6 press conference takeaways from Blazers Media Day
McGowan on jersey patch
Chris McGowan says the team was "very close" to signing a jersey sponsor before the deal fell through. Says nothing is imminent.
— Casey Holdahl (@CHold) September 25, 2017
As someone who is an avid jersey fan (and critic), I’ve patiently waited to hear what jersey patch the Blazers will, or will not, don this season.
It looks like talks got serious, but came undone for this upcoming season.
I’d be able to get behind a patch if it blends well with the jersey – unlike Milwaukee’s – but the choice of a sponsor is just as important.
The Nets went with Infor, the Nuggets are with Western Union, the Lakers will wear Wish patches. I don’t see any connection to those teams with their respective patches.
It seems patches are more about the money they offer than the team’s city or base; I hope Portland doesn’t make the same mistake.
Nurk is still ridiculously likable
Nurk says the Blazers need to channel the 2004-05 Pistons: "Our defense was trash"
— Mike Richman (@mikegrich) September 25, 2017
Nurk keeps it real 100 percent of the time.
He called the defense “trash.” He reiterated he wants to be back in Portland with an extension in the future.
But Nurk also wants the team to resemble the 2004-05 Pistons that featured Chauncey Billups and Rasheed Wallace.
He’s put in work this offseason to drop 35 pounds, and a leaner Nurk may be the ultimate man in the middle for Portland.
Swanigan impressed everyone
.@Dame_Lillard says @calebswanigan50 is "very impressive". Teachable. Responds to input from teammates. "I was really impressed."
— Jay Allen (@PDXjay) September 25, 2017
When players were asked about a player who impressed them during the team’s mini-workouts prior to media day, one answer was repeated over and over: Caleb Swanigan.
The rookie seems NBA-ready based on Summer League, and it’s good to know his teammates are repeating our early impressions of him.
With Noah Vonleh going down, he may have an opportunity to start if he impresses enough.
Lillard and McCollum don’t care about stats
Nice to hear Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum emphasize their statistics are not as important to them as making teammates better and winning.
— Jason Quick (@jwquick) September 25, 2017
Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum were on the same page off the court Monday, much like they are in-game.
The backcourt, especially team leader Lillard, talked about accountability on the team.
Next: Former Blazer Cliff Alexander signs with Pelicans
McCollum said the team should avoid being demonstrative on the court, an obvious sign to the crowd and audience the team isn’t gelling.
Rip City is in good hands this year with these two furthering the team’s chemistry.