Gregg Popovich cracks me up.
I know I already did my San Antonio Spurs post for the year– or at least until they play Portland again in February – but Pop still has me rolling after a long weekend.
Before the Blazers hosted and beat the Spurs in the home opener at the Rose Garden last Friday, Pop held court outside San Antonio’s locker room. Probably the second or third question in was about Kevin Pritchard and if Pop ever thought Pritchard would become the wunderkind he’s known for around the league. The two have history going back to their days at the University of Kansas before San Antonio.
“I can’t believe it. He’s an idiot,” Pop said with tongue firmly planted in cheek.
I’ll let you check out the rest of that quote over at HOOPSWORLD in a feature highlighting how the Blazers approach to the game and philosophy is rooted in San Antonio’s success story. All Portland needs now are the rings – and patience of course.
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Rough go in Phoenix on Saturday night.
Rebounding and turnovers killed Portland softly – as did some shoddy defense. That had to drive Nate McMillan up the wall.
But you have to give it to Rudy Fernandez and LaMarcus Aldridge. Fernandez played his best game of the season (20 points off the bench) and Aldridge – who with 16 points didn’t have as big of a game as he did against San Antonio – continues to show his game has matured after a slow start in Los Angeles.
He seems – I don’t know – more physical. He looks – I don’t know - more aggressive. It’s nice to see.
As for Rudy, how long do we give before Nate McMillan inserts him into the starting lineup? In honor of Tuesday’s election day, you can place your vote at the bottom of this post. I’m thinking two weeks - enough time for Travis Outlaw to show he’s either a starter or better served energizing the second unit.
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There’s a storyline circulating around the NBA that could bode well for Portland – Al Harrington disgruntled in Golden State. Man, have the Warriors had their share of drama since the summer. First it was Monta “Mo-Ped” Ellis. Now Harrington wants out.
The Warriors have said they will accommodate Harrington’s trade request. And knowing Golden State is one of those teams Portland could compete with out West come playoff time, you have to think such disharmony clarly plays in Portland’s favor.
So where does Harrington land?
Hard to tell at this point – the Charlotte Bobcats could be an option since they have the pieces. Perhaps the Cats inquire about Raymond Felton to plug the point in Golden State, and toss in Sean May who is getting no run in Larry Brown’s system. Both Felton and May are slated to be restricted free agents next summer. It’s worth a shot.
Wherever it is, chances are it will be a short stay.
Harrington will also be a free agent at the end of the year….
pic via: daylife
May was almost as bad a pick as Sheldon Williams. Did you know the Hawks drafted Williams without even working him out??!!?? That’s crazy. I never thought May could make it in he league. He looked really out of shape when i saw their last pre-season game, and that’s why Brown isn’t playing him.
everyone was drinking that tarheel juice when carolina won their title. may hasn’t rebounded well after microfracture….and he’s even confessed he’s out of shape….then again, has he ever been in shape?
i just don’t think he has a future in the current system he’s in…..just like harrington.