth overall pick in the 1994 NBA Draft, Howard garnered All-Rookie Second Team honors in 1994-95 and earned a spot on the Eastern Conference All-Star team in 1995-96.

Howard averaged 17 points or more and seven-plus rebounds in each of his first five seasons in the league. He has tallied 188 career double-doubles.

Howard, 36, played three games last season for Denver and appeared in 39 contests for Charlotte. In 42 total games, Howard averaged 4.1 points, 1.8 rebounds, 0.6 assists and 11.2 minutes in 2008-09. He reached double figures in scoring five times.

The Chicago, Ill., native has appeared in the NBA Playoffs four times, averaging 9.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 23 games.

A member of the "Fab Five" at the University of Michigan, Howard was named Third Team All-American in 1994 after averaging 20.8 points and 9.0 rebounds in his junior season. Howard then entered the NBA Draft, becoming the first NBA player to leave school early and graduate on time.

Howard becomes the 14th player on Portland's roster. He will wear jersey No. 6.

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Brandon Roy - Nike Air Max Rise

Mike Barrett just wrote a fantastic article about our boy, Brandon Roy, and his new lighter physique plus his new lighter Nike's.  During the 2009-10 season, he'll be wearing the new Nike Air Max Rise, which I must say, are ridiculously smooth.

If you click the pic, you'll get the big boy version which will allow you to read the little black tag up there behind the shoe.  It appears this will be one of the colorways that Brandon will sport.  Love it.

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Pre-Season Games on Sale Monday!

For any of you other die-hards out there, tickets for pre-season games will go on sale Monday, September 21, at noon.  The team released this announcement which also included information on the lone game set to take place at Memorial Coliseum against the Phoenix Suns.

Tickets For Three Rose Garden Preseason Game On Sale Monday

PORTLAND, Ore. – Individual game tickets for the Portland Trail Blazers three preseason games at the Rose Garden will go on sale Monday, September 21, at noon.

Three Western Conference rivals will invade the Rose Garden in October, providing fans the first opportunities for a sneak peek at a 2009-10 Trail Blazers team.

Tickets will be available at the Rose Garden box office, at trailblazers.com, at TicketsWest outlets or by calling 503-797-9600.

Tuesday, October 6
Sacramento Kings vs. Portland Trail Blazers, 7 PM

Sunday, October 18
Denver Nuggets vs. Portland Trail Blazers, 6 PM

Tuesday, October 20
Utah Jazz vs. Portland Trail Blazers, 7 PM

Additionally, tickets are still available for the Trail Blazers return to Memorial Coliseum on October 14 vs. Phoenix at 7:00 p.m. All tickets for that game – part of the team’s season-long celebration of the 40th anniversary season – are priced at $19.70 and are available now at the Rose Garden box office, at trailblazers.com, at TicketsWest outlets or by calling 503-797-9600.

And so you are prepared, single game tickets hit the market on September 28th.

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Portland Favorites - End of Summer Update 2009

It's hard to believe that our initial "Portland Favorites" post was written almost an entire year ago.  Amazing how fast life goes by when your dirty martini (up, tanqueray 10, 3 olives) is always needing a refill.  And with life constantly changing, our favorites also seem to be changing especially with the turn of a new season.  Time for an update of places the BoL approves that you should definitely drop a dollar on.  (Plus with Channing gone, you need someone with a Blazer connection to keep feedin' you the goods, right?)

Most Fabulous Cocktail

Teardrop Lounge (1015 NW Everett St) - This place has been written up time and time again in some of the most prolific periodicals in the entire country and rightfully so.  You got a hot date or just need something new and uber-delicious?  I definitely recommend the Coupe de Jour so you can see this bartenders really work some magic.

Best Locally Fresh Grilled-ness

Village Hut (7647 SW Capitol Hwy) - Since I live in Multnomah Village, I'm partial to some of the restaurants around here and one in particular is the Village Hut.  A couple of young local dudes run this joint and impress me every time.  Fresh local seafood, meats and other fixins' make this place so worth it.  Just one block from the Lucky Lab, make sure to stop by and say what's up to AJ.

