For the Blazers, Growth Comes in Spurts

ChadWick · Apr 19, 2009

idk im bored..
Article

PORTLAND, Ore. – They cleared out their lockers, said their goodbyes, and before the Portland Trail Blazers could scatter for another summer, Nate McMillan gave each of them a few words to chew on. No more excuses, the Blazers’ head coach said. No more waiting for the future to arrive.

McMillan knew his Baby Blazers were ready to stand among the NBA’s better teams. But if they wanted to take that next step, if they wanted to end the franchise’s cursed playoff drought, they first needed to have faith in themselves.
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They all are, and that’s what makes these Blazers unique. They start one rookie (forward Nicolas Batum) and count three others (Rudy Fernandez, Greg Oden and Sergio Rodriguez) as rotation regulars. For a team so young, they seem to lack the type of petty jealousies and insecurities which can create dissension.

“We just have a bunch of selfless dudes,” Roy said. “There’s no alpha dog in here.”

Fortunately for the Blazers, Roy’s bite is worse than his bark. He’s become more vocal on the court – last month, he chirped at Lakers forward Trevor Ariza for his flagrant foul on Fernandez – but it’s his play that has made him Portland’s unquestioned leader. A two-time NBA All-Star in just his third season, Roy has thrived in pressure moments, a skill that could serve him well in the playoffs.

“That’s where Brandon Roy is so far ahead of the curve for a young guy,” said Nuggets coach George Karl. “Nate’s given him an advanced course in understanding close games.”

The rest of the Blazers fall in line behind their 24-year-old captain. Six-foot-11 forward LaMarcus Aldridge is a matchup nightmare for opponents because of his versatility and range. Even Oden, whose injuries and subsequent struggles caused him to withdraw from teammates earlier in the season, has come to embrace his role off the bench. No longer does he seem so aloof.
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Shooter · Apr 19, 2009

Did you watch the video enbedded in that story? Kenny Smith says he thinks the Blazers will win it, but evey game will be "very competitive."

So much for the "expert's" opinion.

drexlersdad · Apr 19, 2009

sergio is not a rookie, but i cant blame the guy for thinking he plays like one.

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For the Blazers, Growth Comes in Spurts

ChadWick Portland's All-Star

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For the Blazers, Growth Comes in Spurts

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ChadWick Portland's All-Star

Shooter Unanimously Great

drexlersdad SABAS

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