Post by Portland on Oct 20, 2006 2:35:14 GMT -5
Portland, Oregon-
The Trailblazers organization announced today that they will bring on retired Blazer John Stockton as the new team head coach. The offer was extended to John shortly after his announcement to retire, his confirmation was received today, and the Blazers administration immediately broke the good news. General Manager “Whiskey” Pete had this to say about the hire:
“We are very excited to have John join our organization. Portland loves him, the players respect him, and we feel he will be the catalyst to return this team to the playoffs. He has the leadership and skill that it takes on and off the court. He was a great player, and we expect the same from him as a coach.”
The city of Portland has more reasons than that to be excited for this season. The #2 overall draft pick, Carmelo Anthony, is expected to bring an upbeat attitude and a lot of flash and skill to the floor and is projected to start for the team. There’s also the surprise improvement of fellow rookie Garrett Johnson, who should be seen in a backup role at both shooting and point guard positions. But the highlight of this off-season has to be the acquisition of All-Star point guard Jason Kidd.
Kidd, reportedly unhappy with his stay in Los Angeles, was excited to move to Portland and has very high hopes for the season.
“It was a good move for me. I’m surrounded by young, talented guys who are willing to push the ball and run the court. I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to play in such an amazing city for a team that has the potential to be great. Coach Stockton told me that he has high expectations for me this year, and I plan to take the reigns and lead this team, helping the young guys along so that they can take over when the time comes. We’ll show this league just what we’re capable of.”
Garrett Johnson had this to say about the year:
“I feel very lucky to be in my situation. To be playing alongside Jason and coached by John, there’s so much that I’ve been able to learn and so much that I can yet learn from both of them. I’m looking forward to improving my game and moving into a bigger role for my team.”
Overall the Blazers are looking good ought to be making a playoff run this year. They have a young, exciting team and should be a thrill to watch as they continue to progress.
The Trailblazers organization announced today that they will bring on retired Blazer John Stockton as the new team head coach. The offer was extended to John shortly after his announcement to retire, his confirmation was received today, and the Blazers administration immediately broke the good news. General Manager “Whiskey” Pete had this to say about the hire:
“We are very excited to have John join our organization. Portland loves him, the players respect him, and we feel he will be the catalyst to return this team to the playoffs. He has the leadership and skill that it takes on and off the court. He was a great player, and we expect the same from him as a coach.”
The city of Portland has more reasons than that to be excited for this season. The #2 overall draft pick, Carmelo Anthony, is expected to bring an upbeat attitude and a lot of flash and skill to the floor and is projected to start for the team. There’s also the surprise improvement of fellow rookie Garrett Johnson, who should be seen in a backup role at both shooting and point guard positions. But the highlight of this off-season has to be the acquisition of All-Star point guard Jason Kidd.
Kidd, reportedly unhappy with his stay in Los Angeles, was excited to move to Portland and has very high hopes for the season.
“It was a good move for me. I’m surrounded by young, talented guys who are willing to push the ball and run the court. I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to play in such an amazing city for a team that has the potential to be great. Coach Stockton told me that he has high expectations for me this year, and I plan to take the reigns and lead this team, helping the young guys along so that they can take over when the time comes. We’ll show this league just what we’re capable of.”
Garrett Johnson had this to say about the year:
“I feel very lucky to be in my situation. To be playing alongside Jason and coached by John, there’s so much that I’ve been able to learn and so much that I can yet learn from both of them. I’m looking forward to improving my game and moving into a bigger role for my team.”
Overall the Blazers are looking good ought to be making a playoff run this year. They have a young, exciting team and should be a thrill to watch as they continue to progress.
