Well, the night finally ended around 10:15pm, with very little that could be said for the record. As you will hear, we sat through one of the most ridiculous press conferences most of us had every witnessed, and that's saying something. For the record here is what the Blazers have officially done to this point:
Selected Guard Brandon Rush of Kansas with the 13th pick
Acquired the 27th pick from the Hornets, selecting Forward Darrell Arthur of Kansas then trading it to Houston with the 33rd pick, Forward Joey Dorsey of Memphis, for the 25th pick Nicolas Batum of France.
Selected Center Omer Asik of Turkey with the 36th pick and traded him to Chicago for two 2nd round picks in 2009 and a second round pick in 2010.
Selected Guard Mike Taylor of the Idaho Stampede with the 55th pick then traded it to the L.A. Clippers for a future second round pick.
Now, here is what is not official. The Blazers will send Jarrett Jack, Josh McRoberts and the rights to Brandon Rush to the Indiana Pacers for Ike Diagu and the rights to Guard Jerryd Bayless of Arizona. This deal is not expected to become official until July 9th due to the structure of Diagu's contract. Basically, that means it's two more guys that Kevin and Nate cannot talk about along with Rudy Fernandez. Honestly, the press conference was just bizarre.
What we were able to decypher from Kevin was that Bayless was rated the fourth best player in the draft by the Blazers. Speculation as to his ability to handle the point by other teams led to his slipping to the number 11 slot. With Jarrett Jack moving on and Bayless being a similar combo guard, one can discern the team plans to have Brandon Roy expand his role as a point guard this year. With Rudy Fernandez the Blazers would have five backcourt players under contract in Bayless, Blake, Fernandez, Roy and Rodriguez. They are still thin at the three position with Martell Webster and Travis Outlaw. There is a logjam at the four with LaMarcus Aldridge, Channing Frye, Raef LaFrenz and Ike Diagu, with Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla at center. That's 13 contracts, with Nicolas Batum a question mark as to whether he joins the team this season. Kevin Pritchard mentioned he was very happy with his top ten on his roster which leads me to believe Sergio, Raef and either Diagu or Frye are on the outside looking in for playing time this season. The other variable is if they can resign James Jones, who did not exercise the option on his contract making him a free agent. The Blazers would still like to have him back, the question is how much are they willing to spend.
I got the feeling they were done as far the off season goes. Kevin told me that the moves he made and will make did not affect the team's cap flexibility come next season. There is no doubt the Blazers expect to make the playoffs this season, but more importantly, from a personnel standpoint, this season is about determining what the final piece or pieces to the puzzle will be come draft time next year when Pritchard and company will have unprecidented cap room to use.
With dimished fanfare and far less national media attention, the Blazers pre draft workouts have begun, as they prepare for June 26th's NBA Draft. Armed with the 13th pick plus three second rounders (assuming they keep them all), GM Kevin Pritchard and Head Coach Nate McMillan are looking for the next piece of the puzzle. I, your faithful reporter, will be there every day giving you my thoughts as well as those of the participants.
DAY 8- Wednesday June 18th
D.J. AUGUSTIN STANLEY BURRELL
6-0, 180 lbs., 20 yrs. 6-3. 210 lbs., 23 yrs.
Guard, Texas Guard, Xavier
JOSH DUNCAN MALIK HAIRSTON
6-9, 238 lbs., 22 yrs. 6-6, 220 lbs., 21 yrs.
Forward, Xavier Guard/Forward, Oregon
LONGAR LONGAR JASON RICH
6-11, 234 lbs., 25 yrs. 6-3, 211 lbs., 22 yrs.
Center, Oklahoma Guard, Florida State
Click here for Nate McMillan's comments
Click here for D.J. Augustin's comments
Click here for Malik Hairston's comments
Maybe the biggest media throng of the entire pre-draft workout sessions. No doubt, by now you have heard about the show that D.J. Augustin put on for the Blazers and the media during his workout. Watching the three and three drills I had one name pop into my head...Tony Parker. Yes, he is a little smaller than Tony but not by much. he was able to get into the paint, or go around defenders to the baseline seemingly at will. Plus, he is a better pure shooter that Parker. The biggest knock on Augustin is his size, or lack thereof, when it comes to defending bigger point guards in the Western conference such as Baron Davis, Derron Williams, and Jason Kidd. Everyone seems to forget how annoying a defender Mugsy Bouges was at 5'3". The other thing to remember with this Blazers team now is the Greg Oden in the middle will allow the perimeter players to be much more aggressive on the ball. Being a couple of inches shorter than your opponent is not as big deal 25 feet from the basket as it would be 5 feet from the basket. Oh, and did I mention he can just shoot. He would help with spacing the floor opposite a Martell Webster or James Jones. Now if Brandon Roy penatrates, who is the opponent going to double off of?