Best T-Shirt Shop

Upper Playground (23 NW 5th Ave) - Need some new threads?  There isn't a better t-shirt shop in town if you ask me.  Their lines are constantly changing and they even throw in some Blazer themed gear from time to time.  What's even more fantastic about this place are the prices.  Oh and check out this sick MJ shirt.

Best Beer Festival

Portland International Beer Fest (N Park Blocks in Pearl) - I'm telling you right now to forget the Oregon Brewers Festival unless of course you like dealing with 20,000 douchebags singing beer chants, waiting 30 minutes in a line for a mini-pour, and standing on heaps of sand for hours on end.  Now, if you like real beer that you've likely never had before, a mature crowd of beer connoisseurs, and a festival completely worthy of your $20, then check out this one.

Any new favorites that you'd like to tell us about?

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Hersey Hawkins Named Player Development Director

"Your" Portland Trail Blazers added another "good guy" to the organization today with the announcement from Kevin Pritchard that Hersey "Hawk" Hawkins will become the Player Development Director.  Maybe the fact that he was a teammate of McMillan and a sportsmanship award winner had something to do with it?

HERSEY HAWKINS NAMED PLAYER DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Portland Trail Blazers have named Hersey Hawkins Player Development Director, General Manager Kevin Pritchard announced today.

"We're very excited to be adding a person of Hersey Hawkins' character and stature to our team," said Pritchard. "He brings wisdom and a wealth of experience both on and off the court. Hawk was the consummate pro as a player and will play an integral role in the off-court development of our players."

In his new position with the team, Hawkins, 42, will be a resource to support each player's professional, social and personal development. He will help build strong relationships with players, their families, agents and business associates. Hawkins will also work closely with Basketball Operations, player representatives and the Trail Blazers' business departments to help build and maintain strategic partnerships.

"To be joining one of the best franchises in sports is extremely exciting for my family and me," said Hawkins. "They have a great nucleus of players there and Portland fans support their team like no other, and that made it a very compelling opportunity."

As a senior at Bradley University, Hawkins led the nation in scoring (36.3 pts) and is one of only seven NCAA Division I men's basketball players to score 3,000 career points.

He was the sixth overall pick in the 1988 NBA Draft and played 13 seasons for the Philadelphia 76ers, Charlotte Hornets, Seattle SuperSonics and Chicago Bulls.

Hawkins partnered with Nate McMillan in the SuperSonics backcourt when Seattle took on the Chicago Bulls in the 1996 NBA Finals.

For his career, Hawkins ranks 27th in NBA history in three-point field goals made (1226) and finished in the top-10 in three-point shooting in 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992 and 1995.

Among his many career accomplishments, Hawkins also won the 1999 NBA Sportsmanship Award.

Since retiring from the league in 2001, Hawkins has split his time as a TV analyst for NBA and college basketball broadcasts and as an assistant basketball coach for his son's team, Estrella Foothills High School in Goodyear, Ariz.

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Trail Blazers 2009-10 TV Schedule - All Games in HD

The team announced today that all 2009-10 games will be broadcast in HD which means that all Comcast subscribers will rejoice and spray champagne all over themselves for the next couple of months leading up to the game 1 against Houston.  For those of you without Comcast...I'm sorry.  At least you get 15 games on KGW (channel 8) and another 7 on ESPN or TNT in HD!  (Gotta stay positive right?)

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Trail Blazers revealed plans to broadcast all 2009-10 games in high definition, highlighting the 75-game local broadcast schedule announced by the team today.

The Trail Blazers will air 60 games on Comcast SportsNet Northwest (CSNNW) and 15 on KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8. All KGW games will also be broadcast throughout the state on the Trail Blazers Television Network.

The seven games not included in the local schedule will air exclusively with NBA broadcast partners TNT and ABC, ensuring that all 82 games are slated to be televised.

