<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">TUALATIN -- The Trail Blazers are still two weeks from the start of training camp, but already coach Nate McMillan said the team has scored a victory. The evidence is not hard to spot. The back wall of his office is a large window that overlooks the Blazers' practice court. And even though McMillan seldom turns around to look out the window, he can hear the sounds of progress. The pounding ball comes from Blazers guard Martell Webster, who is dribbling through traffic for a layup. The squeaking is the sneakers of Jarrett Jack, the newly appointed starter at point guard, who is burning rubber with sharp cuts. And the clamorous thunder is from forward Travis Outlaw, who is finishing a fast break with a rim-rattling dunk. They are three of nine Blazers players who have adhered to a request from McMillan to report to Portland by Sept. 5 for pre-training camp activities that include daily scrimmages and workouts with strength and conditioning coach Bobby Medina. "I told our guys I wanted them back Sept. 5 to start playing together as much as possible, and we've had just about everybody here," McMillan said. "We can't make it mandatory, but you throw that out there and hopefully guys will come. And our guys have responded." Blazers guard Juan Dixon said the players are just following the lead of their head coach in an effort to improve last season's 21-61 record, the NBA's worst. "It starts with that guy right there," Dixon said, pointing to McMillan, who came out of his office to watch the end of a scrimmage. "He told guys at the end of the season he wanted us back by a certain date, and the turnout has been great. I think guys are showing the coaches and the organization that we are dedicated to turning this around, that we want to win." Last year, McMillan said there were only three players who were at the facility by the first week in September working out daily -- Jack, Zach Randolph and Steve Blake, who since has been traded. The majority waited until mid- to late September to report, and some did not arrive until the week before training camp started. This year, the only players who have yet to take part in scrimmages or workouts are injured rookie LaMarcus Aldridge, forward Darius Miles and centers Joel Przybilla and Jamaal Magloire. "This is what San Antonio does and what playoff teams do," said Medina, who has been taking players to Tigard High School two to three times a week for running drills. "They get in a habit and commit themselves to be in shape before training camp. "And I think it's been especially great for the young guys and the rookies, because they are seeing right away that this is the way to do it. It sets a great example and develops a work ethic." McMillan said the goal of reporting early is to start developing chemistry and stamina before the Oct. 3 training camp starts. "I feel that training camp is important for a team like us," McMillan said, noting the Blazers again will be one of the youngest teams in the NBA. "If we can come in in good shape, and really be ahead of everyone else, hopefully at the beginning of the season we are sharper than these teams that take to November to get going, and we can (win) a few games early." McMillan's plea at the end of last season for the players to report early was complemented by director of player personnel Kevin Pritchard, who spread word to NBA players that the Blazers would hold an open gym, or "run," as players call it. As a result, NBA players who reside in Portland in the offseason such as Indiana forward Jermaine O'Neal, Toronto guard Fred Jones, New Orleans guard Desmond Mason, and Blake (now with Milwaukee), have taken part in the games.</div> Source
