the portland trailblazers
- Thread starter phil
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The Salt Lake Tribune is reporting that the Utah Jazz decided to match the four-year, $32 million offer sheet Paul Millsap signed with the Trail Blazers.
A day ahead of the deadline to do so, the Jazz decided they will keep Paul Millsap by matching the four-year, $32 million offer sheet the restricted free agent forward signed with Portland, a source close to the team said Thursday.
The Jazz's move was widely expected, although they must make a $10.3 million upfront payment to Millsap under the terms of the offer sheet he signed with the Trail Blazers last Friday.
Stay tuned for more details from Jason Quick.
A day ahead of the deadline to do so, the Jazz decided they will keep Paul Millsap by matching the four-year, $32 million offer sheet the restricted free agent forward signed with Portland, a source close to the team said Thursday.
The Jazz's move was widely expected, although they must make a $10.3 million upfront payment to Millsap under the terms of the offer sheet he signed with the Trail Blazers last Friday.
Stay tuned for more details from Jason Quick.
good call dude. all those great moves we've done in the past because we felt like we HAD to do something. like sign shawn kemp. lol. anyways, fuck the jazz, i hope noone takes boozer so they stay at 22 mil over the cap. oden is working hard this off-season from the reports ive heard, and we know jerryd is trying hard as fuck. we got martell coming back, the longer this is taking to get anyone the more i dont want to make a FA move, if we do anything now, i hope its in trade. we better not get fuckin lamar odom, fuck that faggot.
anyone see that Roy withdrew from team usa training??? whats that all about?
anyone see that Roy withdrew from team usa training??? whats that all about?
Oden hopes to make forceful change to his game
By Marc J. Spears, Yahoo! Sports 13 hours, 30 minutes ago
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LAS VEGAS – Greg Oden(notes) was spent. The injuries, his inconsistent play, the expectations that came with being a supposed franchise-altering center – all of it had worn on Oden. The fun-loving free spirit who charmed the NBA as the No. 1 pick two summers ago had transformed into a brooding giant.
Even Oden admitted it: The pressure had become too much. So after the Portland Trail Blazers’ season ended with a first-round loss to the Houston Rockets, Oden retreated to Columbus, Ohio, to enroll in some summer school classes at Ohio State, clear his mind and work on his game.
His goal: To regain his swagger and prove to the Blazers he can still become a growing force in the NBA.
“They’re going to see a guy that can dominate on the court and change games,” Oden told Yahoo! Sports this week. “…They drafted me for a reason and I want to show them why they drafted me.”
To rebuild his confidence, Oden began visiting a sports psychologist. “A little shrink,” he joked.
“I’ve always been the type of guy that it doesn’t matter what I do if my team wins,” Oden said. “We made it to the playoffs for the first time in how many years, and I’m down on myself.”
The psychologist helped Oden “see himself.” Former Blazers forward Brian Grant provided similar help, flying from Cincinnati to Columbus to work with Oden four times a week, on and off the court. Grant, who is suffering from Parkinson’s disease, grew into a mentor of sorts for the Blazers’ 21-year-old center. His words stuck with Oden.
“He said, ‘People might be a lot more skilled than me, bigger than me, faster than me, but I’d be damned if I’m going to let someone outwork me when I’m out there,’ ” Oden said. “…He’s been through it all. If I need someone to talk to, I know I can call him.”
Through the first half of last season, Oden seemed all too willing to go it alone. He missed his rookie year after undergoing microfracture surgery on his right knee then his much-anticipated debut on opening night last season was cut short because of an injury to his right foot. Once again, Oden was labeled the next broken Blazers’ center, following Bill Walton and Sam Bowie.
Oden’s warm smile disappeared. Even his teammates had trouble encouraging him. He returned in a couple weeks, but another injury sidelined him for a month after the All-Star break, just as he was beginning to show some of his potential. He was supposed to help Brandon Roy(notes) and LaMarcus Aldridge(notes) lead the Blazers, and once again he was stuck on the sideline. Even after he was effective in a handful of games late in the season, Oden played poorly in the playoffs, undone by foul trouble.