As for Malik Hairston, he has never looked better. That was the first thing I noticed as he worked out. Malik is one of those guys in the draft that has not had the luxury of picking his workouts carefully. By draft night I believe he will have had fifteen or sixteen workouts in addition to playing in the pre-draft camps. That will take a toll on anyone, no matter how young and vibrant he is. As far as he projects into the NBA, I think he could have a long career as one of those supersub types. He can play multiple positions, including point guard if you needed one in a pinch. He is a streaky shooter (think Chuck Person when he is rolling), and Malik has a confidence about him that will allow him to play with starters or a second unit and adapt to the role that is needed on the floor at that given time. Ultimately, I think he will get drafted earlier in the second round than most think and eventually find a team where he can be a regular contributor on a nightly basis.
Well, just one week to go. Having Kevin Pritchard on the show yesterday only reinforced on thing in my mind. Expect the unexpected on draft night. The Blazers don't really "need" something specific in this draft. While there are positions they would like to strengthen, they could go to training camp with their roster as is and feel pretty confident that they are a playoff team if they continue to mature and develop as they did last year. So Kevin Pritchard can just sit back and see how the night unfolds, just like a surfer reading the waves, waiting for that perfect one to rise up and carry him all the way to shore. And if it doesn't show up....well then it's just another day at the beach and who can complain about that.
DAY 7- Tuesday June 17th
JOE ALEXANDER NICOLAS BATUM
6-8, 230 lbs., 21 yrs. 6-8, 190 lbs., 19 yrs.
Forward, West Virgina Guard/Forward, France
DONTE GREEN DERON WASHINGTON
6-11, 226 lbs., 20 yrs. 6-7, 202 lbs., 22 yrs.
Forward, Syracuse Forward, Virginia Tech
Click here for Nate McMillan's comments
Click here for Kevin Pritchard's comments
Click here for Joe Alexander's comments
The main focus of this bunch was no doubt Joe Alexander from West Virginia. He officially made the decision to stay in the draft as an underclassman on Sunday, he told the media after the workout. As for the workout itself, we didn't get to see much of it, as the group was already into the final shooting drill when the gatekeepers showed us in. Paul Allen was in attendance for the just the second time during these pre draft workouts.
We will have to take Nate McMillan's word that Joe Alexander was as advertised. He spoke of his athleticism, ability to shoot the ball, and intensity. Dante Green was mildly interesting but seemed to be a one dimensional player based on the comments from Nate and Kevin. He is definitely intriguing at 6'10" to play the three, but not sure he has the athleticism to defend at that position, and he is too slight to bang down low with power forwards in the NBA.
The thing to note with Alexander was how comfortable he was with all of the media after the workout. (All the local media was there today) When you hear Kevin Pritchard talk about the culture and ethos of the Portland Trailblazers, it seems to be a perfect fit. The biggest question is if Alexander would still be available with the 13th pick. More and more, I have a feeling that the Blazers really won't know what they are going to do at thirteen until they are officially on the clock. Kevin Pritchard will no doubt have a myriad of scenarios ready to go, but I think draft day could be a very fluid night.
DAY 6- Thursday June 12th
RODRIGUE BEAUBOIS TY LAWSON
6-0, 170 lbs., 20 yrs. 5-11, 195 lbs., 20 yrs.
Guard, France Guard, North Carolina
DeMARCUS NELSON RUSSELL WESTBROOK
6-4, 200 lbs., 22 yrs. 6-3, 187 lbs., 19 yrs.
Guard, Duke Guard, UCLA
Well, the first real group of potential first round picks brough out Paul Allen to watch the procedings. Nate McMillan was tending to personal matters according to media relations masters Jim and Collin. (Yes, I am sucking up) As for the play on the floor, Russell Westbrook clearly stuck out to me, as he was able to handle all the different situations the Blazers assistant coaches put them in. One on one he was able to keep guys in front him, off the ball defense in two on two drills was solid. He will need to bulk up a little bit, but looks like he could carry a few more pounds without sacrificing his quickness. Offensively, able to get anywhere he wanted on the floor. He had a better shooting display than I expected and has a good looking shot. Easy to forget he's only nineteen years old, seems like he's been at UCLA for much longer than two years.
Ty Lawson is another one of those powerful little guards. Combined with his quickness, he can be a menace defensively, but his lack of height will be a challenge in the NBA, and is something traditionally Nate has tried to avoid. The biggest concern I saw was his shooting motion. He shoots his jump shot from his shoulder making it very easy for taller guards to lay off of him and still be able to block his shot. He really could use another year at North Carolina to work on his individual offense, and to distance himself from his recent arrest for underage drinking. Nelson was an interesting case, as he displayed tremendous defensive skills, not surprising coming from Duke. However, he has a very funky shooting motion that makes him shorter than his 6'4" stature. Not sure if his name will be called in the first round.
