MB 9/30 Blog

[Reep]

www.nba.com/blazers

I can say that Oden was very, very good throughout 90 percent of the first practice. His footwork around the rim is his second-strongest skill. His soft hands are probably first on that list. He catches nearly every ball thrown his way.

. . .

The first practice started at 10am on Tuesday morning. Rookie Jerryd Bayless was the first player to the practice facility. I was told he arrived a little before 7 a.m., ready to roll. And, he already leads this team in floor burns.

. . .

A lot of guys looked very sharp already, but leading the pack of guys who look to be ready for the pre-season right now is LaMarcus Aldridge. His upper body looks chisled, and his shooting touch has gotten even better. He will lead this team in scoring this season.

. . .

Martell Webster is in that same class. He looks like he's added muscle, and was hitting shot after shot in the early going. The starting small-forward spot is his to lose at this point, in my opinion.

. . .

Rudy Fernandez wasn't shooting the ball as well as everyone knows he can, but one thing on display was his passing ability. Fernandez is lightening-quick, handles the ball extremely well, and covers a lot of ground on both ends of the floor.

. . .

If you're looking for one player who, in my opinion, will surprise you this season, I'd have to say Steve Blake. He's been in the gym in Portland all summer, and it's already paying off. He's running the offense with confidence, shooting the ball better than we've seen, and always defends well.

. . .

Conditioning Test: Webster had the best time for the second-straight year, and just like last year, Aldridge was right behind him. Webster cleared his deadline with 21 seconds to spare, with Aldridge at +20.

 

[BoBoBREWSKI]

I love MB's blogs, especially this time of year.

Great to hear that Aldridge is looking good already. I think he'll be our MVP this season.

 

[THE HCP]

I love MB's blogs, especially this time of year.

Great to hear that Aldridge is looking good already. I think he'll be our MVP this season.

I love MB's Standard TV and Appliance the best! I wonder if the Schonz is going to take a hit out on my dogg MB for stealing his work?

 

[maxiep]

I love MB's Standard TV and Appliance the best! I wonder if the Schonz is going to take a hit out on my dogg MB for stealing his work?

Wait, you're telling me MB is now the spokesperson for Standard? C'mon, how can they do that to the Schonz?

 

[Reep]

[Oden's] soft hands are probably first on that list. He catches nearly every ball thrown his way.

I remember a game last year (Clippers?) where Joel got the ball down low in a slow part of the game and the anouncers comment was "the ball goes inside to Przybilla--this should be interesting." I like Joel, but I love the idea of having a guy who can really catch the ball down low and do something with it.

 

[THE HCP]

In the first spot MB is standing and talking in front of the TV's. I wanna' see him sprawled out on the beds!

 

[Ed O]

Here's the direct link.

Good stuff from MB!

Ed O.

 

[BlazersBlood]

I love reading MB's stuff. It gets me so pumped for the Blazers!