Blazers Set for Game One
posted: 10/31/2006 at 8:56 PM
Greetings from Seattle.
First of all, I want to thank all of you for sharing your thoughts on the coming season. The number of responses blew me away. I love going through all the comments, and you all made good points. We've got some fans with good basketball IQ, that's for sure.
We took the short flight to Seattle Tuesday afternoon. The team went through an intense practice Tuesday morning, and then headed for the airport. It's always great hopping aboard the plane knowing another season is about to begin. There was certainly a buzz among the players, as they scattered out in the back of the plane.
I always get a kick out of watching the new guys choose their seats. The people who have been around for a while have their favorite spots, and their routines, and the newcomers are always sensative not to invade someone else's area. Remember riding the school bus? It's the same kind of thing. The coaches and management personnel sit in the front of the plane, we broadcasters take the middle, and the players take the back. We fly on a 757 (the same one the Seahawks use) so there's plenty of room, and no one has anyone else sitting beside them. That's not to say we all aren't close, but it is nice to have a little room when you've got it. We get awfully spoiled, flying on the nicest plane in sports.
I always arrive very early to our executive terminal before we take off, and I was suprised to see who beat me to the airport today (not including TV executive producer Scott Zachry, who probably slept there last night). The first members of the actual team to show up were head coach Nate McMillan, and rookie Sergio Rodriguez. Nate is always there early.
We had a couple of different options for lunch as we took off, as usual. I was taking a walk up the main aisle and noticed Brandon Roy eating a bowl of Froot Loops. He's already on to that tradition. You'd be shocked at how many players turn down steak for Froot Loops on our team. We absolutely plow through cereal, and being I'm a cereal guy, I totally respect that. I said to Brandon, "I'll bet you didn't spend much time eating Froot Loops on those flights around the Pac-10 last season, huh?" He laughed, and said "this is first class, baby." Where else could you get inside info like this?
We hadn't been at the hotel for 15 minutes, when I saw Martell Webster in the lobby. He had workout clothes on, and was heading for the gym to stretch. He's been nursing a sore back, and told me he's still sore, and is not going to push it. But, he also said he's planning on playing against the Sonics. I guess we'll have to wait and see. I believe we call that a "game-time decision." He did practice with the team before the flight, and looked very good. The back did get a little stiff, and he sat out the end of practice.
I could now begin breaking down the game with the Sonics, but we've been doing nothing but that lately. I will tell you that with Danny Fortson and Robert Swift out, expect Seattle to go small, especially late in the game. Nick Collison will end up playing some center, and that could cause Portland some trouble. I asked McMillan if he planned to counter that by going small himself, and he said we'd cross that bridge when we get to it. I took that as a "yes." So, we could see Zach at the five, and Travis Outlaw playing some four. We saw that line up from time to time during the exhibition season. Also, you will see Portland play a good amount of zone defense. They worked on that a ton in practice.
It'll be great to get back to work on the TV side Wednesday night, and we got set for the broadcast with a meeting over dinner across from our hotel in downtown Seattle. A waiter spilled a drink on Mike Rice, so we're off to a good start. "Bad things sometimes happen to good people," I told him. Maybe it's karma. I'd love to say the accidental bath was reflected in the tip, but Rice didn't pay, so the waiter caught a break. After the spill, I said to the waiter, "don't you know who this is?" He didn't. Shocking.
We take the air Wednesday night (KGW-8 in the Portland area, and the Trail Blazers Television Network) at 6:30, with Northwest Chevy Home Court, the pre-game show. We had planned to have assistant general manager Kevin Pritchard on the show with us, but he's been bumped. We don't bump KP for many people, but he understood in this case. His spot will be filled by owner Paul Allen, who will join me at about 6:45. We don't often get our great owner live with us, so we're looking forward to that. I'd love if he stayed around and worked with us on the broadcast, but I'm probably pushing it a bit. I will let him know, on behalf of the team, the Froot Loops on the plane are very much appreciated. I'm not sure if the Seahawks have that option. I'd like to think they don't.
Following Wednesday night's game, we head for the airport and fly to San Fransisco. So, forgive me if the blog isn't updated until Thursday morning. We've got a lot of late nights like this during the season. It's not unusual to see 3am on the clock before we hit the hay after a game. At least it's not a long flight.
Being you were so responsive to my question the other day, do you have any predictions for the opener against the Sonics?
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Love reading your blog Mike. I think that the Blazers will get off to a good start tomorrow night with a 104-92 win. Roy might even get a double double. He will be very excited to be playing his first NBA game infront of his hometown. I do hope Martell rests that back and doesn't try to rush back.
Love reading you insights Mike. Thank You. With that the Blazers start out the season on the right foot with a 104-94 win. I think that Roy could have a double double. He will be playing his first NBA game infront of his hometown. Just keep giving him those Froot Loops. haha.
DOWN WITH THE SONICS!!!
if we have beaten them before, we can beat them again!!!
GO BLAZERS!!!
i say, 120-112, blazers.
nate
Froot Loops? Odd, I think I'd take the steak but cereal is good too.
The waiter didn't know who Mike Rice is?! I always make sure to tell people about you two when I talk about the Blazers. I'm converting everyone I can to the Portland side before it's too late (as in before the bandwaggoners come in 09-10 10-11 or so). I think it is important to convert everyone before the rapture.
Some people are just too stuborn.
I think we'll win. I could say we have a decent chance to win, but i'll just go out on a limb. WIth Swift and Forston out, i don't know what they're plan could be to try and deal with Zach. It'll probably just be the usual double team once he gets it going (which he will with single coverage) and then flash different defensives throughout the rest of the game.
