UCLA's Hollins Back for Another Workout
posted: 6/21/2006 at 10:43 PM
Wednesday the Trail Blazers were busy again at the practice facility in Tualatin, working out more prospects, getting set for the June 28th NBA Draft. This isn't quite 11th hour stuff, but obviously we're getting down to the wire. Coach Nate McMillan was asked after the workout if the Blazers are set on who they want in the number-four spot. His reply, "I don't think you can ever say that until it's actually your turn to pick. You can't get set on just one guy because there's so much that you don't control." As always, Nate wouldn't get into specifics on the individual players, other than to say he thought all the players did their best.
The obvious observation of the day was that, obviously, the team must be seeing something they like in UCLA's Ryan Hollins, as he was making his second appearence in front of McMillan, the scouts, and Blazer executives. Hollins is projected as a mid-second round guy, and is hoping somehow he slips into the first round. I had a chance to speak with him for several minutes following his workout and he said that he's getting exciting even thinking about the opportunity to play in Portland. He's a west coast guy, and to stay out west, and play for a team he'd have a chance to immediately help, would be the ideal scenario for him.
The other players working out Wednesday, included Memphis star Rodney Carney, who is known for his outside shooting. Carney is projected to go in the top 10 next week and has been busy with auditions for prospective teams. He told me this workout wasn't one of his best, but he was fairly satisfied with what he showed.
Arkansas junior Ronnie Brewer was also in town, and would love to be the second member of his family to wear a Blazer uniform. His father, Ron Brewer, played for the Blazers for three seasons, as more veteran fans might remember. Ronnie, Jr. told me his father explained to him the great tradition in Portland, and recalled his fond memories of his days here. Ronnie was actually born in Portland. He's projected to be a first-round pick, and says he got an invitation to be in the green room in New York City for the draft.
Another player with Portland ties was working out Wednesday. Former Jefferson High star Thomas Gardner, who went to Missouri, had a chance to show his stuff. He told me getting to stay at home and be around family and friends was a thrill for him this week. It's likely he won't be drafted, but hopes to catch on with a team after the draft.
The other player working out was Florida State's Alexander Johnson. The Trail Blazers saw him workout at the pre-draft camp in Orlando, and were impressed enough with him that they invited him out for a closer look. Johnson is projected as a mid-second round pick, and at 6-9, is very athletic, and has a great work ethic and intensity that coach McMillan looks for.
All the players that worked out Wednesday were drenched with sweat as they left the floor in their barrowed Blazers gear, and all commented that McMillan and his staff put them through an intense exam. They all said they're looking forward to next Wednesday, and are very excited and nervous about where they'll end up.
There was a trade yesterday in the NBA that might deserve a closer look. The Spurs traded center Rasho Nesterovic to Toronto for Matt Bonner, Eric Williams, and a future second-round draft pick. I always think of all sides of trades like this and it makes me wonder what the Spurs are up to. Nesterovic split time with Nazr Mohammed last season in the middle, and Mohammed becomes a free agent July 1st. If they let him walk, you have to think the Spurs have a plan to acquire a center on the free agent market. Could San Antonio now be a player in the Joel Przybilla sweepstakes? There are several teams out there who are expected to make a strong bid for Przybilla's services, and the Spurs could now be on that list. On the other hand, we saw the Spurs attempt to go with small lineups during the playoffs, rarely using Nesterovic or Mohammed in their series with Dallas. Could they be satisfied that they could get away with starting the 6-10 Bonner at center alongside Tim Duncan? Or, will they be on the market for a big shotblocker like Przybilla. Interesting. The fact that they moved Nesterovic isn't that surprising, the key is what they decide to do with Mohammed. Could they actually sign Przybilla for less than it'll take to get Mohammed? We'll find out soon.
RSS FEED
Can you get season tickets at the Draft Party? If we get Adam Morrison me and two friends want to get season tickets immediately.
I watched yahoo video of most 1st & 2nd round draft enterants & truely see that Rodney Carney is the best player in the draft and a future hall of fame type skills, tell Steve Patterson to pull off a 2 for that includes him in the 1st round. He can fill the seats and get a young center in the draft also!
Post a Comment
<< Home