Blake signs offer sheet with Blazers

Trail Blazers Sign Steve Blake

The Trail Blazers have signed restricted free agent Point Guard Steve Blake to an offer sheet.

The 6-foot-3, 172-pound Blake appeared in 119 games in two seasons including four playoff games with the Washington Wizards. He averaged 5.3 points per game, 2.3 assists per game, and 1.6 rebounds per game while shooting 36.8% from the field and 81.5 % from the line in 17.1 minutes per game. Due to an ankle sprain Blake only played in 44 games last season and averaged 4.3 points per game, 1.6 rebounds per game and 2.3 rebounds per game in 14.7 minutes per game.

"Steve Blake has competed at the highest level in college culminated by his experience at Maryland and winning a National Championship and with his two season at Washington he adds to the limited experience of a young team." said Trail Blazers General Manager John Nash. "Nate in particular was looking for a perimeter threat at the point guard position and Steve has demonstrated that at the NBA level."

The Washington Wizards selected Blake in the second round (38th pick overall) of the 2003 NBA Draft. Blake left Maryland as their all-time leader in assists with 972, good enough for fifth best total in the NCAA and fourth highest mark in Atlantic Coast Conference history. Blake became the first player in ACC history to record at least 1,000 points, 800 assists, 400 rebounds and 200 steals.

Per team policy, the terms of the deal were not disclosed. Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement the Washington Wizards will have until September 28th to match the Trail Blazers offer.

Why exactly did they do that? They already have three guys capable of playing the PG position (Seb, Jack, Dixon). They should rather sign a big man capable of playing the PF spot.

Trade in the works?

But for who?? Are there any rumors around?

maybe they are gonna move Blake to the 2 position.... but he's a little undersized.
It's a strange move, but Blake isn't a bad player.

maybe theyre doing the same thing washington tried. have blake and dixon together to form the success they had together in maryland... GO TERPS

Blazers probably wanted at least one solid PG on the roster....if you look at who've they got....

Telfair - talented, but also young and quite inexperienced....he'll have his struggles....
Jack - a rookie, enough said....could see a little bit of time at SG in a small lineup....
Dixon - a SG in a PG's body....quality role player but streaky....will play a little SG in small ball lineup as well....

I think Blazers want a PG who is solid if all of these guys don't have it going....

Yuck, Blake in Black Red and White? Sick...

I think Portland are trying to imitate Suns' "small ball" basketball back in the days of Chapman,KJ etc where they have that style.Hope it works for them.