Just Blazin'... [Trade, Recaps]

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:arrow: Schedule Type > NBA
Season Length > 82
Quarter Length > 5 Minutes
Sim Quarter Length > 5 Minutes
Playoff Length > 7-7-7-7
Simulation Injuries > Yes
Fantasy Draft > No

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Zach Randolph Named Most Improved Player
April 22, 2004

Trail Blazers Forward Zach Randolph has been named as the 2003-04 NBA Most Improved Player.

The Most Improved Player is selected by a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters from throughout the United States and Canada.

The third-year forward’s numbers increased dramatically, seeing gains of 11.7 ppg, 6.0 rpg and 1.5 apg from the 2002-03 season. Randolph led the Blazers in scoring, 20.1 ppg (16th in the NBA); rebounding, 10.5 rpg (6th); and double-doubles, 43 (tied for 5th).

He started 80 of the 81 games he played and was the Blazers leading scorer 44 times and the team's leading rebounder 61 times. He scored 20 or more points on 42 occasions and scored 30 or more points three times.

Randolph received a total of 379 points, including 59 first-place votes, from a panel of 121 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada. Cleveland’s Carlos Boozer finished second with 166 points (12 first-place votes) and Memphis’ James Posey was third with 137 points (17 first-place votes). Players were awarded five points for each first-place vote, three points for each second-place vote and one point for each third-place vote received.



“Despite being overlooked after having an all-star caliber year,” said Trail Blazers General Manager John Nash, “This award acknowledges the tremendous progress Zach has made.”

The 6-foot-9, 256-pound Randolph finished the 2003-04 season as one of only five players to average 20 or more points and 10 or more rebounds. The others achieving this feat: Kevin Garnett of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs, Shaquille O’Neal of the L.A. Lakers and Jermaine O’Neal of the Indiana Pacers.

Randolph finished in the league top ten in many statistical categories, including third in most field goals made, 663, tied for fifth in double-doubles, 5, sixth in total rebounds, 851, defensive rebounds, 609, and rebounds per game, 10.5, eighth in defensive rebounds per game, 7.5, and ninth in offensive rebounds per game, 3.0.



Portland’s first round selection (19th pick overall) in the 2001 NBA Draft out of Michigan State, Randolph finished in the league’s top ten in many statistical categories, including third in field goals made, 663, tied for fifth in double-doubles, 5, sixth in total rebounds, 851, defensive rebounds, 609, and rebounds per game, 10.5, eighth in defensive rebounds per game, 7.5, and ninth in offensive rebounds per game, 3.0. He also posted a career-high 34 points versus Indiana on December 3, and tied his career-high in rebounds with 20 against the Phoenix Suns on December 18.

"I am very pleased that Zach has been recognized as the NBA's Most Improved Player," said Trail Blazers Head Coach Maurice Cheeks. "He has worked extremely hard to take his game to a higher level and it is great to see him receive this honor."

Randolph is the second Blazer in franchise history to be selected as Most Improved Player; Kevin Duckworth received the honor in 1987-88. Randolph is the Blazers first post-season award winner since Mike Dunleavy won Coach of the Year and Brian Grant won the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award after the 1998-99 season.
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Trail Blazers Draft Selections
June 24, 2004

The Trail Blazers begin the 2004 draft with the 13th and 23rd picks in the first round and the 44th pick in the second round.

13th Pick
With the thirteenth pick in the 2004 draft, the Trail Blazers selected Sebastian Telfair.

Telfair, a guard, was an early entry candidate for the 2004 NBA Draft. He was named a 2004 McDonald’s All-American and played in the McDonald’s High School All-America game. He was also named to the PARADE Magazine All-America Team.



Telfair was named to 2004 USA Men’s Junior National Select Team, which played at the Nike Hoop Summit in San Antonio. He was ranked No. 1 among the high school class of 2004 by Basketball Times and No. 6 by Prep Stars.

Telfair is the cousin of New York Knicks guard Stephon Marbury and half-brother of Jamel Thomas, who’s had short stints in the NBA and been a star overseas. Telfair aspires to own his own business following his basketball career.

23rd Pick
With the twenty-third pick, the Trail Blazers selected Forward Sergei Monia from CSKA Moscow (Russia).

Monia began playing with the Autodorozhnik Saratov juniors, and made his debut with the Saratov seniors in 2000-01. He signed with CSKA Moscow in 2002-03. His team won the 2002-03 Russian National Championship with CSKA Moscow.



Monia began playing with the Autodorozhnik Saratov juniors, and made his debut with the Saratov seniors in 2000-01. He signed with CSKA Moscow in 2002-03. His team won the 2002-03 Russian National Championship with CSKA Moscow.

Monia was also a member of the Russian Junior National Team. He played at the 2000 European Junior Championship and the 2002 European Under-20 Championship.

