Portland Trail Blazers Blog – Page 45 – NBA Blog

Wizards beat Blazers for first win of season

After their worst start in history, the Washington Wizards became a national punch line. On TNT, Charles Barkley compared them with the Washington Generals, and a local newspaper had photos of fans wearing paper bags over their heads at Monday’s 26-point loss to San Antonio.

The jokes can stop – at least for now.

Washington earned its first victory after starting the season with 12 straight losses, beating the Portland Trail Blazers 84-82 on Wednesday night.

”When you’re 0-12, guys are going to make fun. That’s our business, guys,” Wizards coach Randy Wittman said…

Washington survived a scoreless 6:47 in the fourth when Jordan Crawford, who had 19 points, hit on a 3-pointer with 2:06 to play. The Wizards finally took the 84-82 lead on Emeka Okafor’s two free throws with 39.1 seconds remaining…

Trevor Ariza had 14 and Kevin Seraphin added 10 points and 10 rebounds for Washington, which ended the third quarter on a 23-7 run to take a 68-59 lead, then padded its lead to 15 barely three minutes into the fourth…

Lillard and Nicolas Batum led Portland, losers of three straight, with 20. LaMarcus Aldridge had 17. Hickson had 15 points and 19 rebounds.

— Reported by the Associated Press

Trail Blazers COO Sarah Mensah is leaving

After a long-standing and substantial career with the Portland Trail Blazers, Sarah Mensah, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, has resigned after 19 years with the organization. “Mensah’s departure is effective at the end of this month,” said Trail Blazers President and Chief Executive Officer Chris McGowan. Day-to-day management of the team’s business, revenue and brand management operations, including ticket sales and service, corporate sales and service, suite sales and service, marketing, communications, community relations, broadcasting, game operations and digital communications will move under McGowan’s leadership.

“Sarah’s vision, creativity and steadfast determination were essential components of an outstanding career with the Trail Blazers,” said McGowan. “Her impact on our organization was profound. The Portland Trail Blazers are grateful for her service and commitment to excellence for 19 years.”

“As the Trail Blazers begin a new chapter, the time is right for me to step down,” said Mensah. “There is a great new leadership team in General Manager Neil Olshey, Head Coach Terry Stotts, and President Chris McGowan. I want to thank Paul Allen for giving me the opportunity to lead and for always providing the team with the necessary tools to innovate and achieve both on and off-court success.”

“Sarah leaves an indelible mark on the Trail Blazers, the NBA and indeed professional sports,” said Trail Blazers owner Paul G. Allen. “She was a guiding force through some of the Trail Blazers’ most pivotal years in terms of growth, development and impact. Sarah will be missed by the entire Trail Blazers family, and we wish her continued success in the next chapter of her professional life.”

Nic Batum playing great for Trail Blazers

In a span of 22 days, Batum already has established new career highs in scoring (35 points, twice), steals (six vs. Houston), blocks (five vs. San Antonio) and field goals made (13 vs. Houston). With averages of 20.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.09 blocks per game, Batum isn’t just averaging career highs in nearly every statistical category, he’s also among the NBA leaders in multiple areas.

Batum ranks 11th in scoring, seventh in steals, third in three-pointers made (32) and fourth in minutes played (38.9 per game). All while shooting an incredible 48 percent from the field, including 40 percent from three-point range. He’s been efficient, balanced and — for the first time in his career — consistent. As Batum’s offseason crush, the Minnesota Timberwolves, prepare to visit the Rose Garden on Friday night, he’s justifying their aggressive offseason pursuit.

“He’s such a unique player that you can do a bunch of different things with him,” Blazers coach Terry Stotts said. “His ability to shoot, his quickness to the rim, his length. As a coach, you see all the possibilities and you know it can’t happen all at once, but … he’s doing a little bit of everything right now.”

— Reported by Joe Freeman of the Oregonian

More knee surgery for Brandon Roy

The much-anticipated return of Brandon Roy to the Rose Garden will not happen this week after the Minnesota guard and former Trail Blazers legend has scheduled a right knee surgery for this week, The Oregonian has learned.

The arthroscopy will be the seventh of his career, dating back to high school, and the fifth since he has been a professional. It is unknown how long Roy will be sidelined.

A three-time All-Star and former Rookie of the Year for the Blazers, Roy left Portland in December of 2011 when he medically retired because of arthritic and degenerative knees. The Blazers later used the league’s Amnesty Clause to waive Roy, a move that allowed Roy to be paid the remaining $63 million of his contract, while exempting him from their salary cap.

Roy signed a two-year contract with Minnesota in July that pays him $5.4 million this season, with the second year non-guaranteed depending on how many criteria he meets this season, such as games played.

— Reported by Jason Quick of The Oregonian

Clippers build big lead, beat Blazers 103-90

Jamal Crawford scored 25 points and the Los Angeles Clippers held off the Portland Trail Blazers for a 103-90 victory on Thursday night.

De’Andre Jordan and Chris Paul had 21 points apiece for the Clippers, who led by 25 in the first half. Los Angeles improved to 4-2 in its first game away from Staples Center.

Nicolas Batum had 23 points and nine rebounds for the Blazers, who mounted a second-half challenge but ultimately couldn’t catch up.

Rookie Damian Lillard’s pull-up jumper and Batum’s 3-pointer helped Portland trim Los Angeles’ lead to 75-69 late in the third quarter. Batum’s driving layup at the buzzer made it 77-71 heading to the final period…

Clippers star Blake Griffin had 10 rebounds and seven points while playing with a sleeve covering his right arm for the third straight game because of fluid in his elbow…

Portland’s reserves, averaging an NBA-low 12.8 points per game, had just eight points in the first half. Their counterparts with the Clippers scored 25.