The Trail Blazers have increased the number of high definition broadcasts each season, up from 40 last season, 34 in 2007-08 and 10 in 2006-07.

Mike Barrett, a 10-year veteran of the Trail Blazers broadcast team, enters his seventh season handling television play-by-play duties. For the fifth straight season, he will be joined on the broadcast by color analyst Mike Rice, who begins his 20th overall season behind the microphone for the Trail Blazers. Sideline reporter Rebecca Haarlow returns for a third season.

Studio analyst Michael Holton also returns for a third season, providing pregame, halftime and postgame insight. He will be joined in-studio by Bob Akamian and a rotating cast of Trail Blazers personalities.

All Trail Blazers preseason and regular season games will be broadcast on KXTG 95.5 FM “The Game” and to 22 other affiliates on the Trail Blazers radio network. Play-by-play voice Brian Wheeler (12th season), analyst Antonio Harvey (fifth season) both return, as does sideline reporter Jay Allen, who will host the pre-game show and provide post-game interviews from the locker room.

OCTOBER
Tuesday	Oct. 27	Houston	7:00 p.m.	KGW
Thursday	Oct. 29	Denver	7:30 p.m.	TNT
Saturday	Oct. 31	at Houston	5:30 p.m.	CSN
NOVEMBER
Sunday	Nov. 1	at Oklahoma City	4:00 p.m.	CSN
Tuesday	Nov. 3	Atlanta	7:00 p.m.	CSN
Friday	Nov. 6	San Antonio	7:30 p.m.	ESPN/KGW
Sunday	Nov. 8	Minnesota	6:00 p.m.	CSN
Tuesday	Nov. 10	at Memphis	5:00 p.m.	CSN
Wednesday	Nov. 11	at Minnesota	5:00 p.m.	CSN
Friday	Nov. 13	at New Orleans	5:00 p.m.	CSN
Saturday	Nov. 14	at Charlotte	4:00 p.m.	CSN
Monday	Nov. 16	at Atlanta	4:00 p.m.	CSN
Wednesday	Nov. 18	Detroit	7:00 p.m.	CSN
Friday	Nov. 20	at Golden State	7:30 p.m.	KGW
Saturday	Nov. 21	Minnesota	7:00 p.m.	CSN
Monday	Nov. 23	Chicago	7:00 p.m.	CSN
Wednesday	Nov. 25	New Jersey	7:00 p.m.	CSN
Friday	Nov. 27	Memphis	7:00 p.m.	CSN
Saturday	Nov. 28	at Utah	6:00 p.m.	KGW
DECEMBER
Tuesday	Dec. 1	Miami	7:00 p.m.	KGW
Saturday	Dec. 5	Houston	7:00 p.m.	CSN
Monday	Dec. 7	at New York	4:30 p.m.	CSN
Wednesday	Dec. 9	at Indiana	4:00 p.m.	CSN
Friday	Dec. 11	at Cleveland	5:00 p.m.	ESPN/ CSN
Saturday	Dec. 12	at Milwaukee	5:30 p.m.	CSN
Tuesday	Dec. 15	Sacramento	7:00 p.m.	KGW
Thursday	Dec. 17	Phoenix	7:30 p.m.	TNT
Saturday	Dec. 19	at Orlando	4:00 p.m.	CSN
Sunday	Dec. 20	at Miami	3:00 p.m.	CSN
Tuesday	Dec. 22	at Dallas	5:30 p.m.	CSN
Wednesday	Dec. 23	at San Antonio	5:30 p.m.	CSN
Friday	Dec. 25	Denver	7:30 p.m.	ESPN/KGW
Monday	Dec. 28	Philadelphia	7:00 p.m.	CSN
Wednesday	Dec. 30	L.A. Clippers	7:00 p.m.	CSN