According to scouting reports, he’s an athletic forward with a well-built body, solid fundamentals and a good work ethic. Has a nice mid-range jumper and is a solid three-point shooter. His best attribute is his team defense.

Trade
The Blazers acquired forward Viktor Khryapa from the New Jersey Nets after he was selected by the Nets with the twenty-second pick in the 2004 NBA Draft.

The Trail Blazers traded guard Eddie Gill and cash considerations to the Nets for Khryapa.

The 6-foot-9 Khryapa played the past two seasons as a teammate of Trail Blazers draft pick, Sergei Monia, at CSKA Moscow (Russia). He averaged 6.5 ppg and 3.6 rpg in 42 games during the 2003-04 season.

The team then drafted forward Sergei Monia with the twenty-third pick. Monia and Khryapa are teammates on the CSKA Moscow team.

46th Pick
The Trail Blazers selected center Ha Seung-Jin with the forty-sixth pick in the draft.



Ha Seung Jin was an early entry candidate for the 2004 NBA Draft. He will be the first Korean to play in the NBA. He did not play competitive basketball in 2003-04. He recently moved to Los Angeles, where he’s been working out in preparation for the draft.

Ha Seung-Jin did play for Yonsei University and Samil Commercial High School in 2002-03.
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Trail Blazers Sign Sebastian Telfair
July 12, 2004

The Portland Trail Blazers have signed guard Sebastian Telfair. Telfair was selected by the Trail Blazers with the 13th pick overall in last month’s NBA Draft.

An early entry candidate out of Lincoln High School in Brooklyn, New York, Telfair was selected as a 2004 McDonald's All-American and played in this year's McDonald's High School All-America game.

The 19-year-old was also selected to the PARADE Magazine All-America Team and was named to the 2004 USA Men's Junior National Select Team.



During his high school career, the 6-foot Telfair led Lincoln to three consecutive New York City PSAL titles and one New York state championship. He was the first player in New York City history to win three PSAL championships.

As a senior he averaged 33.2 ppg, 9.2 apg and 3.7 rpg, surpassing NBA guard Kenny Anderson as New York state's all-time leading scorer. Telfair scored 25 points in the 2004 PSAL Championship game against Cardozo, as Lincoln won the PSAL crown.

Telfair will be at summer training camp this week and will play on the Trail Blazers squad at the Rocky Mountain Revue in Salt Lake City from July 16-24.
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Trail Blazers Sign Richie Frahm
July 15, 2004

The Portland Trail Blazers have signed guard Richie Frahm to a one-year contract.

The 26-year-old appeared in 54 games for the Seattle Supersonics during the 2003-04 season. He averaged 3.4 ppg and 1.0 rpg in 8.7 minutes per contest. Frahm was third in the NBA in three-point field goals per 48 minutes, 3.48. He scored a career-high 31 points on 12/20/03 at Denver, hitting 6-of-7 three-point attempts.

Frahm attended training camp with the Trail Blazers prior to the 2002-03 season, but did not make the club and spent the season in Turkey with Darussafaka.



The 6-foot-5, 210 pound guard played his college ball at Gonzaga where he finished as the Bulldogs’ all-time leader in three-pointers, 280. He was named First Team All-West Coast Conference his junior and senior seasons and started all 103 games he played his final three seasons.

Frahm attended Portland's summer training camp this week and will participate on the Trail Blazers squad at the Rocky Mountain Revue in Salt Lake City July 16-24.
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Trail Blazers Acquire Van Exel
July 20, 2004

The Portland Trail Blazers have acquired guard Nick Van Exel from the Golden State Warriors for center Dale Davis and guard Dan Dickau.

"Nick is a quality addition to our backcourt," said Trail Blazers General Manager John Nash. "He has a reputation as a big shot taker and a big shot maker. His versatility and ability to play both point guard and shooting guard gives us greater flexibility."

Van Exel appeared in 39 games (29 starts) for the Warriors last season, averaging 12.6 ppg, 2.7 rpg and 5.3 apg. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound guard scored a season-high 29 points, including 16 of the Warriors 23 fourth quarter points, vs. San Antonio on November 29th and dished out a season-high 11 assists vs. Seattle on January 10th.

Van Exel connected on his 1,361st career three-pointer at Dallas on January 7th to move past Dan Majerle for fifth place on the NBA's all-time three-point list. He came to Golden State in a trade with the Dallas Mavericks on August 18, 2003.



The 11-year NBA-veteran owns career averages of 15.4 ppg, 3.0 rpg and 7.1 apg in 34.3 minutes in 768 games with the L.A. Lakers, Denver, Dallas and Golden State. In 64 career playoff games, Van Exel has averaged 15.7 ppg, 2.4 rpg and 5.1 apg. The 32-year-old has finished in the NBA's top 15 in assists in eight of his 11 seasons, while finishing in the top 25 in assist-to-turnover ratio in each of the last eight seasons. He has scored 20-or-more points 218 times, 30-or-more points 40 times and 40-or-more points five times. Van Exel has recorded 128 career double-doubles.