There was quite a bit of buzz amongst us media members about Westbrook and if he could be the pick at 13, assuming the Blazers keep the pick. You can debate that all you want, but looking at the roster, the one thing I think it's safe to assume is if the Blazers take Westbrook or another point guard at 13, then there is a deal in place to move one of the current point guards on the roster. No special insight into that belief, just an observation.
DAY 5- Tuesday June 10th
MARCUS DOVE DAVID PADGETT
6-9, 212 lbs., 22 yrs. 6-11, 250 lbs., 23 yrs.
Forward/Center, Oklahoma St. Center, Louisville
JAJUAN SMITH BRYCE TAYLOR
6-2, 195 lbs., 22 yrs. 6-4, 210 lbs., 21 yrs.
Guard, Tennessee Guard, Oregon
DARIAN TOWNES REGGIE WILLIAMS
6-10, 243 lbs., 23 yrs. 6-6, 195 lbs., 21 yrs.
Forward/Center, Arkansas Guard/Forward, VMI
Click here for Nate McMillan's comments
Click here for Bryce Taylor's comments
Click here for Swag, one on one with Bryce Taylor
Another day, another group of potential late first to early second rounders coming through town. Most of the attention focused on Bryce Taylor, the first of three graduating Ducks scheduled to work out for the Blazers. Taylor acquitted himself very well looking like the shooting guard he projects to be. Has the size and quickness to be successful on the next level, will need to add some strength to handle bigger guards he is likely to face.
Overall this group offered nothing out of the ordinary good or bad. It is interesting to note that all these players were 4 or 5 year seniors. It's also becoming very clear what the Blazers are looking to add this off season. With Carroll yesterday and Taylor, Smith, and Williams you have a group with prodigious 3-point shooting careers at their respective universities. The other end of the spectrum is adding some physical toughness to the roster. Sasha Kaun, J.J. Hickson, and today Marcus Dove played tough and physical throughout the portions of the workout we saw.
With Greg Oden and Rudy Fernandez added to the roster next season, it's hard to imagine the team adding a key piece of the puzzle with their draft picks this year. Nate mentioned yesterday that it's most likely the team will take a player that is a bit more of a project, where he can develop either overseas or in the D-League for a couple of years while the nucleus of talent comes together in the next couple of years.
DAY 4- Monday June 9th
JAYCEE CARROLL
Click here for Nate McMillan's comments
6-2, 200 lbs., 25 yrs.
Guard, Utah St.
JAMES GIST
Click here for James Gist's comments
6-9, 235 lbs., 21 yrs.
Forward, Maryland
J.J. HICKSON
6-9, 242 lbs., 19 yrs.
Forward, N.C. State
LESTER HUDSON
6-3, 190 lbs., 24 yrs.
Guard, Tennessee- Martin
Nothing earth-rattling this morning with this foursome. Two guards and two bigs. Hickson drawing the most curiosity, he has only played one year for the Wolfpack and has yet to hire an agent, so he could go back for another year at Raleigh. He is a physical speciman and full of potential, but game is limited right now to having the ball on the block with his back to the basket. In two on two drills you could see him hesitate a few times where he had to think about what to do next. Gist meanwhile was much smoother but a tweener between the three and the four spot. Decent mid range shooter, but was overwhelmed by Hickson at times.
Two completely different guards, as Carroll is just a pure shooter, or sniper, as Nate described him. Another undersized two guard, but did have pretty good ball handling skills. Lot of leg in his jump shot which could cause some concern adjusting to the NBA 3-point line. Hudson looks more like a fullback than a point guard. Slasher and scorer, but not very comfortable or consistent shooting threes. Of the group, Hickson is the only player who piqued curiosity.
In addition to the normal cast of media, Ken Bone and Steve Blake in attendance at this morning's workout
DAY 3- Saturday June 7th
VICTOR CLAVER
Click here for Nate McMillan's comments
6-9, 235 lbs., 19 yrs.
Forward, Spain
GARY FORBES
Click here for Gary Forbes' comments
6-7, 220 lbs., 23 yrs.
Guard/Forward, UMASS
STEVEN HILL
Click here for Kevin Pritchard's comments
7-0, 248 lbs., 22 yrs.
Center, Arkansas
SASHA KAUN
6-11, 250 lbs., 23 yrs.
Center, Kansas
A sparse crowd for a Saturday morning workout, but those who were there saw a pretty intense workout. The highlight of the day was Gary Forbes. The Atlantic 10 player of the year has an NBA body, and more importantly NBA moves. Combination of size and speed to play either the two or three position, good ball handler and can finish at the hoop with either hand. Has the ability to create own shot off the dribble or hit shots coming off the screen. He was the MVP of the Orlando pre draft camp and is someone you could envision fitting into Nate McMillan's system. If the Blazers trade down or completely out of the first round on draft day Forbes is a name you might hear them announce late in the first round, or with the first pick in the second round.
