Courtside on the Links
posted: 9/17/2006 at 10:36 PM
Monday is a chance to play a little golf, hang with some NBA players, support a worthy cause, and then host a radio talk show. Sounds pretty good to me. It's the 5th annual Bell Blazers Classic, at the Reserve Golf Club and Vinyards in Aloha, and I can't believe it's here already. It always means that training camp is right around the corner. We play in a lot of these charity events during the summer, and this is one of the best (not just because it's actually
our tournament).
The Trail Blazers partner with Taco Bell, and Oregon Partnership, which is a substance abuse prevention and education program that helps out our local youth. A lot of money is raised at this tournament, and we also always have a great time. Dan Dickau's skills will be on display, as he is headliner for us, but there will also be many Blazer alums, and members of the media involved in the tournament.
Following the golf tournament we'll be hosting Courtside Monday Night, presented by L.A. Weight Loss, at the golf course. Last year head coach Nate McMillan joined us on the show, and we're planning on the same thing this year. The only thing that's up in the air at this point, is the weather.
As I talked about Friday, the Trail Blazer rookies are still out of town, at the NBA's annual rookie orientation. Pick-up games will continue at the practice facility, as the players continue to prepare for training camp.
Late Sunday night, Joel Przybilla arrived back in town, along with his wife Noelle and their son Anthony, who's seven months old. They are thrilled to be back, and will spend the next couple of days getting settled in their new house. I talked to Noelle last night as they were wading around in boxes, exploring the new home. The first thing on their agenda is going to get Anthony a crib. They rented a home last season, not knowing where they'd be following Joel's free-agent season. They are much happier now, with the five-year contract, and were able to purchase rather than rent.
As soon as they start getting things unpacked, Joel will be heading for the practice facility to take part in some conditioning. He has been working out back in Milwaukee, and once again this summer included boxing in his off-season workout program. He loved what it did for his footwork and balance. He's eager to get started working out with his teammates.
Courtside Monday Night, presented by L.A. Weight Loss, will be airing at its normal time Monday night. You can hear it from 6pm to 8, on KXL-AM 750 in the Portland area, and if you're outside the area, click on the "listen live" link, or go to kxl.com and hop on board from there. Brian Wheeler will be on hand with us as well, and may handle the first few minutes of the show solo, if me and Rice are still on the course.
Talk to you, on the air, tonight.
RSS FEED
I might be missing another courtside, dangit. I flew into San Diego last monday, and I'm flying into Portland (hopefully) tonite. Argh.
BTW, my body officially thinks it's fall...cept in San Diego, it's not. So going to a chargers game in shorts and a t shirt leads to burning. I'm almost as red as the blazer uniforms.
Coach Nate has come out and said Roy will play backup PG. You have made us believe that Dickau would be ready by training camp. Roy is best at SG and needs to play major minutes there. If we have problems at PG why didn't we sign a Vet PG for Minimum when we had the chance?
Hap,
Ever heard of sunscreen? I know it's not big in Newport, OR, your adopted hometown, but they occasionally use it in SD. It's not like you didn't know it was going to be sunny. Chargers look tough, by the way.
Willie,
You're correct. I have said Dickau will be ready by camp. He's looked terrific in the pick-up games the last two weeks, and has told me he'll be ready. Steve Blake has commented several times how good Dickau has been. Roy played just about exclusively at the point in summer league, and did a great job of it. At that time, coach McMillan told me he didn't plan on using Roy at the point at all. That's obviously changed. And, there's still time to sign a vet point guard, if that's what they want to do. But, with Jack, Dickau, Sergio (who has suprised the coaches early on), and if necessary, Roy, all able to play the point, I'm not sure they need another.
Thanks for the comments,
MB
If PG is our weakest position, it's only because we have no healthy proven NBA starter for the position. However, i'll take my chances with who we have as apposed to signing someone who can barely make an NBA roster. If things become dire, though, we have roster flexibility to make adjustments.
If Voshon Lenard isn't returning to the Blazers, Mike, where will he be playing this season?
Have you heard anything?
Thanks,
Sam
We also have sergio at the point... so why aren't we playing roy at SG? who would play the position noramlly? Dixon, i'll take roy over Dixon anyday
Post a Comment
<< Home