Blazers sign Pendergraph

[SlyPokerDog]

http://www.nba.com/blazers/news/trail_blazers_sign_jeff_pender_2009_09_08.html

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Trail Blazers signed rookie forward Jeff Pendergraph, General Manager Kevin Pritchard announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Also announced today, Pendergraph will undergo surgery on Wednesday, Sept. 9, to correct a left hip impingement.

“It feels great to officially be a part of the Trail Blazers organization,” said Pendergraph. “I'm here to help this team and contribute in any way that I can. While this is a challenging week with my surgery, it doesn't change the fact that I've accomplished a dream and can proudly wear the Blazers logo. I will do all that I can to recover and get back on the floor.”

“We’re really excited to add Jeff to our team,” said Pritchard. “It’s a bittersweet day, but Jeff has worked his tail off this summer and we know he’s going to put every bit as much into his rehab as he has preparing for the NBA.”

Dr. Marc Philippon of Vail, Colo., will perform the surgery. A timetable for Pendergraph’s return will be determined upon completion of the procedure.

The Trail Blazers acquired the draft rights to Pendergraph from Sacramento in a draft day trade on June 25 in exchange for Sergio Rodriguez, the draft rights to Jon Brockman and cash considerations.

Pendergraph, 22, played four seasons at Arizona State, where he finished with career averages of 12.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.04 blocked shots and a 58.0 percent shooting percentage. As a senior, Pendergraph averaged 14.5 points and was named to the Pac-10’s First Team. His 66.0 percent field goal mark led the nation.

He started all five games for the Trail Blazers in the 2009 NBA Summer League, averaging 10.8 points (55.3% FG), 7.6 rebounds, 0.6 assists and 1.2 blocked shots.

Pendergraph becomes the 13th player on the Trail Blazers’ current roster. He will wear jersey number 31.

 

[Wheels]

Good for Pendergraph, and not a bad PR move for the organization.

 

[Eastoff]

beat me to it!

 

[SodaPopinski]

WHAT!?!?!?! WTF IS KP WAITING FOR ON ALDRIDGE. OH YEAH GREAT THIKING KP SIGN A GUY WITH AN INURY WHO HAS NEVER PLAYED IN THE LEAGUE BEFORE SINGING ONE OF THE CONNERSTONES OF ARE FRANCHISE. THIS GUY IS DENSE OMG IM GONNA GO CRAZY WAITING FOR THIS TO HAPPEN.






Sorry ... just thought we needed a little blast from the past.

 

[BrianFromWA]

Yeah, how does this go with the "KP Hates PFs?" scenario?

 

[Wheels]

WHAT!?!?!?! WTF IS KP WAITING FOR ON ALDRIDGE. OH YEAH GREAT THIKING KP SIGN A GUY WITH AN INURY WHO HAS NEVER PLAYED IN THE LEAGUE BEFORE SINGING ONE OF THE CONNERSTONES OF ARE FRANCHISE. THIS GUY IS DENSE OMG IM GONNA GO CRAZY WAITING FOR THIS TO HAPPEN.






Sorry ... just thought we needed a little blast from the past.

wow... I'm tired so I'm having trouble reading things right, I thought my mind was totally gone lol.

 

[Nikolokolus]

Yeah, how does this go with the "KP Hates PFs?" scenario?

It's a love-hate thing

 

[ABM]

KP extended Martell immediately following his injury, as well.

Shrewd?

 

[Nikolokolus]

KP extended Martell immediately following his injury, as well.

Shrewd?

If by shrewd you mean poorly timed and caused him to say, "gee I wish I could that over again", then yes -- "shrewd"

 

[Eastoff]

If by shrewd you mean poorly timed and caused him to say, "gee I wish I could that over again", then yes -- "shrewd"

well he can probably get them over a barrel and say "Hey man, you're injured. We want to help you out, but we're going to have to reduce your contract from what we were going to pay you before." or something misleading like that.

 

[BenDavis503]

That was a classy move by the team.

 

[Draco]

Stupid move. If the team wants to "be nice" or "classy" why don't they put on a charity event. Instead they blow half a million bucks on a guy who won't play a game next year. Horrible use of money, no wonder Paul Allen losses multi millions on his franchise, he runs it like a kid playing a game of monopoly.

 

[Wheels]

Stupid move. If the team wants to "be nice" or "classy" why don't they put on a charity event. Instead they blow half a million bucks on a guy who won't play a game next year. Horrible use of money, no wonder Paul Allen losses multi millions on his franchise, he runs it like a kid playing a game of monopoly.

what if it means locking him up for cheap for a few years? then how is it a stupid move?

 

[oldmangrouch]

It was the right thing for the team to do. He was injured at a camp run by Blazer staff, and was no doubt there at the insistence of the team.

The deal is probably very cheap, with only one season guaranteed. If he recovers and plays - great. If not, he has his surgery/rehab covered and the team has a clear conscience.

I know, some of you think I am a hardass when it comes to injured players, but when it comes to medical bills for a basketball related injury, I firmly believe the team has moral and legal obligations it should honor.

 

[Iwatas]

It was absolutely necessary to sign him. If they had not done so, then no unsigned rookie would play for the team in the future, holding up the team because of the lawyers.

The reputation of the team among all prospective Blazers hangs on things like this.

iWatas

 

[BlazerWookee]

Like eating Quaker Oatmeal.

[video=youtube;7-1N09Ways8]"]

 

[SheedSoNasty]

I'm guessing he'll come pretty cheap and could end up being a nice addition as a garbage time / energy guy off the bench down the road type of player. I'm glad he's here.

 

[LOTBfan]

if he doesn't play at all, wouldn't league insurance pay a bunch of his salary for us?

 

[SlyPokerDog]

if he doesn't play at all, wouldn't league insurance pay a bunch of his salary for us?

I would think not since he was injured before we signed him.

Preexisting injury.

 

[JayRose]

KP extended Martell immediately following his injury, as well.

Shrewd?

Decent is the word, I think.

 

[PapaG]

KP extended Martell immediately following his injury, as well.

Shrewd?

I'm guessing the Blazers didn't think Webster's injury was a serious as it has turned out to be. Webster would have been a lot cheaper this summer unless somebody grossly overpaid for him.