As for the rest of the bunch, Kevin Pritchard spoke highly of Sasha Kaun's effort during the workout. As a fellow Jayhawk, there was an extra gleam in his eye, but Kaun was very active defensively in the two on two drills. He was teamed with Forbes during most of the workout that we saw and communicated very well. He is a very physical player, but his jump shot is not a thing of beauty. Steven Hill didn't really stand out much at all. Your run of the mill seven foot space eater/shot blocker with seemingly limited offensive skills. As for Victor Claver, the youngster from Spain, he's right out of the European mold, lanky swing man with a good shooting stroke, but wasn't able to keep Forbes in front of him one on one. At just 19 years old definitely needs more seasoning in Europe before being NBA ready.
I had a chance to ask Kevin Pritchard about Rudy Fernandez, he is very limited in what he can discuss until he signs a contract with the Blazers, but he did indicate his addition to the roster will affect on the draft process. He became very tight lipped when I asked him if the recent legal troubles for Ty Lawson would effect his coming to Portland to workout next week. Didn't get the feeling he would come. He was scheduled to work out with Russell Westbrook.
DAY 2- Wednesday June 4th
C.J. GILES
6-11, 235 lbs., 23 yrs.
Forward/Center, Oregon St.
GIORGI SHERMADINI
7-1, 250 lbs., 19 yrs.
Center, Republic of Georgia
Click here for C.J. Giles' Comments
Click here for Nate McMillan's Comments
Click here for Kevin Pritchard's Comments
The first group of bigs to come to town featured an unknown kid from The Republic of Georgia who's only been playing basketball for three years, and a top talent that is trying to overcome a checkered past. Most of the media was there to see C.J. Giles, the Rainier Beach product from Seattle who had troubles at Kansas, came to Oregon State only to be dismissed from the team after Jay John was let go in the middle of the season.
First, Giles is trying to beat the odds on two fronts. He has only played 10 competitve games in the last two years at any level, so his conditioning and timing are in question. He has been working out religiously during the spring, but he looked pretty gassed over the last half of the workout. Both Nate and Kevin believe he has NBA talent, but they want to see him commit to the grind of being a professional both on and off the court. They also know that there would be additional scrutiny of selecting a player with Giles past here in Portland. C.J. was very demure when talking with us, understanding the missteps of his past and knows the only way to overcome them is to not repeat them in the future. A real longshot to be drafted by the Blazers.
As for Shermadini, you would never guess this kid has only been playing basketball for three years. More athletic than you would think for someone of his size. Good hands and a pretty decent array of post moves for a 19 year old. Decent shooting display out to 18 feet. He would be a project, but again the possibility of him being taken in the second round, playing a couple more years in Europe then seeing what the team needs as Przybilla nears the end of his contract would not be a far fetched idea.
DAY 1- Tuesday June 3rd
MIKE GREEN
6-1, 184 lbs., 23yrs.
Guard, Butler University
RODRIGUE BEAUBOIS
6-0, 170 lbs., 20 yrs.
Guard, France
RUDY MBEMBA
5-11, 177 lbs., 21 yrs.
Guard, Sweden
Click here for Nate McMillan's comments
Click here for Kevin Pritchard's comments
Nothing too noteworthy to report, other than the fact that Kevin Pritchard was downright giddy with excitement for the process to begin. He appeared to be less burdened this year compared to last. Having the cornerstones of the franchise already in place, he know gets to sit back with his management team and really evaluate players of all shapes and sizes to determine if there is a "diamond in the rough" that can add something to this team.
As for the players we watched. All point guards, and none with the resume that Taurian Green had last year. Mbemba was by far the most energetic and demonstrative for the second half of the workout that we were allowed to watch. But his lack of height and poor shooting display doesn't seem to fit the Nate McMillan mold.
Mike Green was the one name people knew, the Horizon league player of the year for Butler, having led the Bulldogs to the Sweet Sixteen. He's built like a brick outhouse but the slowest of the three players, and I'm not sure about that 6' 1" measurement either. Beaubois was at least an inch taller. Green had a nice shooting display at the end of the workout, but he's really an undersized two guard. Being the oldest of the players it seems his ceiling would be the lowest.
Rodrigue Beaubois worked out for the Blazers last year, and it was easy to see why they brought him back this year. Nate McMillan told me he was very impressed with his speed. By far the most athletic of the three, and had an impressive shooting display at the end of the workout. The youngest of the three at 20 years of age, I wouldn't be surprised to see his name called by the team in the second round. They could keep him in Europe for a year or two while they sort out the point guard log jam on the roster, and bring him over after a year or two of seasoning. Didn't see enough of his ball handling to come to a conclusion, but defenitely has the speed and quickness to keep NBA point guards in front of him.