JANUARY
Saturday	Jan. 2	Golden State	7:00 p.m.	CSN
Monday	Jan. 4	at L.A. Clippers	7:30 p.m.	CSN
Tuesday	Jan. 5	Memphis	7:00 p.m.	CSN
Friday	Jan. 8	L.A. Lakers	7:00 p.m.	CSN
Sunday	Jan. 10	Cleveland	6:00 p.m.	ESPN/KGW
Wednesday	Jan. 13	Milwaukee	7:00 p.m.	CSN
Friday	Jan. 15	Orlando	7:30 p.m.	ESPN/KGW
Monday	Jan. 18	at Washington	10:00 a.m.	CSN
Wednesday	Jan. 20	at Philadelphia	4:00 p.m.	CSN
Friday	Jan. 22	at Boston	4:30 p.m.	CSN
Saturday	Jan. 23	at Detroit	4:30 p.m.	CSN
Monday	Jan. 25	New Orleans	7:00 p.m.	CSN
Wednesday	Jan. 27	Utah	7:00 p.m.	CSN
Friday	Jan. 29	at Houston	5:30 p.m.	CSN
Saturday	Jan. 30	at Dallas	6:00 p.m.	CSN
FEBRUARY
Monday	Feb. 1	Charlotte	7:00 p.m.	CSN
Wednesday	Feb. 3	at Utah	7:30 p.m.	ESPN/KGW
Thursday	Feb. 4	San Antonio	7:30 p.m.	TNT
Saturday	Feb. 6	L.A. Lakers	7:00 p.m.	KGW
Tuesday	Feb. 9	Oklahoma City	7:00 p.m.	CSN
Wednesday	Feb. 10	at Phoenix	6:00 p.m.	CSN
Tuesday	Feb. 16	L.A. Clippers	7:00 p.m.	CSN
Friday	Feb. 19	Boston	7:30 p.m.	ESPN/ CSN
Sunday	Feb. 21	Utah	7:30 p.m.	ESPN/CSN
Tuesday	Feb. 23	at New Jersey	4:30 p.m.	CSN
Wednesday	Feb. 24	at Toronto	4:00 p.m.	CSN
Friday	Feb. 26	at Chicago	5:00 p.m.	CSN
Saturday	Feb. 27	at Minnesota	5:00 p.m.	CSN
MARCH
Monday	Mar. 1	at Memphis	5:00 p.m.	CSN
Wednesday	Mar. 3	Indiana	7:00 p.m.	CSN
Sunday	Mar. 7	at Denver	7:30 p.m.	ESPN/ CSN
Tuesday	Mar. 9	Sacramento	7:00 p.m.	CSN
Thursday	Mar. 11	at Golden State	7:30 p.m.	TNT
Friday	Mar. 12	at Sacramento	7:00 p.m.	KGW
Sunday	Mar. 14	Toronto	6:00 p.m.	CSN
Friday	Mar. 19	Washington	7:00 p.m.	CSN
Sunday	Mar. 21	at Phoenix	7:30 p.m.	ESPN/ KGW
Thursday	Mar. 25	Dallas	7:30 p.m.	TNT
Saturday	Mar. 27	at New Orleans	5:00 p.m.	CSN
Sunday	Mar. 28	at Oklahoma City	4:00 p.m.	CSN
Wednesday	Mar. 31	New York	7:00 p.m.	KGW
APRIL
Thursday	Apr. 1	at Denver	7:30 p.m.	TNT
Saturday	Apr. 3	at Sacramento	7:00 p.m.	CSN
Wednesday	Apr. 7	at L.A. Clippers	7:30 p.m.	CSN
Friday	Apr. 9	Dallas	7:00 p.m.	CSN
Sunday	Apr. 11	at L.A. Lakers	12:30 p.m.	ABC
Monday	Apr. 12	Oklahoma City	7:00 p.m.	CSN
Wednesday	Apr. 14	Golden State	7:30 p.m.	KGW

*All times Pacific

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2009-10 Blazer Dancers - Announcement Party

Please welcome your 2009-10 Blazer Dancers squad (sans Melissa)!  No idea why she always seems to be absent from these events, but the squad still looks fantastic even without her.  Am I counting 7 new girls to this year's group?

 

  

  

 

You can see the rest of the photos from the party at the IamaTrailBlazerfan.com website.

