To Seattle, Love, Your Portland Trail Blazers

Dear Seattle,

I really do feel bad for out neighboring fans up north for having the PooperSonics oops I mean SuperSonics stolen from you. So I am going to take it upon myself to introduce you to your NEW Northwest franchise "The Portland Trail Blazers". Now don't worry these guys are easy to love. But I do have a few things you need to be prepared for before you come over to the scarlet and black side. To start things off comfortably I want to remind you of a few familiar faces you should all know of. (These guys really are great not only have they lived in your beloved city, but they also saw the light was a lot brighter when you drive south down I-5/I-205.)

Paul Allen- Owner/Multi-Billionaire.

Paul is one of the best owners in the league. He attends over half of the games during the season and once he sees a contender window opening he is not afraid to open up that pocket book. He loves athleticism and up tempo basketball.

Nate McMillan-Head Coach/Mr. Sonic

As you all know Nate is one of the best coaches in the league. A former Sonic himself which also had his number 10 retired in the rafters. Now don't think that we can just retire #10 now that your Sonics are extinct. Besides thats Joel "Tha Thrilla" Przybilla's number. But if we can get a title or two maybe we can do something for him.

Maurice Lucas-Ass.Coach/Frmr Sonic

"The Enforcer" is better known as a Trail Blazer. But I do want to recognize that he wore a Sonic uniform to. Luc plays an important role in developing the bigs.

Brandon Roy-SG/All Star/UW Husky

Here is a Seattle born boy you all will be proud of. I don't need to speak much of him because you all should already know. But in our eyes he is our next "Clyde the Glyde". In a few years we should see "The Natural" on the Olympic team and maybe a Wheaties box.

Martell Webster-SF/SeattlePrep

Another Seattle product. Martell is a great young talent. A fan favorite, and he has the smoothest jump shot this side of the State of Massachusetts. Hard to believe he is only 21. Huge future for this cat. Although you will still need to be patient with him. He has improved his game both offensively and defensively every season. I live near the practice facility and I see his slick silver Chrysler 300 with the big shiny wheels all of the time which means he is a hard worker.

So OK, how about that. We have a few Seattle natives in our organization. I hope I made you feel a little more welcome. Now before I introduce you to the rest of the guys we do have a few catchy phrases you will need to know. So next I will list a few of our broadcasters new and old along with where they came from etc....

Rip City!- Very popular phrase around town. Bill Schonley our legendary broadcaster of 30 years coined that phrase in the 70's. It can be used in many different ways. For example, if Greg Oden is doubled down low then kicks it outside to Martell Webster who then drains a three. You can scream out an emphatic RIP CITY!. Or if you want to sound a little more like "The Schonz" you can then follow up the "Rip City" with a "Yes Sir". OK now say it with me, "Rrrrip City,Yes Sir". Very nice. You may also use this any time the Blazers make a great play.

Other Famous Bill Shonley phrases...

Holy Backboard

Lickedy brindle up the middle

He took a hop, skip and a jump.

Good evening basketball fans where ever you may be.

Just so you don't get confused our current radio commentator is Brian Wheeler. Most of the new school fans only recognize the man known as "Wheels". He's a great radio personality and also has a few coined phrases of his own. (I will list them below.) He has been on board with the Blazers for about I believe 7 plus seasons. He probably will not reach the legendary status of Bill Shonley (Especially if every contract year we hear rumors of him talking with the Lakers.) but we are very lucky to have such a knowledgeable and dedicated broadcaster. He also has his own afternoon radio show on 95.5 The Game (www.955thegame.com) called Wheels After Work. You get little insider local trail blazer info and he always has great guests year round. I would recomend tuning in ASAP just so you can get familier with him. So like I mentioned before here are Wheels coined phrases you will need to get familiar with....

Wheels Phrases,

Boom Shaka Laka!

OOOOH That was nasty!

Sloan looks Mystified, mortified, etc... Their are more but you will have to listen this season on 95.5 or online @ www.955thegame.com to get the full experience.

We play all of our home games at the Rose Garden, I have linked Map quest directions for you from Seattle right here. (http://www.mapquest.com/mq/4-2gwxg5d8) It seems to be a three hour drive. But remember at the Rose Garden you need to plan to be early and stay late!

Just so you are prepared Portland is a very knowledgeable basketball town. You may be able to get away with wearing a Seattle shirt for one season and we will be forgiving. But year two you better have saved the cash to purchase the scarlet and black. Keeping that in mind we don't want some fairwheater fan either. Seeing as we are going to be hanging some banners shortley you better educate yourself and be a loyal fan.

How about now I introduce you to the rest of the guys. I really think we will have this roster together for a while so I think it will be safe for you to open yourself up to these guys.

C) Greg Oden

We don't know much about Greg yet. But from what we have scene is they don't make 7 footers like him. He will be a fast defensive minded shot blocking, rebounding machine. His offense should improve as he gets more experience. Having him ready this season is going to be fun to watch.