If Zach continues to play as he has, i don't think it'll make a difference what they try to do. As long as Zach believes in his teammates enough to pass out of the double team, they won't have an answer for him. I'll say, too, that every time he gets the ball in a decent spot in single coverage, i hope he just goes to work. They can't stop him.
Call me crazy, but i think Seattle is going to see, for the first time this season, a true account of how difficult it is to beat us. The other games against them, we pulled guys who will now be finishing. We went a lot deeper and spread out minutes much more than we will, tomorrow. On the other hand, they played to win in our first preseason match-up. I think Seattle is in trouble.
I really hope Webster gets some minutes. He's a great guy to have when teams want to double.
I'm expecting only a handful of minutes from Dickau, Magloire, Rodriguez, Graham, and Webster (if he plays at all with that sore back) tomorrow night. The starting five plus Outlaw, Dixon, and LaFrentz will get nearly all the play.
My takeaway from the pre-season - when the Blazers rebound and take care of the ball, they can hang with most anyone in the league. They are a better defensive team than last year, and with Zach staying home in the paint so far, their offense has been effective too.
If the Blazers can keep their turnovers below 15 and come out ahead in rebounds, they win. I know what you're thinking - Allen and Lewis could go nuts, Wilcox could have a career night - yeah, that kind of thing could happen. But probably not.
I'm hoping that we can come out with a win but beyond that I'm scared to even think about it. This is the time when you can dream about the team and the season. Soon reality will set in and we'll all realize that the Blazers are going to have their work cut out for them each and every night.
Hopefully they'll have a good showing and come out on top.
I see Portland winning this game. As long as they can hopefully hold Ray Allen to 15-20 points and contain Rashard Lewis a little as well. With Fortson and Swift out, I see Portland taking advantage in the low post all night. Look for the Blazers get to the line a lot by driving to the hoop and dropping the ball down to Z-bo and Magloire. If Portland doesnt take advantage of this, it could be a long night.
Hey Mike,
Just want to let you know how much your blog is appreciated. It is great getting the behind the scenes info you always have for us. Keep it up! I predict a big night for Roy tonight and a Blazer victory. I also predict Martell will see some action despite his sore back. I think he will tell Nate anything to get into the opening night game in his home town.
Wait a minute, Rice didn't pick up a check? Gee, what are the odds of that, lol? What kind of drink was spilled on Rice?
I understand. The steak will sit with you all day. The Cereal won't. PSSSST: I like Captain Crunchberries.
I think we are going to see 3 great performances from the Blazers tonight.
1 - Zach will have a double double in the high 20's.
2 - Roy is going to be jacked up and nervous but not like the first preseason game. 20 - 24 points and pushing a triple double in rebounds and assists.
3 - Ime will put on a defensive clinic against Lewis.
GO BLAZERS!!!
R.O.Y.
I think Portland starts off with a win this year..
94-89 will be the final in a close entertaining game
Only one thing can keep the Blazers from winning tonight. Turnovers! As the pre-season progressed, out rebounding and assist numbers improved, so I am not too concered about that. The team is gonna be super hyped to get this season started. After soo many guys showed up so early and worked soo hard in the off season they should come out with A LOT of energy and overwhelm the Sonics. Add in the Roy homecoming and we will really see something special........However, i cant leave without a note of pessimism, if we dish out a healthy 20-25 turnovers, it wont be pretty. Still, I predict a beautiful 110-89 victory tonight!
As a Seattle native and fan of B Roy im expecting him to have a big first game back in his home town. I think he will stay focused and help the blazers to a win.
Another person that is going to be a factor in the win is Randolph. I think he will have a huge game agains the sonics big guys wich ever one might be guarding him.
I expect Jack to light up Ridnour early.
I think Magloire should get half the minutes at C. He to can beat up the big guys for Seattle down low. The Blazers should really utilize the former All Star.
hey this is matt the biggest blazer fan there is!! lol well i just wanted to let you know mike that i really enjoy reading these blogs of yours its nice to have someone on the inside keep people updated. i really thought that was cool when you were telling us about the schedule all of you guys have from getting to the airport to being on the plane its like a behind the scenes thing :). well to answer the question about predictions to the season opener well simple BLAZERS WIN!!!! nothing else to it right he he. Ok have a safe flight home.
Hey Mike,
I was just thinking. You should change the name of your every Thursday show to "Mike and Mike in the Evening on KXL radio"... haha
Mike and Mike in the evening, that's good. You should do that. Have it be on FSN or something for TV, played at a later time than the radio show.
WOW! I don't think I've ever been into a Portland Trail Blazer game like that in at least three years. My hands were sweating were sweating more watching the end of that game than watching my beloved Seahawks in the Super Bowl last year. What a great win for Portland.
After all of the moves and pick ups Portland made in the offseason, does anyone else agree the Ime Udoka was the biggest of them all? Getting that Offensive Rebound at the end of the game to pretty much seal it up for Portland was fantastic. Brandon Roy has an awesome game and so does Zach Randolph. Man, I could go on forever talking about all of the great things Portland did. Can you tell I'm excited for this year's team? Good luck against the Warriors!!
Hey I'm tired of hearing other Portlanders trash the Blazers. I just watched the Blazers convincingly beat the Sonics tonight !
To the nay-sayers- I say - put that in your pipe and smoke it!
Go Blazers!
Hey I'm tired of hearing other Portlanders trash the Blazers. I just watched the Blazers convincingly beat the Sonics tonight !
To the nay-sayers- I say - put that in your pipe and smoke it!
To the Blazer Players - thanks for putting your heart into it!
To Nate - you da man!
Go Blazers! Let's get the next one!
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