Van Exel was drafted by the L.A. Lakers in the second round (37th pick overall) of the 1993 NBA Draft. As a senior at the University of Cincinnati, he led the Bearcats in scoring, 18.3 ppg, assists, 4.5 apg, and steals, 1.8 spg, helping lead the team to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. Van Exel earned Third Team All-America honors as a senior (Associated Press, Basketball Times and Basketball Weekly) and was a finalist for the John Wooden Award as a senior.

He was active in the Warriors community relations efforts this past season, distributing turkeys to Bay Area shelters and non-profit organization through Nick Van Exel's Turkey Drop. Van Exel was honored with the Chopper Travaglini Award for his generosity in the Denver community while a member of the Nuggets.
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Trail Blazers Rookie Out for Season
July 30, 2004

The Portland Trail Blazers announced that rookie forward Viktor Khryapa is out for the season after suffering an injury at the Rocky Mountain Revue earlier this month.

The 22-year-old underwent successful foot surgery on Wednesday to repair the injured Lisfranc complex in his left mid-foot. The injury was sustained in a summer league game on July 16th went an opponent stepped on Khryapa’s foot.

"It is with great disappointment that we learn that Viktor will miss the season,” said Trail Blazers General Manager John Nash. “He is a player that we were anxious to have play for us because of his versatility and comprehensive understanding of the game. In a freakish play in the Rocky Mountain Revue, he sustained an injury that will require a year of healing and rehab following his recent surgery. We look forward to his full recovery and his return to the floor next summer."



The 6-foot-9, 210-pound forward, originally drafted by the New Jersey Nets in the first round (22nd pick overall) of last month’s NBA Draft, was acquired by the Trail Blazers in a draft day trade for G Eddie Gill and cash considerations.

Khryapa spent the past two seasons with CSKA Moscow (Russia) after playing three seasons with Autodor Saratov (Russia). He averaged 6.5 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks with CSKA during the 2003-04 season, helping lead the club to the Euroleague Final Four in Tel Aviv.

Khryapa earned a spot on the Russian National Team that competed in the 2002 World Championship in Indianapolis. The team’s youngest player, he saw action in all eight games as a reserve, averaging 2.8 ppg, 1.8 rpg and 1.0 apg in 10.8 minutes per game. Khryapa had previously been a member of the Russian Junior National Team and played in the European Junior Championships in both 2000 and 2002.
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Trail Blazers Sign Joel Przybilla
August 25, 2004

The Portland Trail Blazers have signed free agent center Joel Przybilla. The 24-year-old split the 2003-04 season between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Atlanta Hawks.

“Joel is a young man that has demonstrated the ability to rebound and block shots especially when given the opportunity to play last season in Atlanta,” said Trail Blazers General Manager John Nash. “We would welcome those attributes to our team.”

An early entry candidate for the 2000 NBA Draft, Przybilla was selected in the first round (ninth pick overall) by the Houston Rockets. He was sent to Milwaukee in a draft-day deal and spent three-plus seasons with the Bucks before being traded to Atlanta on February 15, 2004.



In 12 games with the Hawks last season, Przybilla averaged 4.0ppg, 8.4rpg and 1.4bpg. He owns career averages of 2.1ppg, 4.0rpg and 1.37bpg in 153 NBA games over four seasons.

The 7-foot-1, 255-pound Przybilla played two seasons at the University of Minnesota. He led the Golden Gophers in scoring, 14.2ppg, rebounding, 8.4rpg, blocked shots, 3.9bpg, and field goal percentage, 61.3%, as a sophomore.

Przybilla started 26 games as a freshman, finishing second in the Big Ten Conference and eighth in the country in blocked shots, 3.0bpg.
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Trail Blazers Sign Darius Miles
September 1, 2004

The Portland Trail Blazers have signed restricted free agent forward Darius Miles to a multi-year contract. As per team policy, terms of the contract were not announced.

“We had identified Darius as a top priority this off-season and we are delighted to know that we have concluded a long-term commitment to such a talented player,” said Trail Blazers General Manager John Nash. “At his age, he not only represents the present but the future of the franchise. Darius has worked hard in this off-season to build upon the success that he enjoyed under (Portland Head Coach) Maurice Cheeks last year and we anticipate a tremendous season from him.”



The 22-year-old came to Portland in a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 21, 2004. He averaged 12.6ppg, 4.6rpg, 2.0apg and 1.0spg in 42 games with the Trail Blazers while shooting 52.6% from the field and 70.2% from the free throw line. Miles scored in double-figures in 31 of his 42 games and had 20 or more points six times, including a career-high 31 points in leading the Trail Blazers to a victory in Boston on March 31, 2004. His performance in that contest included a career-best 13 field goals.

