McMillan Back
posted: 9/04/2007 at 9:15 PM
Following the holiday weekend, the Trail Blazers were back at work on Tuesday, both on the track and in the gym in Tualatin. And, for the first time since nearly everyone arrived back in town, the head coach, Nate McMillan, got to shake a few hands and tell his players how pleased he is that they're back so early.
McMillan, of course, has been with Team USA in Las Vegas, and has just been hearing second hand about what's been going on here in Portland with his team. He did tell me today he's thrilled with the fact that nearly his entire team arrived over five weeks early for training camp. He said he told his players "this is your time, not my time to have you. These scrimmage games are yours and not ours, so do things the way you want to do them, and keep working to get into shape." He then laughed and said he even told LaMarcus Aldridge, "L.A., if you want to play point guard right now, have at it. Martell, if you want to post up and play some five, go right ahead."
During today's five-on-five games, McMillan watched for a while from the far corner of the gym as a spectator. Of course, coaches aren't allowed to coach during five-on-five drills or games right now. Nate's staff has been around to help with individual drills, but stand completely back when the games begin, as they are supposed to.
Even though I didn't get his thoughts following the full-court games, McMillan had to be impressed with what he was seeing. As I have said many times in the past 10 days, the Blazer players all appear to be in tremendous shape, and the games that are normally a bit sloppy during this time, aren't. The competition is excellent, and the chemistry is growing, as these guys continue to push, and coach each other.
Tuesday was the first time we've seen James Jones play in the five-on-five games. The Blazers were in need of a guy who can consistently stick it from long range, and Jones certainly showed his stuff. It was obvious today, the corner three is his favorite shot, and he knocked down just about everything he looked at. Jones was playing on the same team with Greg Oden, and gave the big man some relief from double teams with his ability to stretch the defense. It's early September, I realize, but Jones was very impressive.
Oden went up against Aldridge once again today, and that was the highlighted matchup. They've been very good playing together, but it's been fun watching them go head to head. Last week, Oden seemed to bother Aldridge, and blocked several shots. Today, Aldridge took Oden away from the hoop and had a lot of success shooting over him. Oden still blocked a few of Aldridge's shots, but the adjustments Aldridge made paid off.
Each day during these games it seems there's been a play or two that has had us all shaking our heads. The jaw-dropping connection today was a Steve Blake pass to Oden. Blake flew down the middle, and as he turned left on the baseline he flipped the ball up over his head. Oden, coming from the weak side, ripped it out of the air with two hands and pounded home a ferocious jam. As you've heard me say, Oden is not only big and strong, he's amazingly quick and athletic. He could be the most impressive power dunker I've ever seen in a practice setting. And, I've watched a ton of Blazer practices the last 7 years.
If I were giving out game balls to the most impressive players of the day (as silly as that is here in September) I would have given them to Josh McRoberts and Travis Outlaw on this day. McRoberts, who's an impressive dunker himself, dove for loose balls several times during today's games, one time plowing right through a bench of the side of the court. He also, during one of the final games, dove for a loose ball at midcourt, knocked it away from Jarrett Jack, and set up the winning bucket for his team. Since we're all into making comparisons, here's one. McRoberts reminds me of David Lee, with his all-out hustle and athleticism.
When Outlaw arrived last week, I talked about how it is so obvious he worked his tail off in Mississippi this summer. He hasn't seemed to tire in any of these full-court sessions. Tuesday, Travis had his best shooting day yet, and was doing his best to keep up with Jones, who was stroking the three ball at the other end. Travis has really improved from the perimeter, and has been a constant threat from behind the three-point line in these games.
I know you want highlights from these games, but unfortunately I can't offer you any from Tuesday. Jeff Curtin, our ace photographer, is in Chicago for meetings for a couple of days. Jim Taylor did get some photos from today's action, and has an interview with Brandon Roy as well. Roy, by the way, has been very good in these games, and has also shot the long ball very well, picking up where he left off last season.
More to come on Wednesday. Stay tuned.
One thing to add this morning.. Tomorrow night's Trail Blazers Courtside radio show will be a "best of" show. But, our producer, Rich Patterson, has worked to make it a great one. He's taken all the memorable moments from this summer (and there have been a few) and put them all together. From winning the lottery, to working out Oden and Durant, to the draft, to summer league, and everything else. You'll hear all the moments, as they happened on our show, and there will be some great interviews. That's Thursday night from 6pm to 8, on KXL-AM 750 in the local area, or you can listen live on-line by clicking on the Courtside link at the top-right of this page.
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Thanks for the update and Roy interview, just a little bummed there was no video of the games. sounds though that everyone is jellin' I can't wait for the season to start. can't you get whoever shot the interview with Roy to shoot a little bit of highlights for us?