PF) Lamarcus Aldridge

LA or Stretch is a Texan with game similar to Rasheed Wallace and maybe a little Tim Duncan. He is not to their level yet. But last year in his first full season he averaged 18 and 7. He will be a great compliment to Oden on the defensive end next season. (Welcome to the block party.) He is also a great charicter guy. On another note it would be good to see him bulk up, just a tiny bit. And get a little more nastiness to his game.

SF) Travis Outlaw

T-Law or TrOut is a long freak of an athlete. This country boy from Mississippi can touch the top of the backboard. Not quite a Shawn Kemp. But he has improved his game every season in the league since he came out of high school. He has an improving jumper that extends out to the three. Very good fourth quarter producer with the ball in his hands. Defensively he is not that great one on one but off the ball he wreaks havoc. Still improving.

SG) Rudy Fernendez

"The Spanish Fly" is going to be a rookie this season. He has won many olympic medals and MVP awards overseas. He appears to have a nice step back jumper and can get to the rim. He is very thin so we will have to see how he holds up through the entire season.

PG) Steve Blake

Won an NCAA championship at the U of Maryland. Blake is just a solid point. Probably better suited as a backup. But he shoots a good percent, makes good desitions and is an underrated defender.

C) Joel Przybilla

Tha Thrilla is a great rebounder/shotblocker. Offensively you will hold your breat unless he dunks it. He is a great team player and can probably kick Shaq's butt. (His hobbies include Kickboxing) Has had a handful of 5 plus block games. Also 15 plus rebound games. Will be the best backup in the league once Oden is ready.

PF) Channing Frye

Channing is Mr. Happy Go Lucky. He is happy to be here. But will also be happy play more somewhere else. He is a very nice piece off our bench with his range, but could be one of the expendable guys also. He is a great interview if you ever get to hear him.

PG) Sergio Rodriguez

Spanish Chocolate was a spark plug his rookie year, but fell off the map last year. He easily could become your favorite with his Nash style, but he has shown he shoots terrible and cannot play D. Serg has a lot of improving to do to get into the rotation. He also has become a mental head case with a few comments he has made this offseason.

PF) Ike Diagu

Don't know much yet. We just got him from the Pacers. From what I do know is he is an undersized 4 that was an exceptional scorer/rebounder in college. Ike was a lottery pick, but has had injury troubles the past season.

PG) Jerryd Bayless

He is our prized rookie from Arizona. Slotted as a top 5 pick he fell to us at 11. He has a lot of developing to do but should prove to be a above average point in two seasons. Shoots well and can get to the rim, but needs to work on playmaking passing skills.

Trade Bait, I mean PF/C) Raef LaFrentz

I am not gonna waste time with his skill set because I don't know. He has not played hardely since he has been here. His huge 12 million dollar expiring contract will be dangled untill the deadline. But only if we need a certain peice.

Well, thats the group. I do have some homework for you. The blazers have a handful of Euros overseas. Please research them and then you can post an anilazation of their games on yardbarker.

Lets see have I missed anything... Oh yeah you must follow these simple 5 rules below.

#1) Hate the Lakers

#2) Any time Kobe touches the ball you must boo.

#3) *Practice "In KP We Trust"*

#4) Be a confident Blazer fan, not cocky

#5) Thank Paul Allen for KP

*Definition for #3*

In KP we trust, means no matter how many trades or if it seems like a roster move does not make any sence at all. Always remember who turned Ratliff/Telfair/Khryapa and some draft pick swapping into BRoy and LA. The man who ridded Portland of the wanna be thugs, and drug addicts. The man who changed the Jail Blazers back into the Trail Blazers. We have to trust the man with the given name Kevin Pritchard. And always remeber to thank Paul Allen for finaly buying in to him as well.

From,

Your New Fellow Trail Blazer Fans!

Please purchase your merchandise here http://www.nba.com/blazers/index_main.html

22 Comments On: "To Seattle, Love, Your Portland Trail Blazers"

 
Good stuff man, we need to help those folks up north.

boomshakala.org

Thanks Bro!

I'd say the odds are pretty high Seattle will land another NBA franchise. There's no way the Grizzlies will stay in Memphis with a non-existent fanbase.

Whatever it is it will be the Seattle Supersonics. The colors and name are staying in Seattle, but the thing is it will have to be another expansion team. I think they should have just agreed to create and expansion in OKC. But whatever whats done is done. Hopefully whomever is the next owner of a NBA franchise in Seattle will still be able to keep the name and colors. The Ballmer group will probably make a run at it, and BillG is in retirement so you never know he might like to be a rival with his friend Paul Allen. Their will be another team within five years. The NBA put a limit saying no team could be there in five years, but they could drop it if given a reason. It would be awesome to have a Microsoft backed team and Arena.

6) Hate the Jazz!

And the Spurs,Rockets,Clippers, Warriors, Mavs, Hornets etc...... LOL

Would not mind seeing the Grizzlies Franchise up here in the NW. I love the players on that team, and it is sort of in the same boat as Portland, incredible young talent that has a bright future. I would venture to say that the Grizzlies will have more success quicker then whatever the OKC team will be called.