— Reported by Anne M. Peterson of the Associated Press

Not much scoring from Blazers bench

The Trail Blazers’ bench ranks last in the NBA in scoring, contributing a combined 51 points and averaging a measly 12.8 points over the first four games of the season.

So what?

Ask Blazers coach Terry Stotts about this seemingly glaring deficiency and he shrugs his shoulders.

“Personally, right now, I don’t think it’s a problem,” Stotts said. “Our bench is providing us exactly what we need. They’re all very good complementary players and they’re all fulfilling their roles.”

It would be easy to look at the bench’s offensive production and push the panic button. After all, only two players — rookie center Meyers Leonard (14) and backup small forward Sasha Pavlovic (10) — have scored more than 10 points this season. But simply judging the bench by its offensive production would be a mistake.

— Reported by Joe Freeman of the Oregonian

Mavs coach Rick Carlisle is already a Damian Lillard fan

Count Dallas coach Rick Carlisle among the growing list in the NBA who are impressed with Trail Blazers rookie Damian Lillard.

Carlisle, whose Mavericks (2-1) face the Blazers (2-1) tonight in Dallas, called Lillard an “early Rookie of the Year candidate” after the point guard has opened the season with averages of 21.3 points, 9.0 assists and 4.0 rebounds in three games.

“He’s going to have that much impact on their team,’’ Carlisle said. “Plus, point guards have the abll more, so they are going to feature him even more. But I’m really impressed with his feel for the game. He has an air of confidence, and he does a really nice job involving his teammates. And his shooting ability – we haven’t seen a point guard come in like this that can shoot from 25-to-26 feet – easily – in some time.’’

— Reported by Jason Quick of The Oregonian

Blazers guard Ronnnie Price remains day-to-day

The Trail Blazers will play at least one more game without their backup point guard.

Coach Terry Stotts said Ronnie Price will not play tonight when the Blazers visit the Oklahoma City Thunder. Price, who is still recovering from the high right ankle sprain he suffered during an Oct. 12 exhibition game in Phoenix, is listed day-to-day.

Second-year guard Nolan Smith, who had two points and two assists in the Blazers’ season-opening win over the Los Angeles Lakers, again will take Price’s spot in the Blazers’ rotation.

— Reported by Joe Freeman of The Oregonian

Portland Trail Blazers name Chris McGowan President and CEO

The Portland Trail Blazers announced today that Los Angeles sports executive Chris McGowan will be the Trail Blazers’ new President and Chief Executive Officer. McGowan joins the Trail Blazers from his position as Chief Operating Officer of AEG Sports, where he has played prominent leadership roles in the reigning NHL champion Los Angeles Kings and the MLS’ Los Angeles Galaxy.

“It is a great day for the Portland Trail Blazers as we welcome Chris to the Northwest,” said Trail Blazers Owner Paul Allen. “With his demonstrated leadership with the Kings and Galaxy, I am confident he will find ways to improve the Blazers’ business performance, which is key to the team’s overall success.”

McGowan replaces Larry Miller, who resigned as the team’s president in July to return to Nike, and joins General Manager Neil Olshey and Head Coach Terry Stotts, who were both hired earlier this year. He will assume his new position on November 12.

“With Chris now onboard, the Blazers’ new leadership team is complete,” Allen said.

“I am honored to take on this role,” said McGowan. “I have always admired the strength of the Trail Blazers’ brand and the passion of their fan base and am eager to join the staff as we continue building an organization the city can be proud of.”

McGowan will manage all business operations of the team and the Rose Garden. He will report to Peter McLoughlin, currently president of the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks and MLS’ Seattle Sounders FC, who is assuming the role of CEO of Vulcan Sports and Entertainment (VSE). VSE oversees the business operations of Allen’s sports franchises and facilities. McLoughlin will continue in his roles with the Seattle franchises as well as with First and Goal, Inc., which manages CenturyLink Field.

Olshey will continue to manage all basketball operations. He will report directly to Allen on basketball operations and collaborate with McGowan on budget and financial matters.

“I’m excited to work with Chris,” said Olshey. “I’m impressed with his leadership abilities and look forward to a successful collaborative effort.”

McGowan earned his degree in International Relations from the University of Delaware and began his career with AEG in 1996. His success in sales and his strong organizational and team-building skills propelled him up the ranks of AEG. In 2007, he was named Chief Operating Officer of the Kings, where he oversaw the team’s business operations and led the team to increased revenue from ticketing, sponsorships, concessions and other areas.

Earlier this year, McGowan was named COO of the newly formed sports division, AEG Sports. In addition to overseeing the Kings and the Los Angeles Galaxy, McGowan assisted with the operations for all of AEG’s sports teams around the world.

Blazers waive Adam Morrison, Coby Karl, Demonte Harper, Justin Holiday, Dallas Lauderdale

The Portland Trail Blazers have requested waivers on Demonte Harper, Justin Holiday, Coby Karl, Dallas Lauderdale and Adam Morrison, it was announced today by General Manager Neil Olshey.

Karl averaged 4.8 points, 1.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 11.8 minutes in four preseason games.

Morrison posted averages of 3.2 points, 1.4 rebounds, 0.6 assists and 11.4 minutes in five games.

Harper logged four minutes in three games, Harper played six minutes in two contests and Lauderdale tallied six minutes in three games this preseason.

With today’s transactions, the Trail Blazers roster stands at 15 players entering the regular season.