Thursday Practice Notes

Part 1: The Latest on Brandon Roy:

Something is rotten here in Trail Blazer land. After Tuesday’s game a somewhat emotional Brandon Roy admitted the lingering hamstring injury has him wondering if the season could be “in jeopardy.” Roy played 15 first half minutes against the Clippers before his hamstring became too tight. He did not play in the second half. It seemed as if he (again) came back too early, and that more time to rest and rehab were needed.

The next day, however, Roy said he would try and play Friday against the Celtics. It doesn’t make sense, and I asked him today to clear things up. Roy has concluded that the injury isn’t getting any better, and since it isn’t, he has decided to play on it. But risking a longterm ailment makes little sense, especially since Roy admits that he is unable to make certain moves in his current state. If he’s having to curtail moves in practice, as he has been, then how is playing in a game a good idea?

Surely the three-time All-Star is anxious to get back on the court after the most persistent injury of his short career. And clearly it’s frustrating to be close to playing health, but Roy is not fully there—he admits it time and time again.

Even though the addition of Marcus Camby has re-energized the team’s focus and opportunity to make the playoffs, no one in their right mind would argue that the acquisition puts the Blazers in the title hunt. So why risk it and let Roy play?

Today Coach McMillan, with a smile, basically declined answering any questions about Roy’s status. It’s too all over the place for even the coach to keep up with. “Will he start?” a reporter asked. “I can’t say,” McMillan answered. “What did he tell you guys?” Here’s what he said:

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I can’t get over the feeling like something is—or could go—hideously wrong here. I asked GM Kevin Pritchard about the situation. Here’s our exchange:

Tonry: When Brandon doesn’t seem to be getting better, I’m confused on what the forward thinking is for him to play.

Pritchard: It’s his call.

Is it really?

If I ever feel like it needs to be mine I step in. But I trust Brandon. I trust what he’s about. I trust that he does what’s best for himself and what’s best for the team. I think where he gets into the challenging part is that he wants to play but he can’t go 100%. I talk to him every day.

But he seems frustrated, and that seems like a strange time to make decisions when you’re upset.

Yeah, but he’s got to trust his body too. He’s got to understand that he’s got to listen to his body. But he’s the best. As a human being, it doesn’t get any better than that.

The problem is, it doesn’t seem like Brandon is totally trusting his body. As you can see in the video above: when I ask Roy to help us understand the conflicting messages, he admits that the injury doesn’t feel like it’s getting better.

Part 2: Welcoming Marcus Camby

It’s been a crazy few days for Marcus Camby. He stuck around Tuesday night to attend the game, then jetted off at 6 am Wednesday morning to gather some of his things from his home in Los Angeles. Camby’s 9 pm flight back to Portland was cancelled, so he had to jump on another at 6 am this morning. He’s drained, but happy. Even though he’s only spent a few hours in Portland, Camby admitted that he’s seeing what this franchise is all about and liking it—there was the rousing applause at the introduction on Tuesday at the Rose Garden, and even the stewardess’ and pilots on the flight back were wishing him good luck in Portland.

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Camby answered more questions, but my video recorder ran out of batteries:

On the culture of Portland:
I can tell already. Just how (the fans at Tuesday’s game) welcomed me, and how they take care of their own players here. I haven’t experienced anything like that in a long time.

Guys are so humble. Even when guys are out of the lineup they’re still in contention for a playoff spot. It says a lot about the coaching staff and it also says a lot about the coaching staff.

On playing with LaMarcus:
My job is to come make his job a whole lot more easier. I’ll take the tougher of the low post players out there so he doesn’t have to be in foul trouble. On the offensive end I’ll be just looking to get him open for shots—the same thing I was doing with Chris Kaman that made him an All-Star (*Laughs) I aint saying I’m (responsible) but you see how he struggled the other night in Portland.

On knowing Juwan and Andre Miller:
Coming in the other night Andre asked me if I had a car here and he’s like, I can borrow one of his cars. Unselfishness like that really hits home to me.

On the trade situation:
I’ve never gotten traded in season. Being an opponent of team you’re getting traded for in the same city is even more weirder than having to sit on the bench watching my former team play my new team. It’s like, wow—a whirlwind 24-48 hours.

On Portland:
I’ve been coming here for 14 years and Portland is a great city. I’m staying downtown and I know all the good restaurants down there. Now I’m just trying to get some rest. I’ve had two 6:00AM flights in 24 hours. So I’m just waiting for my stuff from FedEx to get here, and I’ll unload some stuff and get some sleep.

Part 3: The Coach

Coach McMillan was beaming after practice. Having acquired another veteran—especially one who fills the gaping hole in the middle—has made him almost giddy. McMillan touted Camby’s loud communication on defense and plans to insert the veteran at center for Friday’s game against Boston. More from the coach:

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Comments

[Matt Scheelar]

Good vids, good breakdown, thanks Andrew.