A Candid Conversation with Shawn Bradley

[kucoach7]

Shawn Bradley walks on to the stage and sinks into a couch. It creaks beneath his massive body.



Bradley: Hey, guys. It'll just be me today. As you know, nobody from the organization even bothered to show up the last two years. Well, that was going to be the case again this year but I wouldn't stand for it. I have been in Portland my whole career. I owe a lot to the fans and I'm not going to stand by while the cowardly owner and GM hide from their faults. I'm here today to do what we do at these things, talk about the team.

Three seasons ago we had the best team we've ever had in Portland. Kenny. Manning. Macon. Mash. You guys remember. Well, the GM decided that two years ago would be a purposeful rebuilding year. The draft that year was really deep and if we could land a top 3 spot we would be able to draft a potential superstar. The plan went well and we brought in my buddy Dirk. I love playing with Dirk and his defense has improved faster than expected under my mentorship. Unfortunately the GM made some mistakes in free agency. He overpaid Tim. (Yelling over shoulder) Sorry to throw you under the bus, Tim, but you're getting old, bud! Look, Tim is a great player he just isn't quite who he used to be. They also brought in Dennis Scott, probably the biggest start we've ever had. He had a great year last year but I'm going to be honest, he's looking a little old and slow this year. Man, that bus is just rampaging.

So, unfortunately, we had a rougher year than expected last year. Even more unfortunately, the GM didn't learn from his mistakes and he brought in Muggsy Bogues to fill our gap a SG. He had a terrible camp and we're pretty much right back where we started. One thing I will give the front office is that they are just giving the geezers short contracts so we'll have cash to spend every year. They just have to learn how to spend it!

So there you have it. It is going to be another long season in Portland. I'm as excited as anyone about the future of the team with Dirk and Manu but I'm getting old too and I want to win a championship before I hit the decline!

You guys can ask me what ever you want and you know what you'll get. My honest opinion.

[NickMalone77]

Nick Melon; Charlotte Observer: Do you ever have moments Shawn where you're in this abyss here in Portland and wish you were elsewhere? Preferably on the East Coast?

[kucoach7]

Nick Melon; Charlotte Observer: Do you ever have moments Shawn where you're in this abyss here in Portland and wish you were elsewhere? Preferably on the East Coast?

I love Portland. They have really good doughnuts here. I just wish we had smarter ownership.

[logpmess]

What sort of strides do you expect from Dirk this year, and will Manu be able to develop in time to make a real run before your contract expires in two year?

[kucoach7]

What sort of strides do you expect from Dirk this year, and will Manu be able to develop in time to make a real run before your contract expires in two year?

We expect Dirk to be a much more competent contributor on defense. We also expect him to be unguardable from the perimeter and to hit a lot of 3's. Manu had a great camp and I think he'll be a contributor on defense before he will be on offense.

[coltsguy510]

Do you think your team can compete this season? Or are you still rebuilding?

[PaulyP]

Jon Snow, Westeros Sports Network. Shawn, you are clearly dissatisfied with management, will you be asking for a trade if this season doesnt go as planned? How soon do you expect players like Tim and Mack and Scott, who are serviceable, to be traded if at all?

[ballsohard]

Nick Jackleson, LA Times. There are some swirls in league circles that there are sprinkles of favoritism towards players with lighter skin. We've seen with your top picks you've taken Shawn Bradley, Dirk, and Manu Ginobili over more highly regarded African American players. There are some that think that the marketing is a nightmare in the Pacific Northwest with African American players. Is this true and the strategy around your team make up?

[kucoach7]

Do you think your team can compete this season? Or are you still rebuilding?

I thought we could compete but now i don't think so. I think we're going to struggle defending the perimeter and putting points on the board.

[kucoach7]

Jon Snow, Westeros Sports Network. Shawn, you are clearly dissatisfied with management, will you be asking for a trade if this season doesnt go as planned? How soon do you expect players like Tim and Mack and Scott, who are serviceable, to be traded if at all?

There is definitely a growing rift in the organization. I don't see any immediate moves but i think no veteran will be safe at the deadline.

[kucoach7]

Nick Jackleson, LA Times. There are some swirls in league circles that there are sprinkles of favoritism towards players with lighter skin. We've seen with your top picks you've taken Shawn Bradley, Dirk, and Manu Ginobili over more highly regarded African American players. There are some that think that the marketing is a nightmare in the Pacific Northwest with African American players. Is this true and the strategy around your team make up?

(Chuckles) You know we're all about diversity up here in Portland and in the NBA, diversity means white guys. If you see us make a trade for Steve Nash then I might start to wonder. . .