Portland Pre-Season Presser

[kucoach7]

GM Kevin U. Coach VII: Well, we have finally completely hit the reset button as we said goodbye to Giricek, Dunleavy, and Butler over the last year. In return we've welcomed Nikola Pekovic, Chase Budinger, Viktor Khryapa, and our token veteran leader. We also picked up an additional first round draft pick in 2011. This represents a complete changing of the the guard as the longest tenured Blazer is now Tiago Splitter, who we drafted 3 years ago (should have drafted Hawes). In the draft this year we picked up dunking extraordinaire, Blake Griffin and a sweet stretch 4 Swede, Jonas Jerekbo. I'd like to thank special team consultant, Sam Hinkie, for helping us with our strategy. Now let's hear from Coach Kukoc.

Coach Toni Kukoc: We've had some ups and downs developing this young group over the last year. Last year Splitter really disappointed us in camp and this year Chase Budinger was really a let down. At the same time, Adam Morrison has been an unexpected success while D-Rose and Blake have been progressing right on schedule. Chase was going to have the opportunity to start as a rookie but based on his performance in camp, we'll be going with a starting lineup of Rose, Viktor, Antawn, Blake, and Pekovic with Morrison, Haddadi, and Bayless getting most of the minutes off the bench. Let's hear from some of the guys.

PF Blake Griffin: I'm really excited to be here in Portland and to team up with a great group of young guys. I'm also grateful to be mentored by one of the great forwards in league history, Antawn Jamison. My goals are to make the All-Rookie team and win the Slam Dunk contest this year.

SF Antawn Jamison: I'm just here to keep these guys in line and sell jerseys.

PG Derrick Rose: We're happy to have to have you here Blake and Antawn. My goals are long-term. I want to change the culture here in Portland. The locker room has been too cold and the fans betrayed far too long. I know we're not going to rack up the W's this year but we will build team unity and fan loyalty.

GM Kevin U. Coach VII: Yeah, about that. . . We may see some changes in our roster this year that may delay those goals a bit. Looking forward, we are going to shop Morrison and Viktor this year. They are both great players that can really contribute but we are going to try to trade for some younger players, whose development lines up with Derrick's and Blake's. We probably won't sell off Antawn this year (or next) because the price will be too high so he'll probably be around until we can sell his expiring for a lower price.

PG Derrick Rose: We never have to worry about you getting too sentimental. . .

Coach Toni Kukoc: Aaaaand with that, we'll open the floor to questions.

[TrayWithAnA]

First off, why was Jonas Jerekbo not available for questions?

Secondly, you operate in the toughest division in the league. When do you see yourself challenging for the division?

[kucoach7]

First off, why was Jonas Jerekbo not available for questions?

Secondly, you operate in the toughest division in the league. When do you see yourself challenging for the division?

Jonas was invited but had the flu. I think we'll have a shot of competing in about 4 years.

[NOLa.]

It looks like your team and mine will be on similar projected trajectories in our rebuild/reset. With a sweet duo of Rose and Griffin, what position do you feel your team needs in the next draft or two to really transition from gathering of assets to utilizing those assets to start competing gradually? Do you feel Demarcus Cousins can be the answer Portland absolutely needs to become a viable threat to the division?

[JNR]

GWR: How is Nikola Pekovic coming along? I saw in preseason you went with a small ball lineup -- will Nikola end up being your starter at some point this season?

[kucoach7]

It looks like your team and mine will be on similar projected trajectories in our rebuild/reset. With a sweet duo of Rose and Griffin, what position do you feel your team needs in the next draft or two to really transition from gathering of assets to utilizing those assets to start competing gradually? Do you feel Demarcus Cousins can be the answer Portland absolutely needs to become a viable threat to the division?

It is still early to really judge next year's draft class. We really like DeMarcus but feel that we could really benefit from a guy like Paul George as well.

[kucoach7]

GWR: How is Nikola Pekovic coming along? I saw in preseason you went with a small ball lineup -- will Nikola end up being your starter at some point this season?

Pekovic will be the starting center day 1. We played around with Quincy Douby in the starting lineup during the preseason but he really didn't impress us.

[Xist2Inspire]

Random Reporter: Aside from the obvious Rose/Griffin duo, who else do you see as key pieces moving forward, if any?

[kucoach7]

Random Reporter: Aside from the obvious Rose/Griffin duo, who else do you see as key pieces moving forward, if any?

Pekovic should be a contributor for years to come. . . unless Cousins comes our way. . .

[fearthebrow]

Random Dallas reporter:

How does Antawn enjoy the city of Portland? Do you expect him to retire there? We all miss him here in Dallas. Never forget.

[kucoach7]

Random Dallas reporter:

How does Antawn enjoy the city of Portland? Do you expect him to retire there? We all miss him here in Dallas. Never forget.

He really wants to compete so he's not super excited to be here but he enjoys his role as a mentor. I don't think he'll retire here. I think he still will be able to contribute at the end of this contract.

[NickMalone77]

Nick Melon; The Advocate: What's the motto or slogan could you give us on this iteration of Trailblazers for the season ahead?

[kucoach7]

Nick Melon; The Advocate: What's the motto or slogan could you give us on this iteration of Trailblazers for the season ahead?

Trust the Process

[Bowtothebill23]

Who do you view as you alpha on the team?

[WigNosy]

Last year you shopped Adam Morrison pretty hard. What is it about him you don't like? Is it the bad moustache?

[kucoach7]

Who do you view as you alpha on the team?

The alpha is probably Derrick Rose. He has showed great potential as a leader. On the court, he is athletically unlike any other point guard in the league and his skills are starting to catch up.

[kucoach7]

Last year you shopped Adam Morrison pretty hard. What is it about him you don't like? Is it the bad moustache?

We like Adam just fine we just would prefer to have someone younger who can grow along side Blake, Nikola, and Derrick.