The 6-foot-9 Miles was originally drafted by the L.A. Clippers in the first round (third pick overall) of the 2000 NBA Draft after a stellar prep career at East St. Louis (IL) High School. He owns career averages of 9.8ppg, 5.3rpg and 2.0apg in 309 NBA games.
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Trail Blazers Add to Scouting Team
September 23, 2004

The Portland Trail Blazers announced today that they have set their scouting staff for the 2004-05 season.

Joining the Trail Blazers basketball operations department are John Gabriel (NBA scout), Jason Filippi (International scout) Chad Buchanan (Domestic scout), Michael Born (Domestic scout) and Pat Zipfel (Western Conference advance scout ). Jim Sleeper (Eastern Conference advance scout) begins his second year with the Trail Blazers. Tates Locke, who has served as a Trail Blazer scout for several seasons, has been promoted to Special Assistant to the General Manager while Brad Weinrich, formerly the Scouting Services Coordinator, was named Basketball Operations Manager.

“We realigned our scouting department this off-season,” said Trail Blazers Director of Player Personnel Kevin Pritchard. “The most important thing was to add some young, hungry scouts (Filippi, Buchanan and Born) that will pair with two very experienced and knowledgeable basketball veterans in John Gabriel and Tates Locke. Each member of the scouting staff brings something differ- ent to the Trail Blazers and this very diverse staff will be extremely aggressive in their pursuit of the very best basketball talent in the world."

TRAIL BLAZERS SCOUTING STAFF BIOS


JOHN GABRIEL
John was with the Orlando Magic from the team’s inception in 1989 until this summer…Served most recently as a team adviser and regional scout for the Magic…Became Orlando’s general manager in 1996 and was named NBA Executive of the Year in 2000…Signed free agent superstars, Tracy McGrady and Grant Hill in 2001…was responsible for building the Magic roster that went to the 1995 NBA Finals, when the organization had only been in existence in the NBA for six years...Led Orlando to a berth in the NBA Playoffs for three straight seasons (2001, 2002, 2003)...Held several positions with the Magic including vice president of basketball oper- ations, director of player personnel, director of scouting and assistant coach...Has spent countless hours on the road, evaluating prospects in the NBA, minor leagues, college, and international levels over the past 15 years.


JASON FILIPPI
After a brief stint as Director of Media Relations for Progresso Castelmaggiore Basketball Club in Italy (2nd Division), he created a European Scouting Service in 1999 specifically designed for NBA teams along with his brother Adam (who also now scouts in the NBA)…Has consulted for 14 different NBA teams as well as several top European teams over the last five years... Has scouted games in more than 20 different European countries and has attended major basketball events in the USA, South America, Africa and Japan…Worked as a basketball journalist and did color commentary for a local TV station in Bologna covering both of cities’ pro basketball teams…Was co- host of the popular basketball show “Basket Time” on regional Italian TV from 1995 through 1997…Worked as a sports agent from 1997 through 1999 continuing to develop his worldwide basketball network of contacts.


MICHAEL BORN
Michael served two seasons as assistant coach of the NBDL’s Huntsville Flight…Prior to joining the Flight, he worked as an associate head coach for the ABA Champion Kansas City Knights during the 2001-02 season in which the squad tallied a 34-5 mark…Was Head Coach/Director of Player Personnel of the IBA’s Des Moines Dragons in 2000-01, leading the Dragons to a 34-15 record and a spot in the league championship game…From 1997 to 2000, he served as the Dragon’s Head Assistant Coach/Director of Player Personnel helping Des Moines to back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals appearances and an IBA Championship…Spent two seasons as the head assistant basket- ball coach at Grand View College in Des Moines and served as the camp director for Michael Born Basketball Camps for the past 13 years.


CHAD BUCHANAN
Chad was an assistant at Drake University under Dr. Tom Davis in 2003-04…Was assistant coach/director of player personnel for the ABA’s Kansas City Knights in 2002-03…Spent five seasons as an assistant coach at Simpson College (IA), his alma mater where he was a two-sport athlete (basketball and baseball)...Was a graduate assistant under Davis at Iowa from 1995-97.

PAT ZIPFEL
Pat spent the 2003-04 season as head coach of the ABA's Jersey Squires...Led the Squires into the ABA quarterfinals where they were defeated by the Kansas City Knights...Spent three seasons as an advance scout for the L.A. Clippers…Was head basketball coach and athletic director at Centenary College (NJ) ...Also held coaching positions at Bucks County Community College (PA) and at The Citadel.
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Contract Extension for Theo Ratliff
September 28, 2004

The Portland Trail Blazers have signed center Theo Ratliff to a multi-year contract extension. As per team policy, terms of the contract were not announced.

