Notice Blazer press conference today at 10am

I actually don't blame LMA at all for the GM failing to trade him two years ago.

My beef is that we were supposedly on the phone with him every day and in contact with him.with each move we made.

Neil indicated that we had two seperately agendas, one with LMA and one without and we were forced to ride the line between the two because he wouldn't commit either way and apparently was giving no indication either way.

A simple 'I'm leaning towards not returning', seemingly, would've changed our approach to FA drastically; conversely, I'm leaning towards returning would've changed it in that we would've targeted players on the other list saying, 'hey LMA is leaning towards returning if we can sign you'. But his indifference lead us to riding the line between who we should and should not target.

That's not necessarily LMAs fault, maybe he was very torn and had no clue. But if he was so torn, and we were aware that he was that torn, and we target more 'LMA is coming back' targers, maybe that makes his decision easier to come back to a roster that is retooled around him staying. Rather than us having to get youth in case he stays, in case he leaves.

We sat on our 25 mill of cap room literally becayse we had no clue what he was doing.

That is why I said he kinda bent us over.

 

I want to push us in the direction that gives us the best chance. The team didn't have to tell me much to be here for the next 6 years. I wanted to be here. My agent will even tell you I wanted to come to Portland. I love the organization and am excited about the chance for growth. I'm really looking forward to the possibilities. We are a lot younger than when I came here. Being much younger it's going to be excited as we get to prove things and build together.

 

Dame is a great public speaker by himself.

But following Neil is not an easy task

 

Olshey -- Lillard

Now that's a one -- two punch.

I hope they don't form a cult, cuz I'm in.

 

As a teammate, you hate to see the other 4 starters go and I had a lot of confidence in them. You just have to accept it as part of the business. I wasn't going into this summer thinking every single player would be back but I'm excited about what we have now.

 

It means a lot to have a team commit to you like this. Having the values placed in me that they have, I'm thankful for them to be here supporting me. It goes with how I was brought up. I want to do the right things to bring the team back to where it should be.

 

It's not a burden, just more responsibility to have this type of contract. I have to perform but it's not a burden. No one pushes me any harder than I push myself. It's exciting to take on a bigger role and be the leader of a team. I'm going to attack things with confidence like I always have.

 

Damian Lillard is my new favorite player of all time.

 

The year before is what I am talking about. Who was that #1? Last year, like Neil pointed out, coming after a solid year, is a bit unrealistic. Although some said on this board that Wiggins was going to be a bust. But either way, very few GM's would have risked that.

 

Coming into the league, you don't want people to think you are trying to do more than you should be or taking something away from them or trying to take over. Now we have players coming in that will get to know me as a player that knows it's not about that. Now I've been here the longest and it just a more comfortable place.

 

stotts is gonna make me cry talking about dame

 

Stotts: It's so obvious listening to Dame why we want him here. The way he has handled himself up to this point has been an evolving progression and he is more than capable of this next stage beyond the basketball.

 

Dame: No contract options...Committed to the team...not one foot in one foot out...Damn, Dame!

 

I think it's clear that we are in great hands with Neil and Dame.

Just unfortunate that LaMarsha didn't understand that. Ungrateful fuck. And Neil made it completely clear that the reason our team broke up was because of LaMarsha

 

Dame: I didn't ask for any options because I wasn't going to be one foot in, one foot out. We have a young team now that might not be great right now but I'm willing to deal with that. This is where I wanted to be.

 

Thanks for the interview because I'm on the road and can't listen right now

 

Yep! Matthews and Lopez were packaged with the LA combo

 

Neil: Where you hear Dame speak, he says what is important to the team and the organization. I say traits in Dame I'd seen in other quality players. (listed them) There are players that are talented but then there are things you can't teach and that is what the organization makes a commitment to.