One more question Mike, when will we know if Miles will be released to run with the guys, any ideas, Doctor appointments or such, How is he feeling? how about a short interveiw, maybe we can answer some of the questions I see some fans talking about.
Again thanks for all the updates. Us diehard Blazer fans just can't get enough.
O.K., who all is in town and scrimmaging? Is Darius back from NYC? Sergio back from Europe? Raef back from injury?
How are the 5-on-5 teams selected? Who "coaches" them? Actual plays run? Who subs? Still non-Blazers playing?
Everyone still injury-free?
Good to hear the report(s) on the "new guys" (e.g., James Jones, Channing Frye, and rookies besides Oden [e.g., Roberts]).
When does Oden leave for China and does that affect the practice schedule?
Still would like a direct report from Darius on how he is doing . . .
Thanks for the reports.
Why can't the season get here already!! :)
Mike, any word on Joel? Not that I begrudge him for not coming in on his time off, but I heard Raef is in town so now Joel is the odd man out so I was just curious.
Hey MB,
Nice work as usual, I am happy to hear that Jones got some schrimage time. I had been wondering why he wasnt in the videos. Do you think James Jones has a chance to start at small forward or do you see him coming off the bench? I know its early, but I trust your instincts. thanks again MB.
ps what are the chances on getting the wild one, aka Mr. Rice, to weigh in on the upcoming season?
I'm glad to hear the whole team is back, including big Nate! Him watching these scrimmages will definitely benefit the team when training camp starts.
I'm also glad to hear about the hustle McRoberts is giving. He knows he has to work had to make a spot on this team and I think he'll be just fine. We really got a steal with him. The Blake to Oden dunk made me smile, I'll be honest. I know once those guys play with each other more, they'll get an even better feel on what one another's thinking and will be making the highlight reel often.
Can't wait for more scrimmage footage! As I've said many times before, Mike, you're the best at what you do which is give us information on almost a daily basis. We really do appreciate it.
fishman,
Darius was there again yesterday, and did his workouts. I don't think he'll be cleared before camp begins October 3rd, but I'll check on that again.
vcubed,
Sergio is not back yet, and Joel will be here any day. Everyone else is here. Raef is back, but hasn't played full court yet. The players select the teams in these five-on-five games. No one coaches them during these gamse. The coaches aren't allowed. There are no non-Blazers playing now. Everyone seems injury free, although Taurean Green had a sore hamstring and didn't play yesterday. I don't have a departure date for Oden yet, but will get it.
mgb,
Joel will be in either this week or early next. I'll let you know when he arrives.
myemic,
The starting job at the "3" is anyone's guess. It'll be between Travis, Martell, and James. They've all looked good, and it's evidence again that competition for playing time, and starting jobs, motivates these players. If I had to guess right now, I'd say Travis. You want Rice? I'll get his thoughts for you. If he'd learn to type it would make it easier. There's "old school" and then there's Rice. He has been at the workouts every day with me, we're both excited to get back to work on TV.
Thanks all,
MB
Hey Mike, great job again on the coverage, I can't thank you enough. I see you keep your sense of humor when it comes to making fun of Rice even in the off season! I always get a chuckle from you two during the games. I actually had a question concerning "Snapper" Jones. I remember he used to announce all of the games and then left for ESPN. Was that a choice of his to move on to bigger and better things? I was very disappointed at this and unaccepting of Mike Rice at first, but I have come to really enjoy you two. If that is the case with Snapper I am sure he regrets that decision now. Just like many fans left during our hard years, it seems like everyone has jumped back on the bandwagon. Everyone who watched the blowouts and remained faithful knows what I am talking about and now we can finally rejoice again. Go Blazers!
Mike, I think you and your crew are spoiling us with all this off-season coverage! Up until now, this time of year meant slim pickin's for us Blazer fans.
Careful, we might demand video highlights of every regular season practice!
Thanks again!
Joe
Hello Blazer fans, Hello Mike. I was just at another sport site(football) and on it they had a small section for fans to chat...every so often the topic would change. Mike, Is this a posability for this website? this way us fans could debate and maybe even the players could get on. If you want an example go to washingtonredskins.com to see what I mean. So damn happy my boys are battling each other hard. Everyone will be in season shape for training camp. Everyone will fly through camp and will be hungry for opponents. Many belive including the PTI guys that we will be terrible this year. You go up to each of my Blazers and tell them to their face that they will be terrible and see what kind of reaction you get. Better yet lets let them answer in the regular season as they start shocking people and forcing PTI nobodys to eat their words. Keep at it Blazers , we are gonna shock some fools.
Hey LTG -
We do happen to have a site that is just like that Washington Redskins site. It is at www.iamatrailblazersfan.com. There is always big discussions, check it out.
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