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Product Review: WholesaleKeychain.com - Blazers Keychains

One of the nice things about blogging, is the free stuff that companies send off for you to play with, attempt to break, learn to love and then write about.  Nothing better than free stuff, eh?

A month or so ago, a company named Wholesale Keychains sent us a couple of Trail Blazers keychains that we actually liked enough to give a quick shout out about.  Here is a quick pic of the cute little guy:

They are a good enough sized keychain that they fit nicely on a set of keys yet aren't so large that your pocket looks like it's about to explode.  It also seems like a pretty durable piece of metalized Blazer-ness that shouldn't break the first time your dog has play time with the car keys.

Action shot!  (BAM!)

It looks like they are selling them for $9.99 which sounds pretty cheap, but I really have no idea since I'm not necessarily a keychain aficionado.  Overall though, a nice little product that we could all add to our collection of Blazers gear and memorabilia.

If anyone is interested in one, I have an extra that I'm sure I could snail mail out to you.  Let me know!

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Blazer Dancers - The Sweet 16 Season 2 - TV Schedule

Season 2 of this wonderful show premiered on Tuesday!  And we missed it.  Lucky for us, it aired again Wednesday! Then Thursday!  We still missed them all.  Seriously, what is wrong with us?

Fortunately for you all, it airs just about every night of the week on Comcast Sportsnet Northwest which is channel 37 or 737 in HD if you're a baller.

If you want to catch the new episode each week though, the new one will play at 9:00PM every Tuesday with the prior week's episode airing just before it.

Here is the schedule for BlazerDancers: The Sweet Sixteen - Season 2

• Friday 9/11 - 9:00PM - Season 2 Premiere
• Saturday 9/12 - 6:00PM - Season 2 Premiere
• Sunday 9/13  - 6:30PM - Season 2 Premiere
• Sunday 9/13 - 11:00PM - Season 2 Premiere

• Tuesday 9/15 - 8:30PM - Season 2 Premiere
  
• Tuesday 9/15 - 9:00PM - Season 2 Episode 2 
• Wednesday 9/16 - 6:00PM - Season 2 Premiere
• Wednesday 9/16 - 6:30PM - Season 2 Episode 2

• Tuesday 9/22 - 8:30PM - Season 2 Episode 2
• Tuesday 9/22 - 9:00PM - Season 2 Episode 3
• Wednesday 9/23 - 6:00PM - Season 2 Episode 2 
  
• Wednesday 9/23 - 6:30PM - Season 2 Episode 3

• Tuesday 9/29 - 8:30PM - Season 2 Episode 3
• Tuesday 9/29 - 9:00PM - Season 2 Episode 4
• Wednesday 9/30 - 6:00PM - Season 2 Episode3
• Wednesday 9/30 - 6:30PM - Season 2 Episode 4
  

We'll get you the rest of the schedule as we have it.  And remember that they play the newest episode almost every night of its showtime week.  

Promo video:

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5 Reasons to Want Greg Ostertag as a Blazer

I actually can't believe I just clicked the "Publish Post" button...

Anyways, if you haven't already heard, the Blazers are reportedly going to work out Greg Ostertag as he makes a move to re-ignite his once under-productive NBA career.  And since we hadn't done a list in a while, we thought this was the perfect opportunity to promote this once-in-a-lifetime comeback from a former Jayhawk!

5.  Toughness - With "your" Portland Trail Blazers lacking the toughness needed to win an NBA Championship, what better way to solve that than to welcome in a guy that stands up to...well...refs!

4.  Injuries - Who wouldn't want to welcome in a guy that only played all 82 games in a season 3 times in an 11 year career.  Fits right in doesn't he?  And the fact that this 7 footer can fall on his neck, roll up in a pretzel, and still snap back up, says more than that other 7 footer who rolls his foot in game 1 and is gone for 3 weeks after missing an entire season from a couch-related knee injury!