“When you get drafted No. 1, they want results,” Oden said. “…I definitely did feel a lot of pressure. I just felt like it was a lot expected, like … LeBron James(notes)-type dominance.”
Oden isn’t James, but he’s determined to prove he isn’t Michael Olowokandi(notes), either. The time in Columbus seems to have done him some good. He’s also vowed to tune out his critics.
“I’m going to be me no matter what anyone else says,” Oden said. “I don’t read anything at all. It’s a lot easier that way. It’s to the point where I don’t want highlights anymore – good or bad.”
That doesn’t mean Oden is hiding from the spotlight, either. He will participate in Team USA’s minicamp this week, and the practices will be open to the media. Saturday’s scrimmage is open to the paying public. Perhaps no player has more to gain – or lose – from this week than Oden. If he plays poorly, everyone will be quick to once again write him off.
Blazers coach Nate McMillan, an assistant on Mike Krzyzewski’s Team USA staff, is eager to see how his young center performs. He knows one thing: Oden looks good. “He’s healthy and he’s ready to go,” McMillan said. “We’re excited for him.”
Oden, too, sounds excited. He says he’s stronger, both physically and mentally. His big smile has returned, and he’s quick to laugh again. Will the Blazers finally see the player they thought they drafted?
Greg Oden is stone serious about this much: This season, he’s stepping onto the court with something to prove.
from front page of yahoo sports
By Marc J. Spears, Yahoo! Sports 13 hours, 30 minutes ago
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Buzz up! 35 votes
*
More From Marc J. Spears
* Coach K's career plans don't include NBA Jul 22, 2009
* Warriors' Randolph looks long on talent Jul 22, 2009
Yahoo! Sports
LAS VEGAS – Greg Oden(notes) was spent. The injuries, his inconsistent play, the expectations that came with being a supposed franchise-altering center – all of it had worn on Oden. The fun-loving free spirit who charmed the NBA as the No. 1 pick two summers ago had transformed into a brooding giant.
Even Oden admitted it: The pressure had become too much. So after the Portland Trail Blazers’ season ended with a first-round loss to the Houston Rockets, Oden retreated to Columbus, Ohio, to enroll in some summer school classes at Ohio State, clear his mind and work on his game.
His goal: To regain his swagger and prove to the Blazers he can still become a growing force in the NBA.
“They’re going to see a guy that can dominate on the court and change games,” Oden told Yahoo! Sports this week. “…They drafted me for a reason and I want to show them why they drafted me.”
To rebuild his confidence, Oden began visiting a sports psychologist. “A little shrink,” he joked.
“I’ve always been the type of guy that it doesn’t matter what I do if my team wins,” Oden said. “We made it to the playoffs for the first time in how many years, and I’m down on myself.”
The psychologist helped Oden “see himself.” Former Blazers forward Brian Grant provided similar help, flying from Cincinnati to Columbus to work with Oden four times a week, on and off the court. Grant, who is suffering from Parkinson’s disease, grew into a mentor of sorts for the Blazers’ 21-year-old center. His words stuck with Oden.
“He said, ‘People might be a lot more skilled than me, bigger than me, faster than me, but I’d be damned if I’m going to let someone outwork me when I’m out there,’ ” Oden said. “…He’s been through it all. If I need someone to talk to, I know I can call him.”
Through the first half of last season, Oden seemed all too willing to go it alone. He missed his rookie year after undergoing microfracture surgery on his right knee then his much-anticipated debut on opening night last season was cut short because of an injury to his right foot. Once again, Oden was labeled the next broken Blazers’ center, following Bill Walton and Sam Bowie.