“We are delighted to have secured the services of Theo Ratliff, perhaps the best defensive player in the NBA, for the foreseeable future,” said Trail Blazers General Manager John Nash. “From the time he arrived in Portland, we identified with Theo’s superior play on the floor and his lifestyle and character off the court as a member of the Portland community.”

"I'm very happy to be here. My family and I decided that this was a city we wanted to stay in. I think we have great talent on this team and we can go far. It's a great team and a great city," said Ratliff.

The 6-foot-10, 235-pound Ratliff played 32 games for Portland last season after being acquired along with Shareef Abdur-Rahim in a February trade with the Atlanta Hawks. He averaged 7.3ppg, 7.3 rpg and 4.41bpg. For the season, Ratliff averaged 7.9ppg, 7.2rpg and a league-leading 3.61bpg, the third time in four years he has led the NBA in blocked shots. He was named Second-Team All-NBA Defense for 2003-04 and finished third in the balloting for NBA Defensive Player of the Year last season.



Ratliff was the first Trail Blazers league stats leader since the 1993-94 season. In just 32 games with Portland last season, he rejected 141 shots, an all-time franchise best average of 4.4bpg. The previous high was 3.2bpg by Bill Walton during the 1976-77 season. Ratliff’s blocked shot total as a Trail Blazer was the most for one season since 1992-93 and was the sixth highest season total in franchise history.

He blocked six or more shots 12 times last season, the top 12 one-game efforts on the team. Ratliff tied Walton and Mychal Thompson for the franchise record for most blocks in one game when he swatted nine shots at Orlando on February 2, 2004.

Originally selected by the Detroit Pistons in the first round (18th pick overall) of the 1995 NBA Draft, the 31-year-old owns career averages of 8.7ppg, 6.4rpg and 2.81bpg in 559 games. Not counting the 2001-02 season when he sat out all but three games due to a hip injury, he has been in the league’s top 10 in shot blocking for each of the last six seasons. Ratliff is one of only six players in NBA history to have led the league in blocked shots three or more seasons.

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Starting LineUp



C - #42 - Theo Ratliff (6-10, 235 lbs., Wyoming '95)
[Drafted 18th overall of 1995 NBA Draft by Detroit]
PF - #50 - Zach Randolph (6-9, 253 lbs., Michigan State '01)
[Drafted 19th overall of 2001 NBA Draft by Portland]
SF - #33 - Shareef Abdur-Rahim (6-9, 245 lbs., California '99)
[Drafted 3rd overall of 1996 NBA Draft by Vancouver]
SG - #1 - Derek Anderson (6-5, 195 lbs., Kentucky '97)
[Drafted 13th overall of 1997 NBA Draft by Cleveland]
PG - #19 - Nick Van Exel (6-1, 190 lbs., Cincinatti '93)
[Drafted 37th overall of 1993 NBA Draft by LA Lakers]
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Bench



PG/SG - #3 - Damon Stoudamire (5-10, 174 lbs., Arizona '95)
[Drafted 7th overall of 1995 NBA Draft by Toronto]
SF/SG - #23 - Darius Miles (6-9, 210 lbs., East St. Louis HS (IL))
[Drafted 3rd overall of 2000 NBA Draft by LA Clippers]
C/PF - #7 - Keon Clark (6-11, 221 lbs., Nevada-Las Vegas '98)
[Drafted 13th overall of 1998 NBA Draft by Orlando]
SG/PG - #31 - Sebastian Telfair (6-0, 160 lbs., Abraham Lincoln HS (Brooklyn, NY))
[Drafted 13th overall of 2004 NBA Draft by Portland]
SF/SG - #21 - Ruben Patterson (6-5, 223 lbs., Cincinatti '98)
[Drafted 31st overall of 1998 NBA Draft by LA Lakers]
SF/PF - #25 - Travis Outlaw (6-9, 210 lbs., Starkville HS (MS))
[Drafted 23rd overall of 2003 NBA Draft by Portland]
SG - #14 - Richie Frahm (6-5, 210 lbs., Gonzaga '01)
[Undrafted; Signed by Portland (Sep. 30, 2002)]
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IR



C - #10 - Joel Przybilla (7-1, 255 lbs., Minnesota '00)
[Drafted 9th overall of 2000 NBA Draft by Houston]
PF/SF - #38 - Viktor Khryapa (6-9, 210 lbs., Russia)
[Drafted 22th overall of 2004 NBA Draft by New Jersey]
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Coaching Staff

Head Coach


Phil Jackson (North Dakota '67)

Assistant Coaches



Maurice Cheeks (West Texas State '78)
Kevin Pritchard (Kansas)
John Loyer (Akron '88)
Tim Grgurich (Pittsburgh '66)
Jim Lynam (St. Joseph's (PA) '63)
Dan Panaggio (SUNY Brockport '77)
Bernard Smith (East Stroudsburg (PA))
Bob Medina (UNLV '88) [Strength-And-Conditioning Coach]
Jay Jensen (Loma Linda '80)
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Portland 92, Seattle 73
DA, Blazers Blast Sonics in Win

PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 13 (Ticker) -- Derek Anderson scored 23 points in 27 minutes as the Portland Trail Blazers posted a 92-73 rout of the Seattle SuperSonics in their preseason opener.