3.  Inked - There seems to be a lack of tattoos around the locker room.  OK, aside from Joel's hilariously old "And One guy" tattoo and that awful rosary/praying hands thing that's taking over the squad, doesn't this team need more?  Ostertag can most definitely help out in this department.

2.  Greg x 2 - Two Greg's? Two G.O.'s? Oh boy.  How could you not want two 7 foot Greg's on the same team?  During the season, while people keep shouting "JESUS GREG! GET IT TOGETHER!" or "WTF GO! ENOUGH HACKING" we won't necessarily know which one they're talking about.  This could help in the mental stability of Oden during his most anticipated season yet.  Plus they both have fantastic hair.

1.  Memories - Just look at the picture people.

Welcome to Portland!

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LaMarcus Aldridge Contract Extension Update

Kevin Pritchard has officially referred to Aldridge's contract extension as "complicated" but talks have begun to make some progress.  Jason Quick weighed in last night on the situation...

Pritchard said the daily talks have been amicable and that the two sides "are in the same ballpark." The main holdup is basing negotiations on an unknown number like next year's BRI.

"But we are continuing to work at it," Pritchard said.

And HoopsWorld gives you a better understanding of the BRI that Pritchard keeps referring to in case you were wondering.

This pertains to the Blazers and Aldridge because the team doesn't know at this time what that figure is going to be and therefore cannot determine a salary for Aldridge. Brandon Roy's reported extension of $80-million already will take a large chunk of the Blazers' payroll in 2010 and the team needs to be relatively smart with how they spend their money despite the deep pockets of owner Paul Allen. The team also threw $21-million over three years at point guard Andre Miller and a possible extension could be in the future for big man Greg Oden.

Is the team still thinking max deal for Aldridge?

(And I gotta give the hat tip to my Dad today for checking in on early Blazers-related news before I can even pop open Firefox.  You know your blog is rollin' when the family starts tossin' tips your way.)

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Pendergraph Surgery Successful - Out 10-12 Weeks

In a late night text that we did NOT receive, the Blazers informed multiple sources (here. here.) that Jeff Pendergraph had successful surgery and will miss approximately 10-12 weeks.  That number sounds much less than we had initially thought which is...good...I guess?  We are still talking about a second round pick here.

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Portland Trail Blazers Dictionary for Dangerous Fans

The ultimate knowledge base of current Blazers terminology, slang and randomness to help your inner-homer come to life at games or in a bar with buddies?  (Well, maybe in due time.)

If we've left anything off that you feel needs to be added, please drop a comment with your request.  This thing will hopefully grow and grow and grow throughout the years so feel free to chime in.

*This list is all about fun, so if you find yourself offended by it or for some reason needing to spam off internet-tough-guy comments please leave now as you are a complete tool.

______________________________________________________________
"BATUM SHAKA LACKA!" - Phrase coined by "Wheels" whenever our boy Nicolas Batum throws down some serious thunder.  Stems from another of Wheeler's famous phrases.

Blaze the Trail Cat - Portland's mascot which originated in 2002 is reportedly some version of a mountain lion...and one of the worst mascots in sports.

"BOOM SHAKA LACKA" - Brian Wheeler going off after some thunderous-dunk-nastiness.

Doubt-law - aka Travis Outlaw -  Nickname given to Travis Outlaw for his sporadic and sometimes detrimental play.  See Trout.

Dr. Jack - aka Jack Ramsey - Coach of the 1976-77 NBA Championship Blazers team.

Duck - aka Kevin Duckworth - R.I.P. big man.  One of the all time Blazer greats passing away in August 2008 from heart failure.

El Machetero - aka Rudy Fernandez - Nickname straight from the mouths of Blog De Rudy Fernandez.  Who's got the t-shirt made?  See Spanish Fly.

The Enforcer - aka Maurice Lucas - Nickname for Mo Lucas as the Blazers muscle and as a major player in the 1976-77 Championship season.

Ghostface -  aka Joel Przybilla - Our favorite of the many nicknames for Joel with this one bringing back the teenage hip hop filled glory days.  See Vanilla Gorilla.

