04-09-2006, 01:58 PM
|
#1 (permalink)
|
|
Blazer fan since 89'
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: NW, USA
Posts: 526
|
Telfair: "I want to show that I want to be here, that I want to be in Portland."
A very positive article about Telfair in Sunday's Paper. From a coach that rarely gives his players credit, he sure sounds like he loves Telfair. And who says Nate & Telfair can't co-exist?
Quote:
"One thing I have seen out of the kid is he is confident and he has a heart," McMillan said. "He has a passion about this game, and I think he has improved. I feel comfortable with him running the team. The only thing that has been a problem is matching him up with guards defensively, especially without Theo (Ratliff) being out there."
Along the way, Telfair has shown two traits that have endeared him to McMillan: leadership and a desire to stay in Portland next season.
Telfair adamantly says that the Blazers are the perfect fit for him. And while teammates have plodded through the final month, taking losses as if they were expected, Telfair has been a constant energizer both on and off the court, pleading for effort and encouraging his teammates.
"I have seen it all season long, throughout training camp," McMillan said of Telfair's attitude. "And with Sebastian, even though he is not a captain, I knew he would do things a captain would do. He speaks up every day. Every day. . . . He is very competitive, and he has been that way from day one, just very consistent with it."
Telfair has emerged as one of the brightest figures in the Blazers' otherwise dismal season with a strong finish that has included a reduction in turnovers, better shot selection and improved on-the-ball defense, all of which has complemented his growing leadership skills.
"It looks like he is in control of the team out there," McMillan said.
McMillan said Telfair has earned the late-game minutes and the title of an improving player because of his decision making. In his first 30 games this season, Telfair went one game without a turnover; in his next 30, Telfair had 13 without a miscue.
"I think he fought it early on, but now he is really working to be that point guard who can set up, deliver, but at the same time score," McMillan said. "I think what we are seeing now is a guard who at times is not scoring, but you don't see the frustration that you saw earlier. Things are not forced. He's trying to run the offense."
Yet, there was Telfair, always up on the bench cheering his teammates, particularly Steve Blake and Jarrett Jack, his competition at point guard.
"To me, that said a lot about the guy," McMillan said.
|
http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/or...l=7&thispage=1
__________________
b-07-r
roY.
|
|
|