If I was in his situation I'd do the same thing. And ya gotta love a guy that wants to be here bad enough that he'd rather retire than play elsewhere. I highly doubt we'd trade him anyway. As the article said, we are paper thin at center.
In the media world, Marcus has come a long way from walking out of Ringside and nearly crying after hearing news of his trade here a year ago. I'm glad he likes it here, and I'm glad he's a Blazer. The plan was for him to back up Oden this year, or at the very least split time with Oden, yet even though he is playing heavy minutes, he is helping the team at an advanced NBA age.
I think we underestimate how much the "MAR-CUS CAM-BY!" chant impressed this guy. I don't think he's ever been as appreciated as much as he is in Portland, and for some people, that's worth more than money.
Great reference, Chris. I think you're right. Sometimes, for some players, perhaps finally finding a home is worth more than money. That this team is winning also plays into it, I hope.
Repped. That's a great call. That perspective never entered my mind. It was an amazing moment last year and I think there's a large grain of truth to your point.
I really don't think it has anything to do with Portland specifically. He felt the same when there was talks of him being traded from the Clippers. THE CLIPPERS. He just doesn't like to be traded, uprooted, etc.
I think you are right, but I think that Marcus feels like he's finally found a home here in Portland. I might be projecting, and I've never read a Channing Frye-like article about how he professes his love for Portland, but I just get that sense. He mentioned in several articles last year and early this season about how much that moment last year meant to him, and how he appreciated it.
I selfishly hope that Marcus becomes a Blazer-lifer. I think it's possible he could become an ambassador/coach/mentor for the players. I honestly can't think of a player that came to Portland that had his kind of impact. Pippen had the same on court impact (of a seasoned vet, etc), but he never really felt like he was a Portland Trail Blazer. Marcus almost feels like he's been in Portland for years, instead of just barely a year.
I think Miller has warmed up to Portland too. He'll always be a little aloof but I bet if you asked him if he wants to stay or be traded I bet he say stay.
I love to think that Camby loves Portland as a city. Hopefully he'll do what's best for the city and help the Blazers get as good as possible, whether that means getting traded or not. Ed O.
Agreed. I know the idea of keeping both of them is unpopular among some fans, but I think they'd be better off keeping them instead of trying to trade for a young prospect. I think whoever they would trade (at point) would not give Portland what Andre is giving them right now. He might in the future, but I'd rather the team take their chances on having a solid (healthy) starting 5 and a strong bench instead of finding that allusive butterfly.
He'd rather retire than get paid another $9 mil per year for a couple more seasons in a sunnier clime? Sounds like he's burnt out on the game. Probably should trade him.