The Glyde - Nickname of arguably the greatest Blazer in history, Clyde Drexler.

GO-Hawk - Coined after Greg Oden showed up to a game during his rookie season with this fantastic mohawk creation.

Jail Blazers - The era we wish we could all forget.  Plagued by arrests, poor play on the court, and some of the biggest P.O.S.'s the game has ever seen, the Blazers quickly became the laughing stock of the league.  Thank you Rasheed Wallace, Bonzi Wells, Damon Stoudemire, Quintel Woods, Zach Randolph, Darius Miles, and Sebastian Telfair.

LA - aka LaMarcus Aldridge - The REAL nickname for LaMarcus Aldridge.  Teammates and close friends refer to him as "LA" rather than "LMA" as many fans seem to think.

"Mercy, Mercy Jerome Kersey" - phrase coined by none other than Bill Schonely and nickname to one of the all-time Blazer greats.

Mountain Man - aka Bill Walton - Ahh, the bearded great one.  Also heard around the streets as "Big Red" or "Greatful Red."

The Natural - Unofficial nickname for Brandon Roy given by the Blazers radio announcer, Brian "Wheels" Wheeler.

"Pritch-slapped" -  Term coined after Blazers GM Kevin Pritchard embarrassed GM's from around the league in both the 2006 and 2007 NBA drafts.

"Red Hot and Rollin'" - Other than the book detailing the great Blazer days of the late 70s, I have to leave this one up to your interpretation.

Rex or Baylessaurus Rex - aka Jerryd Bayless - Gotta give Blazers Edge credit for this nickname, Jerryd is our fiery little backup point guard fighting to get all that game of his on the damn court. 

"Rip City" - Phrase coined by former announcer Bill Schonely during the inaugural season of the Blazers after a made basket.  The phrase has since become famous and arguments over its meaning continue today.

The Schonz - aka Bill Schonely - Former Blazers TV announcer who coined phrases such as "Rip City," "Bingo Bango Bongo," and "Climb the Golden Ladder."  Plus, the man has his own bar in the Rose Garden.

"Spanish Connection" -  Former duo of Portland which included Sergio Rodriguez and Rudy Fernandez plus a ton of highlight reels.

Spanish Fly - aka Rudy Fernandez - Until we get something better that actually sticks.  See El Machetero.

Tone - aka Antonio Harvey - Sidekick to Brian Wheeler on the Blazers radio broadcasts.  Tone played for the Blazers in the 1999-00 and 2000-01 seasons.

Trout - aka Travis Outlaw - Quick nickname for the one and only Travis Outlaw.

The Uncle Cliffy - The famous Clifford Robinson dance after winning the 1992 Western Conference Finals. Greatest part?  He came up with the name.

Vanilla Gorilla - aka Joel Przybilla -  Most recognized nickname of the workhorse himself, Joel Przybilla.  Also see Ghostface.

Wheels - aka Brian Wheeler - Blazers radio play-by-play announcer.

The Zers - aka worst nickname in team sports history - For some reason the word "Blazers" was too hard for people to say so they came up with something worse than your Mom's meatloaf.  No one is calling the Yankees the "Kees"...come on people.

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Portland Signs Rookie Jeff Pendergraph

We want to make sure once again we shout out to Rip City Project for breaking the news yesterday that Pendergraph would undergo surgery on his hip and miss the majority of the season.  (Certain big dogs refuse to acknowledge us lowly blogs sometimes.)

On the heels of that news, the team released this presser today which confirmed RCP's report plus ended speculation on when they would sign Jeff to any sort of contract.  Terms apparently were not included, but who cares anyway right?  This wasn't a lottery pick here folks.

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Portland Trail Blazers signed rookie forward Jeff Pendergraph, General Manager Kevin Pritchard announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Also announced today, Pendergraph will undergo surgery on Wednesday, Sept. 9, to correct a left hip impingement.

