Przybilla Likely to Return Tuesday
posted: 11/27/2006 at 9:24 PM
Tired of seeing opposing players score on his team at point-blank range, Blazers coach Nate McMillan seemed relieved after Monday's practice, and said, "help is on the way." He was referring to Joel Przybilla, who, after sitting out three weeks, will likely return to the court on Tuesday night when the Blazers host the Indiana Pacers.
In the second game of the season, at Golden State, Przybilla went up to contest a drive by Troy Murphy, and took a knee square to the abdomen. He continued to play in the game, but in the following days suffered through intense pain and swelling, and was ordered to bed (or the couch) for 4-5 days. The recovery has been much longer than he anticipated, and much more painful as well. He told me many times during the past three weeks that this was the most painful injury he's ever had as an athlete. He finally underwent surgery on the 17th, and is now nearing full strength.
Przybilla practiced on Monday, and certainly looked ready to return game action. He was swatting shots, pulling down rebounds, and even displaying a little offense. The Blazer frontline will welcome him back with open arms. They have been badly needing the help of a shot blocker inside, and have been surrendering a lot of points in the paint. Phoenix had 56 points in the paint on Sunday, and Sacramento had 44 on Saturday, and those are teams not noted for their inside, post-up play.
Raef LaFrentz has returned to practice as well, but won't likely suit up for Tuesday's game. He could, however, be set for a return on Friday when the Orlando Magic come to town. LaFrentz pulled a calf muscle during training camp, and then re-injured it at practice, before the second game of the season. His inside play, and long-range shooting should be a big help when he returns.
Brandon Roy was at practice on Monday, still wearing the boot on his left foot. A timetable for his return is still very much up in the air, unfortunately. Friday Roy will undergo an MRI on his left heel, and more should be known after that. Doctors are hoping the inflammation around the talus bone will be down, and as a precaution, will likely recommend that he stay in the boot for at least another week. If all goes well, he could then perhaps return to activity. A return to practice would follow that. If he's still pain free, a return to action could be on the horizon some time after that. Surgery is being looked at as a last option at this point, but nothing more is known at this time.
I spent about 20 minutes with Brandon following practice today, and as you would expect, it's killing him not to be playing. "I had a great start, and really proved to myself that I can succeed at this level," Roy told me. "Then, this happened. I'm frustrated, but also am just counting the days until I can get back in there. My teammates need me, and I think I can help them."
Roy still isn't sure why he all of a sudden had this severe pain in his heel. He says he never had a problem with it in college, and says that makes it all the more frustrating. "It was bothering me a little bit in the first couple of games," says Roy. "Then in the Minnesota game (Nov.4), I remember coming down and coming to a hard jump stop. I really felt it then. I told Jay (Jensen, Portland's trainer) I could finish that game and stayed in. Then, in the game against the Clippers it really flared up on me and I had to come out. I tried playing again in the next game against the Lakers, but it was just too painful. Hopefully, this time spent resting it will take care of the problem. I'm just not sure right now, and that's what's so difficult."
The Trail Blazers and Pacers go at it Tuesday night at the Rose Garden. Indiana is off to a disappointing 7-7 start, and is opening a difficult 5-game western swing. The Pacers have won five straight against the Blazers, their longest winning streak in the history of the series.
The game will be televised on FSN at 7 o'clock, and can also be heard on the Trail Blazers Radio Network.
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It sure will be good to get Joel back. I'm sure he will be a tad rusty for a few quarters since he hasn't played in over two weeks, but just his presence in the lineup should put a little fear into opposing teams.
When Joel comes back at full strength, do you know how the Center rotation will play out now that we've seen what LaMarcus can do, Mike? I think Travis Outlaw will drop down to the three spot and LaMarcus will come in for Zach off the bench at the 4 spot. And of course Jamaal backing up Joel. I'm entrigued to see what Coach Nate does with the lineup.
Hy guys, Spain is here!
Again we saw Sergio enjoing himself and improving day after day. He finally achieved one of his dreams that is to play against Steve Nash. Congratullations.
Sunday was a bit strange day. In the morning Estudiantes lost against Lagun Aro, with Nacho Azofra managing them. It was exciting to hear "la Demencia" singing all over the match "Nachocho, Nachocho, ..." At night we could saw Sergio playing for Portland, still a bit difficult for Estudiantes fans. Hopefully in a very near future Portland's fans will shout his name in Rose Garden Arena. Try to do so and you will see how he can improve. We've bought Spanish Christmas Lottery of number 11011, that will be the winner this year "El Gordo" so we can earn enough money to travel to Portland and make some fun with Sergio. Just wait and see.
Good luck for the week.
Mike, do you know if Portland has any exhibition games against international competition planned in the future? That would be a lot of fun.
I think Zach is going to have a huge night, tonight. I hope Joel has been able to keep up at least a little bit with conditioning. It'll be interesting to see what happens with the rotation once we get all our guys back. I'd like to see Aldridge and Sergio to continue to get minutes, but i also want to win. I think Nate is still coaching to win at this point, and i trust he'll get the best rotation figured out.
Also, is Zach having problems with his knee?
mrblazer,
We know the NBA continues to send teams overseas for exhibitions against foreign teams. Sooner or later, the Blazers will get the call. Spain perhaps?
Zach isn't having trouble with his knees. He left the game on Sunday and had them iced, and we showed a shot or two of that on TV. Several people have asked me about this. Everyone ices after games, and being Zach's night was over early, he just got a jump start on that process. He has been taking an pounding, but he's healthy.
MB
Hi Mike! It is going to be great to see Joel back in action. I think Mike Rice's Key to the game tonight should be Joel Przybilla. We have such a promising team this year and I am very glad to see where the organization is heading. Good luck tonight!
Maria :-)
Its funny,
people have seen what portland can do in the beginning of the season but since then we have almost lost the respect around the NBA i think with joel and lafrentz back and soon roy we will have our playoff team back in full swing and show everyone what rip city is all about
your fan
Andrew
I absolutely love travis outlaw! I have been watching the Blazers the past few years and when he first started playing I knew he would eventually be a star! Joel Pryzbilla and Dairus Miles are great too. I am glad you got rid of damen.
By the way, I never get to see the Blazers anymore since I moved back to Texas. It has made me very, very sad. I love the Blazers!
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