Oden’s warm smile disappeared. Even his teammates had trouble encouraging him. He returned in a couple weeks, but another injury sidelined him for a month after the All-Star break, just as he was beginning to show some of his potential. He was supposed to help Brandon Roy(notes) and LaMarcus Aldridge(notes) lead the Blazers, and once again he was stuck on the sideline. Even after he was effective in a handful of games late in the season, Oden played poorly in the playoffs, undone by foul trouble.
“When you get drafted No. 1, they want results,” Oden said. “…I definitely did feel a lot of pressure. I just felt like it was a lot expected, like … LeBron James(notes)-type dominance.”
Oden isn’t James, but he’s determined to prove he isn’t Michael Olowokandi(notes), either. The time in Columbus seems to have done him some good. He’s also vowed to tune out his critics.
“I’m going to be me no matter what anyone else says,” Oden said. “I don’t read anything at all. It’s a lot easier that way. It’s to the point where I don’t want highlights anymore – good or bad.”
That doesn’t mean Oden is hiding from the spotlight, either. He will participate in Team USA’s minicamp this week, and the practices will be open to the media. Saturday’s scrimmage is open to the paying public. Perhaps no player has more to gain – or lose – from this week than Oden. If he plays poorly, everyone will be quick to once again write him off.
Blazers coach Nate McMillan, an assistant on Mike Krzyzewski’s Team USA staff, is eager to see how his young center performs. He knows one thing: Oden looks good. “He’s healthy and he’s ready to go,” McMillan said. “We’re excited for him.”
Oden, too, sounds excited. He says he’s stronger, both physically and mentally. His big smile has returned, and he’s quick to laugh again. Will the Blazers finally see the player they thought they drafted?
Greg Oden is stone serious about this much: This season, he’s stepping onto the court with something to prove.
from front page of yahoo sports
Miller to take three-year offer from Blazers
By Marc Spears, Yahoo! Sports 21 minutes ago
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* Grizzlies are out for A.I., same for Clippers? Jul 24, 2009
LAS VEGAS – Andre Miller(notes) will accept a three-year, $22 million offer to sign with the Portland Trail Blazers, a source close to the free-agent guard said on Friday.
The first two seasons of the contract are guaranteed while the third year is a team option.
Trail Blazers general manager Kevin Pritchard cautioned that “nothing is done yet.” But a source close to Miller said he has decided to take the offer and will sign with the Blazers.
Miller will give the Trail Blazers a veteran point guard to help steady their young roster.
“He’s got great savvy and leadership,” Pritchard said from Team USA’s practice on Friday. “We like him as a player for sure.”
The Blazers had struck out in their first two attempts to sign free agents this summer. Hedo Turkoglu(notes) was close to signing with them after visiting Portland only to have a last-minute change of heart and take a five-year, $53 million deal with the Toronto Raptors. The Blazers then signed restricted free-agent forward Paul Millsap(notes) to an offer sheet that the Utah Jazz matched.
YEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!1
By Marc Spears, Yahoo! Sports 21 minutes ago
*
Buzz up! 0 votes
*
More From Marc Spears
* Grizzlies are out for A.I., same for Clippers? Jul 24, 2009
LAS VEGAS – Andre Miller(notes) will accept a three-year, $22 million offer to sign with the Portland Trail Blazers, a source close to the free-agent guard said on Friday.
The first two seasons of the contract are guaranteed while the third year is a team option.
Trail Blazers general manager Kevin Pritchard cautioned that “nothing is done yet.” But a source close to Miller said he has decided to take the offer and will sign with the Blazers.
Miller will give the Trail Blazers a veteran point guard to help steady their young roster.
“He’s got great savvy and leadership,” Pritchard said from Team USA’s practice on Friday. “We like him as a player for sure.”
The Blazers had struck out in their first two attempts to sign free agents this summer. Hedo Turkoglu(notes) was close to signing with them after visiting Portland only to have a last-minute change of heart and take a five-year, $53 million deal with the Toronto Raptors. The Blazers then signed restricted free-agent forward Paul Millsap(notes) to an offer sheet that the Utah Jazz matched.
YEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!1