Agreed. Mike Conley...playing for Seattle...you can't really go wrong with that.

There is a franchise in Memphis.. Its funny when you the experts talk about teams under the cap and are willing to spend money, and they don't even mention Memphis. I hope they could get a turnaround in Seattle. More importantly, I am not a Portland fan, but i love what they are going up there. I hope they can keep that first half intensity from last year going all year this year. Any word on how Oden looks? good luck next year

wow, great pitch but i could never let myself become a true blazers fan, tempting as that may be. love the roster though.

yeah, good point keganjm. the disconcerting part about the name and colors is that it is ONLY if we get an expansion team. the language in the deal was pretty clear about that. also, they are creating replicas of all the retired jerseys, championship banners etc and will put them up in OKC. just awful.

That seems so wrong to me. Clay Bennett should be banned from the NBA. David Stern needs to be fired, but Schultz should have stepped up earlier. At the same time though when Shultz was saying he was selling more people should have payed attention. The Ballmer group could have done more.

It really is sad. I use to like David Stern at the beginning of last season. The league honestly has had a huge turn around in ratings and fan support, but with the ref scandals, the Chinese explosion, and this Seattle problem it really makes me think twice about him.

I think he really has done a lot of good with the league but it is now time for a change of the guard.

I am sad as a Blazers fan to know that we are the only team in really in the NW. Seattle sports has really taken a dip, they are most likely getting MLS, but they need NBA.

I expect another team up their in the next 5 years. Clay Bennett is awful. Really what a snake is this guy.

I truly think this will affect the players as well, none of them were really rooted in the culture and the town of Seattle but how does this type of change affect Kevin Durant?

I do have to say the OKC is probably one of the smallest markets, they were not thriving before in Seattle, but they were starting to get great talent, and as a Blazer fan or any fan or that matter you will come to games and buy jerseys, hats, when you respect the team, and they start winning.

But what is done is done. How can we boycott Clay Bennett?? Send him horse heads in the mail? Seattle I am sorry, it must really suck. I can honestly feel all the negative vibes coming south down to us.

It would be so awesome if the Grizzlies moved to Seattle and because the Sonics. The Blazers would have a rival team made up of Rudy Gay, Mike Conley, OJ Mayo.

Can we just have Mike Conley. I saw him last year in person at their summer camp. The dude is crazy. His ball ball handling skills are just insane. Oden with his college PG. Ill take him as a primary PG over any of ours.

haha nice article

It was interesting to hear a local radio show suggesting a Blazers VS OK City matchup next season at Key Arena. That would be one way to sellout KEY. It would be nice for Seatle to see Mr. Sonic Nate, BRoy, Paul Allen and Martell gearing up to defend their home town, but also representing the Portland Trail Blazers.


oh i would love that. and...probably cheer for the blazers. there's no one left on the OKC team we'd be that attached to, certainly not enough to outweigh my digust for the ownership group. the whole roster turned over in the last year.

I have been a very vocal supporter of the Seattle fans in this situation. It's disgusting that Stern let Bennett get away with what he did. Especially the fact that he is holding the history of the team over the fans' heads like he is on the chance they get a team back. They guy is a complete scumbag.
That said the future of the NBA in OKC is tenuous at best. I can't imagine Kevin Durant staying there, or any other players that would want to for that matter. They will be the most hated team in the league, as the very existence of OKC basketball under these conditions is every fan's ultimate worst nightmare. I honestly might hate them as much or even more than the Lakers or any other franchise. They will be the joke of the league.
That said I also feel sorry for the fans of OKC. This has to be somewhat tainted for them under the conditions they got the franchise under. No one will take them seriously. Though there is also a huge contingent of Oklahomans on the Seattle Sonics blogosphere talking trash about "OKC 'owning' Seattle". It's totally trashy and exposing them for the bush league city and fans that they are.
OKC is a freaking minor league town and the NBA is worse off for giving in to this.

haha, wish more nba fans shared that sentiment. although to be honest, i'm sure most of the OKC folks are decent people and i'll feel bad when/if we take a team from memphis or new orleans, although i'm guessing steve ballmer and co. won't be such huge d-bags about it.

SORRY FOLKS KEEP WISHIN WERE NOT GOING ANYWHERE. AND THAT NON EXSISTANT FAN BASE MR. ODENIZED WAS TALKIN BOUT JUS GOT A WHOLE LOT BIGGER. SO GO TRY AND STEAL ANOTHER FRANCHISE FROM SOME OTHER CITY. IF THEY DESERVE A NBA FRANCHISE THEY WOULD HAVE KEPT THA ONE THEY HAD.

Nice blog. We love the blazers and the "Pritch Slaps". Also, we are welcoming of all PNW fans (Pacific NW that is). We will share our team with Washingtonians and former Sonic-Lovers. Come Rise With Us!!!

Also, Portland doesn't like BLAZE the TRAILCAT. Let's keep the Sonic Sasquatch in the Northwest and outfit him in a Blazer Jersey!! That might help Seattlites cheer for us, as well?

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