"It feels great to officially be a part of the Trail Blazers organization," said Pendergraph. "I'm here to help this team and contribute in any way that I can. While this is a challenging week with my surgery, it doesn't change the fact that I've accomplished a dream and can proudly wear the Blazers logo. I will do all that I can to recover and get back on the floor."

"We're really excited to add Jeff to our team," said Pritchard. "It's a bittersweet day, but Jeff has worked his tail off this summer and we know he's going to put every bit as much into his rehab as he has preparing for the NBA."

Dr. Marc Philippon of Vail, Colo., will perform the surgery. A timetable for Pendergraph's return will be determined upon completion of the procedure.

The Trail Blazers acquired the draft rights to Pendergraph from Sacramento in a draft day trade on June 25 in exchange for Sergio Rodriguez, the draft rights to Jon Brockman and cash considerations.

Pendergraph, 22, played four seasons at Arizona State, where he finished with career averages of 12.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.04 blocked shots and a 58.0 percent shooting percentage. As a senior, Pendergraph averaged 14.5 points and was named to the Pac-10's First Team. His 66.0 percent field goal mark led the nation.

He started all five games for the Trail Blazers in the 2009 NBA Summer League, averaging 10.8 points (55.3% FG), 7.6 rebounds, 0.6 assists and 1.2 blocked shots.

Pendergraph becomes the 13th player on the Trail Blazers' current roster. He will wear jersey number 31.

Number 31! Look out!

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Pendergraph to have Surgery - Miss Majority of 2009-10 Season

The crew over at Rip City Project just dropped this bomb on a wonderful Labor Day afternoon...

We’ve heard from a reliable source that power forward Jeff Pendergraph, the 31st pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, will have hip surgery this week and is expected to be out for the majority of the 2009-10 season. Pendergraph is said to have injured his hip participating in NBA assistant coach Tim Grgurich’s summer camp in Las Vegas this past August. The Blazers have neither confirmed nor denied this story. The team has yet to sign Pendergraph to a rookie contract.

Pretty interesting stuff actually and possibly the sole reason as to why Portland had not signed Pendergraph to his rookie contract yet.  I guess we'll all just stay tuned until we get confirmation from the team.

Thanks for the tip RCP.

**Update**

Jason Quick is also reporting that Pendergraph will undergo surgery and that he will sign his rookie contract shortly.

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Martell Webster Cleared for All Activities

Upon hearing the news that Martell Webster has been officially cleared for all basketball related activities I find myself flooded with a mixed bag of emotions and thoughts.  Is this a good thing for Portland or just another log pushed into the jam?

As a huge fan of Nicolas Batum and his surprising successes of the 2008-09 season, the last thing I want to see is him sent to the bench for guy who's never proven a damn thing in 3 completely underwhelming seasons.  A guy that's a below average three-point shooter, yet spoke of as the next coming of Ray Allen.  A guy that's a below average defender yet touted the next defensive stopper.  A guy that's ballhandling makes Travis Outlaw's look Steve Nash-like.

I keep hearing chatter from Blazers fans on their excitement of the return of Martie, and I'm still trying to figure out where it's coming from.  Is it because we'd all take anyone at this point over Travis Outlaw?  Is it because he was the last draft pick of the team's once horrific front office?  Or is it simply because we all need something to talk about as this off-season has hit full on snooze mode?

Your thoughts?  You excited to see Webster return?  Disappointed?  Emotionless?

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Blaze of Glory - 9/2/09

The Blaze of Glory is your almost-daily link list of Blazer blog ridiculousness and other random Blazers info. If you ever want your Blazer blog featured, make sure to drop us a line unless your name is Dwight Jaynes. (Kidding!)

• Will Portland live up to all the hype?  [HoopsWorld]
• Brandon Roy cracking another "top" list.  [Hoop Doctors]
  
• Rudy Fernandez injures his hammie?  [Blazers Edge]
  
• Paul Allen selling off more businesses.  [Biz Journals]
  
• Coach Lucas returning to the bench!  [Behind the Beat]
• Blazer Girl is getting attacked by Lakers fans!  [Laker Nation]
  

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