Portlandia Pre-Season Presser

[kucoach7]

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Dirk - Welcome to the Blazer's pre-season press conference. GM Kevin U. Coach VII and Coach Seven are both vacationing so they asked us to step in for them. I'll start things off by saying that last season was a great experience to finally make the post season but I want to say publicly that I hold myself personally responsible for our early exit. I did not perform in the playoffs like I am capable of performing and it was totally my fault. That being said, I have never been more optimistic as I enter my fifth year in Portland. This is easily the most talented and deepest squad I have ever been a part of. I'll let my teammates have a word now.

Cuttino - I just want to echo Dirk in saying that last season was a huge success. I know it has been popular for the pundits to say that it was a disappointment but for Portland, that just isn't true. We had 10 more wins than any other Blazers team in league history and we won a playoff series for the first time in franchise history. Looking to this season, I want to announce that I'll be starting the season by heading to the bench. I think it will allow me to focus on my strength, scoring, and provide a real punch for the second unit.

Bobby J - Thanks, Cat. With Cuttino's move to the bench, I'll be stepping into the starting role at the 2 and Dee will get things started at point. It is going to be a lot of fun having old man Brown around to teach us and I think our back court depth is going to be a huge strength for us this season. As far as last season goes, I'm grateful to the Bucks for giving me the kind of big contract I felt I deserved and for trading me. I think the deal was really best for all parties involved, especially for Jamal who is getting a chance to shine he never would have had here in Portland.

Doug - Last year was a great way to get things started for my tenure in Portland. I was able to take a back seat role and focus on efficiency. I really like the approach Coach Seven took with this team. We have tons of fire power but he likes us to pull back and focus on defense. I expect much of the same this year and I expect us to be in a similar position as last year, home court advantage in the playoffs.

Shaq - I'm with Doug, we play in a tough division but we have a team capable of rising above the rest. I was heart broken to leave Milwaukee, where I had the best years of my career but the group of guys here in Portland is a lot of fun and we were still right at the top of the league. I'm starting to get old and I am focused on winning a championship and I believe that this year we have a legitimate shot at it.

Dirk - Thanks guys. With that, we'll open things up for questions.

[JNR]

Generic Wolves Reporter: Dirk, this is for you. The rumblings out of training camp suggest you didn't have the kind of progression you were hoping for. How do you think this will affect your ability to help the team moving forward?

[42PhD]

Dr. Rocker of the Cleveland Rocker:

Unlike some teams with high priced, high talent players, you seem to have a distribution of talent and some depth. Do you think you can overcome that "extra star" with your team approach? Are you hoping to essentially be playing 4-on-5 against Seattle, for example?

[NickMalone77]

This is for Cuttino... You were one of the more most sought after RFA of the offseason. Was there ever a doubt that when you signed that Charlotte offer sheet that you weren't going to be brought back by Portland and how special is it after starting out in NY to play in front of a crowd that really supports its only pro sports team here in Portland?

[kucoach7]

Generic Wolves Reporter: Dirk, this is for you. The rumblings out of training camp suggest you didn't have the kind of progression you were hoping for. How do you think this will affect your ability to help the team moving forward?

Yeah, I've been slumping since after the All-Star break last year. I've been carrying a heavy load for this franchise since day 1 and it has really worn on me. I think the addition of Vlade will help tremendously. Next off-season I'll be working out with Steve Nash, a good friend of mine, and I expect to rebound from a disappointing few months like he bounced back this past camp.

[kucoach7]

Dr. Rocker of the Cleveland Rocker:

Unlike some teams with high priced, high talent players, you seem to have a distribution of talent and some depth. Do you think you can overcome that "extra star" with your team approach? Are you hoping to essentially be playing 4-on-5 against Seattle, for example?

Doug - In this league, stars are the key to success, that is why we have Shaq here but yes, we expect our depth to be a nice advantage and we are hoping to be playing 4-on-5 against Seattle. Any time Kemp, Zo, Donyell, or Pack isn't on the court we will be exploiting them.

[kucoach7]

This is for Cuttino... You were one of the more most sought after RFA of the offseason. Was there ever a doubt that when you signed that Charlotte offer sheet that you weren't going to be brought back by Portland and how special is it after starting out in NY to play in front of a crowd that really supports its only pro sports team here in Portland?

There was no doubt. I knew the Blazers cap position and they really couldn't afford to let me walk. I didn't want to leave either. The fans here are great and I want to finish what I started when I came here to play with Dirk by bringing a championship to Portland.

[Bowtothebill23]

There has been a ton of talk this offseason about rebuilding ways. Some feel building on your own through the draft and getting 3-4 or more good to even great players on rookie contracts and letting them grow together gives you the best chance at long term success and a potential dynasty. You tried this for a while and had Dirk, Manu, Mobely, the 6 pick, and the Knicks pick. You decided to trade those assets for Shaq and Doug Christie and instead of waiting and letting them grow, built yourself a championship contender for now. I, for one, wholeheartedly agree with your philosophy and how you executed it. I was wondering if you could talk about why you went this route and if you regret doing so or if you think this team only has a couple years and then it's back to the rebuild.

[kucoach7]

There has been a ton of talk this offseason about rebuilding ways. Some feel building on your own through the draft and getting 3-4 or more good to even great players on rookie contracts and letting them grow together gives you the best chance at long term success and a potential dynasty. You tried this for a while and had Dirk, Manu, Mobely, the 6 pick, and the Knicks pick. You decided to trade those assets for Shaq and Doug Christie and instead of waiting and letting them grow, built yourself a championship contender for now. I, for one, wholeheartedly agree with your philosophy and how you executed it. I was wondering if you could talk about why you went this route and if you regret doing so or if you think this team only has a couple years and then it's back to the rebuild.

The path to where we are was a story of a failed rebuilding path. I don't like the slow rebuild. I have spent too many years losing in this league. The original plan was for a quick rebuild but the draft picks and free agent signings weren't aligned with that strategy. The goal is to have a Warriors situation where you never have to rebuild but the reality will probably look more like the Lakers where we occasionally have a down year but can quickly recover.

[WigNosy]

How does Vlade Divac fit into your frontcourt rotation? His game is different from both Shaq and Dirk - do you think it will mesh well with your backcourt rotation?

[kucoach7]

How does Vlade Divac fit into your frontcourt rotation? His game is different from both Shaq and Dirk - do you think it will mesh well with your backcourt rotation?

Is true that Vlade's game is very different and we're not sure how it will mesh but we're happy to have him to take some of the load off of Dirk and Shaq because they were exhausted come playoff time last year.

[IamQuailman]

Awarded 5 pts!