Anderson, who averaged 13.9 points per game last year, scored 10 in the first half to help the Trail Blazers to a nine-point edge at halftime. He keyed an 11-3 run in the third quarter with a pair of 3-pointers and a jumper that lifted Portland to a 21-point lead.

Shareef Abdur-Rahim chipped in 16 points on 6-of-7 shooting, including his only 3-point attempt. The Trail Blazers were 9-of-13 from beyond the 3-point arc, with three from Anderson and two apiece from Damon Stoudamire and newly-acquired Nick Van Exel.

Playing third-string to Stoudamire and Van Exel was rookie Sebastian Telfair, a heralded New York City point guard who passed up a scholarship at Louisville before being drafted 13th overall out of Abraham Lincoln High School.

In 12 minutes, Telfair had five points and a pair of assists in his debut.

Vladimir Radmanovic and Turkish rookie Ibrahim Kutluay both had 11 points and Danny Fortson added 10 for the Sonics.

Seattle's first-round pick Robert Swift, a 7-0 center out of Bakersfield (CA) High School, had just one point but led the Sonics with seven rebounds.

Four-time All-Star guard Ray Allen, who had 25 points in Seattle's 87-80 win over the Los Angeles Lakers in their preseason opener Tuesday, was out with an illness.

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Golden State 90, Portland 71
Murphy Leads Warriors in Win

OAKLAND, Oct. 14 (Ticker) -- Troy Murphy scored 17 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as the Golden State Warriors defeated the Portland Trail Blazers, 90-71.

Derek Fisher and Eduardo Najera, both bench players, scored 14 and 13, respectively, for the Warriors.

Zach Randolph chipped in 16 points. The Trail Blazers were 27-of-64 from the field (.422).

Damon Stoudamire posted 13.

Speedy Claxton had 11 points and Sebastian Telfair added 10 for Golden State and Portland, respectively.

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Portland 111, Charlotte 85
Blazers Zoom Past Bobcats

PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 16 (Ticker) -- Darius Miles scored 20 points off the bench as the Portland Trail Blazers posted a 111-85 preseason rout of the expansion Charlotte Bobcats.

The Trail Blazers scored 63 points in the second half to pull away.

Miles, who was 0-for-11 in Portland's preseason opener and had just six points in its second contest, was 7-of-9 from the floor and added four steals.

Miles and offseason free agent signee Richie Frahm scored six points apiece in a 12-0 run that opened the fourth quarter and gave the Trail Blazers a commanding 102-66 lead.

Damon Stoudamire scored 18 points and Zach Randolph and Shareef Abdur-Rahim each added 17 as Portland shot 61 percent. Randolph scored 10 points during a 16-8 run to start the second half.

Jason Kapono scored 17 points off the bench and Gerald Wallace and Primoz Brezec chipped in 12 apiece for the Bobcats. First-round pick Emeka Okafor scored four points and grabbed four rebounds in 16 minutes.

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Portland 88, Toronto 85
Portland Rallies Past Toronto

TORONTO, Oct. 21 (Ticker) -- Shareef Abdur-Rahim dunked a feed from Derek Anderson with 15 seconds remaining to cap a closing 9-0 run as the Portland Trail Blazers edged the scored Toronto Raptors, 88-85, in a preseason game.

The Raptors led, 85-79, with 2:15 to play. Anderson buried a 3-pointer with 1:26 left that halved the deficit. Zach Randolph hit a pair of free throws before Abdur-Rahim's go-ahead slam. Toronto's Donyell Marshall missed a pair of 3-pointers in the final seconds, giving Portland its third win in four tries. Marshall scored 12 points, including consecutive 3-pointers to give the Raptors a 78-73 lead.

Randolph, the NBA's Most Improved Player last season, scored 16 of Portland's 22 third-quarter points and finished with 34. He also pulled down 17 rebounds after collecting 19 in the first three games.

Darius Miles was the only other Portland player in double figures with 14 points.

Vince Carter scored 17 points to lead Toronto, which has lost all three of its preseason games against NBA opponents. The Raptors beat Benetton Treviso of Italy, 86-83, on Wednesday.

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Golden State 87, Portland 84
J-Rich Provides Finishing Kick

PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 25 (Ticker) -- Jason Richardson scored eight of his team's final 10 points as the Golden State Warriors held off the Portland Trail Blazers for an 87-84 triumph in preseason action.

