Slide Show: Sounds Like Team Spirit
Two-time All-Star and MVP candidate Brandon Roy describes the team’s development: "We’re not going through the learning process anymore."
Photography by Kerosene Rose
The Blazers’ major free agent acquisition, point guard Andre Miller, jokes about season expectations: "The only thing guaranteed is the contract."
Photography by Kerosene Rose
Star power forward LaMarcus Aldridge was in a good mood despite the fact that his contract status is uncertain: "I didn’t think [negotiations] would be this hard."
Photography by Kerosene Rose
Juwan Howard charmed the press during Media Day, talking about Portland’s fans: "They let the other team know it’s going to be a dogfight in here."
Photography by Kerosene Rose
Center Greg Oden spent the whole summer working with Blazers assistant coach Bill Bayno on his defensive mobility to reduce his fouls.
Photography by Kerosene Rose
After missing all but five minutes last season, Martell Webster, when asked about how far the team could go, had high hopes: "All the way."
Photography by Kerosene Rose
One of the Blazers’ two early second round draft picks, Dante Cunningham, laughed with the press about getting dunked on by Greg Oden in summer pickup games.
Photography by Kerosene Rose
Point guard Jerryd Bayless thought he had a shot at the starting position this season, right up until the Andre Miller signing.
Photography by Kerosene Rose
French import Nicolas Batum knows Portland much better after spending a year in the Rose City. His favorite French restaurant? Fenouil.
Photography by Kerosene Rose
With the signings of Andre Miller and Juwan Howard, center Joel Przybilla is excited that he’s no longer the "old man" of the team.
Photography by Kerosene Rose
Another year, another position controversy: eternally embattled point guard Steve Blake put on a happy face at Media Day.
Photography by Kerosene Rose
Rudy Fernandez, fresh off a championship over teammate Nicolas Batum’s French team in the EuroBasket tournament, was una fantasma as his round with the media lasted for less than five minutes.
Photography by Kerosene Rose
Despite an injury that has wiped out the beginning of his rookie season, forward Jeff Pendergraph remains in good spirits: "I’m used to walking on crutches."
Photography by Kerosene Rose
Travis Outlaw drew laughs as he debuted a short ‘fro at Media Day with the explanation, "I forgot to cut it." He says he’s ready to "bust some new moves."
Photography by Kerosene Rose
What’s old is new again: Portland native Ime Udoka is happy to be back with teammates Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge as he returns to the Blazers after two years with the San Antonio Spurs: "They feel like baby brothers to me."
Photography by Kerosene Rose
Juwan Howard takes his role as a mentor on this team very seriously. "You know how coaches have an open-door policy? So do I," he said. "If any teammates want to soak up information like a sponge from me, they can."
Photography by Kerosene Rose
