TheSportsTrap
How vain it is to sit down to write when you haven't stood up to live?
Audio of Damian Lillard’s interview on Jim Rome—the best in the business. [link here]
A beautiful job by the Trail Blazers PR staff with these videos. Only four have been released thus far, with more coming soon from Ronnie Price, Joel Freeland, JJ Hickson, LaMarcus Aldridge and even new head coach Terry Stotts. I repeat, RONNIE PRICE (no Nolan Smith). The Batum clip, that aired in last night’s dominating performance over the Lakers was spot on, and timing was everything with this one. I couldn’t help but picture thousands of living rooms across Rip City in stone cold silence listening to the reserved, yet budding leader speak about his bright future in Portland. This may sound a little extreme, but I don’t think I’ve listened that attentively to a speech since Obama’s JFK-esque tone during the “Yes We Can” movement. This clip couldn’t have been released to the public at a better time for Nic, taking into account that it aired after his springy first quarter performance, in which the roaming wingman transformed into an active aggressor in the paint, a pest on the offensive boards, and dizzying for defensive team coverage. Batum went from soaring over Kobe to setting forth one of the greatest Rip City commercials of all-time. Most importantly, it reassured those that carried any doubt about Batum’s happiness in Portland. The only thing missing was a quick salute to his agent that did a masterful job at bolstering the demand of his relatively unproven craft. Well done, Batum.
The released videos:
Damian Lillard: “If you don’t prepare, you prepare to fail” Nic Batum: “It’s not 5 vs 5, it’s 5 vs 20,005” Wes Matthews: “There is no Plan B” Meyers Leonard: “I’m willing to give it whatever it takes”
WELCOME TO RIP CITY, VICTOR CLAVER!!! Remember folks, it’s pronounced “Claw-vair” unlike the word in the dictionary “Clay-ver.” Let’s not butcher his name like we did with Batum, shall we?
“Just the Beginning…” Will Barton was introduced to Portland Trail Blazers media today, and the guy is already snapping pics of himself in the team lockerroom, straight up in the ZONE! High hopes for this guy to be the steal of the 2012 NBA Draft and make his presence felt right away for a PDX team that will need serious help on the offensive end. Despite my enthusiasm, there is something about the #5 jersey in black and red that makes me cringe (Ahem! Rudy Ahem! Felton).
Click here to follow Barton on instagram, click her for his twitter.
After hearing these initial reports that Marcus Camby will be heading back to NYC to finish his career with the Knicks, I couldn’t be more proud and happy for the old fellah. Sure, McMillan and Camby had a shaky breakup as they both departed, but I will never forget this moment as a Blazer fan for the rest of my life [fast forward to the 1min mark]. The chills I felt were absolutely electric. RipCity at its finest right here. Love.
For those having a down day, you’re welcome. How can you NOT at least crack a smile after seeing this? I missssssssssheeed.
Want mo’ Sheed-being-Sheed? Here he is rocking out, singing a little Guns N’ Roses. Thank you, Molly for this youtube gold.
Geoff Ziemer
Life is a short hop. Charge it or get benched
Flickr Images
Geoff Ziemer © Theme created by 