Richardson was 10-of-22 from the floor and scored 26 points in 31 minutes. The two-time winner of the Slam Dunk contest at All-Star Weekend also collected six rebounds and dished out five assists.

Troy Murphy scored 13 of his 17 points in the first half and also hauled down 10 rebounds. Speedy Claxton had 14 points and five assists while Derek Fisher added 10 and two in 21 minutes off the bench for Golden State, which has consecutive wins for the first time during the preseason.

Zach Randolph had 20 points and collected 16 rebounds for Portland, including 10 at the offensive end.

Darius Miles scored 16 points in 21 minutes off the bench and Shareef Abdur-Rahim and Damon Stoudamire each added 10 for the Trail Blazers, who have lost two of their last three.

Portland rookie Sebastian Telfair, a first-round pick, was just 1-of-9 from the floor and finished with three points.

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Portland 97, Toronto 95
Late Free Throws Lift Trail Blazers

PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 27 (Ticker) -- Darius Miles scored 25 points, including two free throws with 40 seconds left, to give the Portland Trail Blazers a 97-95 preseason victory over the Toronto Raptors.

Toronto's Rafer Alston had a chance to tie it, but his runner with four seconds remaining rimmed out.

After Morris Peterson capped a 10-3 run with a baseline shot to give the Raptors a 95-94 lead, Miles - making his first start of the preseason - calmly hit two from the line after missing two of his first three attempts.

Miles was in the starting lineup because Shareef Abdur-Rahim was nursing a sore knee. Trail Blazers guard Derek Anderson also did not play due to a sore back.

The Raptors were without star Vince Carter, who was not with the team while dealing with a lawsuit against his former agent.

The Blazers built a nine-point lead in the second quarter thanks to Zach Randolph and rookie point guard Sebastian Telfair, who scored seven of his 11 points in the period. Randolph finished with 13 points, 16 rebounds and seven assists.

Peterson rallied Toronto, scoring all but one of his 25 points in the second half. Jalen Rose scored 20 points, none in the fourth quarter.

[kibaxx7]

Seattle 91, Portland 87
Allen’s Final-Minute Fireworks Pushes Sonics Past Blazers

SEATTLE, Oct. 29 (Ticker) -- Ray Allen did all he could to help the Seattle SuperSonics end their preseason on a high note.

Allen scored 32 points and hit a pair of 3-pointers down the stretch to lead the SuperSonics to a 91-87 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in the preseason finale for both teams.

An All-Star each of the last four seasons, Allen had been slightly bothered by a sore back in preseason, missing three games. He showed few effects vs. the Trail Blazers, making 6-of-9 from long range.

After a 7-0 run gave Portland an 85-82 lead, Allen hit a baseline jumper with 1:29 left to trim the deficit to one. He then grabbed a rebound on the Trail Blazers' next possession, dribbled down and hit a 3-pointer from the top of the arc to put Seattle ahead 87-85 with 1:01 remaining.

Allen's last 3-pointer with 24 seconds left snapped an 87-87 tie and Luke Ridnour added a free throw for the final margin, finishing a 9-2 run by the Sonics, who snapped a six-game skid.

Ridnour scored 14 points and dished out six assists and Reggie Evans chipped in 13 points and seven rebounds.

Seattle wrapped up its exhibition schedule at 2-6. It travels to Los Angeles to face the Clippers on Wednesday in the regular-season opener for both teams.

Ruben Patterson scored 22 points off the bench for Portland, adding six rebounds and five steals in just 33 minutes.

Sebastian Telfair, the Trail Blazers' 19-year-old first-round pick, made a solid contribution. While playing the entire second quarter, he scored five of his seven points and recorded all five of his assists, two on lob passes to Darius Miles. Portland finished the preseason at 4-4 and opens its regular season at Golden State on Wednesday.

[kibaxx7]

Portland @ Utah --- 57-64
Cleveland @ Portland --- 61-65
Philadelphia @ Portland --- 66-72
Memphis @ Portland --- 68-64
Portland @ Seattle --- 78-76

[kibaxx7]

Team Stats will be posted here.

[kibaxx7]

You know these guys when they're playing hard on the floor, but how much do you know about them off the court? Review the personal facts below and pick the player that best answers each question.


Arvydas Sabonis, Damon Stoudamire, Bonzi Wells, Shawn Kemp, Rasheed Wallace, Dale Davis

1) Which player has seven tattoos?

2) Who's favorite movie is the Shawshank Redemption?

3) Who's favorite actor is Al Pacino?

4) Which player owns his own clothing store?

5) Who's father is a professional tailor?

6) Which player has his own record label?

[kibaxx7]

Blazers Announce Important Signings

PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 22 -- The Portland Trail Blazers announced today very important moves.

In the first move, Blazers President Steve Patterson announced today that the team has signed former Lakers coach Phil Jackson to a contract. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Jackson, who guided the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships in his nine years as head coach, returned to the basketball after a one-year sabbatical and led the Los Angeles Lakers to the 2000 NBA title in his first season as their coach.

Going into the 2004-05 season, Jackson owns a career coaching record of 832-316 (.725). He has a career playoff record of 175-69 (.717). In terms of most victories, Jackson ranks 16th in the regular season but second in the playoffs.

Jackson was named the head coach of the Lakers on June 16, 1999. Prior to his arrival, the Lakers were a team loaded with talent but one that couldn't get past the second round of the playoffs. Jackson stepped up the emphasis on defense, and the Lakers responded by winning an NBA-best 67 games in the regular season and more importantly going all the way in the playoffs.

In the second move, the Blazers signed free agent Keon Clark. Terms were not disclosed.

Clark, 6-11, 221 lbs., has a career average of 8.2 points and 5.9 rebounds in 22.6 minutes, all in 353 career games. He played for Denver, Toronto, Sacramento and Utah.

In the last move, the Blazers waived center Ha Seung-Jin. "Really, I hate his style of play," Jackson admitted.

[HonorGlow]

I'm a bit confused...does this mean you're starting a 2004 dynasty too?

[kibaxx7]

I'm a bit confused...does this mean you're starting a 2004 dynasty too?

Yup my Heat 2005's and this one. And I'm helping my brother a little with his dynasty.

[kibaxx7]

All done for now. I will try tomorrow at night to post the first 5 Games.

[Bixbite]

Hey good work with Phil and Keon I go with the trivia:

1) Damon Stoudamire
2) Dale Davis
3) Bonzi Wells
4) Dale Davis
5) Arvydas Sabonis
6) Rasheed Wallace

[kibaxx7]

Made an error in the settings. It's fixed.

By the way first recap of 5 Games will come tomorrow!

[HonorGlow]

Haha! Once you get past your first two years, I want to play against your dynasty... 2018 vs 2006!

[Lightning Flash]

I've gotten three seasons into one of my dynasties.

You're already into 2018?

[mixo]

great dynasty bro - i love it like your heat

[kibaxx7]

Trail Blazers To Acquire Quentin
November 5

The Portland Trail Blazers have acquired former LA Clippers forward Quentin Richardson from the Phoenix Suns in return for forward Ruben Patterson, guard Richie Frahm and center Joel Przybilla. This trade is pending league approval.

"Since John Nash and I came here last summer, we pursued a plan that would take character into account with talent, create cap flexibility while continuing to put a competitive team on the court,” said Trail Blazers President Steve Patterson.

"The community has been very clear in their message and we are listening. We want to build a competitive team on the court and one in which the fans can also be proud of off the court. Today’s trade is a reflection of that commitment,” said Patterson.

Richardson, a 6-foot-6, 230-pound forward/guard, averaged 17.2 PPG and 6.4 rpg while shooting 40.6% from the floor and 71.6% from the free throw line. He owns career averages of 12.6 PPG, 4.9 RPG and 0.8 SPG in 360 games. He was the 18th selection of the 2000 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers.

Patterson, 6-5, 223 lbs., played for the Blazers from the 2001-02 season, signed as a free agent. He averaged 6.9 points last season, playing 73 games (starting 1).

Frahm, 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds, finished his college career at Gonzaga. Signed as a free agent by Seattle in the mid of the 2003-04 season, he averaged 3.4 points with the Sonics. He signed with the Blazers in the off-season.

Przybilla started last season playing with Milwaukee, averaging 2.0 rebounds in 5 games. Later, he was traded to Atlanta, where he played 12 games, starting all of them, averaging 4.0 points and 8.4 rebounds.

"This trades helps the franchise in many ways," said Patterson. "We get a younger player, and we can remain competitive in both the Western Conference and the league. Another factor in the deal is that we are also acquiring a player of good character".

[e.z.o]

This is pretty damn sweet bro. I never knew a 2004 dynasty cuz styll be somethin good. lol. Keep it up!

[kibaxx7]

Portland 57, Utah 64
Kirilenko Spoils Debut

SALT LAKE CITY, Oct. 29 (Ticker) -- Andrei Kirilenko scored 24 points for Utah as the Jazz defeated the Portland Trail Blazers, 64-57.

Keith McLeod, playing his first official game as a Jazz player, posted 14 points.

Zach Randolph scored 22 points. Shareef Abdur-Rahim added 13 and Theo Ratliff 5.

"It wasn't the best game for us," Blazers coach Phil Jackson admitted. "Andrei was unstoppable."

Photo Gallery

Derek Anderson over Gordan Giricek
Abdur-Rahim with the dunk
Ratliff Power!
Darius Miles' alley-oop... pass by Anderson