ironcrotch

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/01/sp...ts&oref=slogin

Please don't post entire articles. Just quote a small portion and provide a link.

This is a pretty good article about us, thought you guys might like to read.

I like Frye would suck to see him go in a trade if anything goes down. Must also be a punch in the gut for Zbo for the team to be doing so well without him.

HispanicCausinPanic

Channing seems like a great fit here. I bet ZBo misses Portland. It must have been strange for such a nice, down to earth guy like Frye to be in the middle of all that drama. I'm SURE he doesn't miss NYC!

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taterz

Great article. I feel bad for Zach because I think he got a bad shake here in Portland but I do feel that his domination of the ball and bad defense is accurate and will hold most teams back. He found a worse situation in New York but on the right time he would thrive. I have grown to like Frye a lot, he is a solid role player, a little soft, but he has a great shot. Problem for him is that he is one of our few expendable guys and before next season we are going to make some roster choices. He may end up being the odd man out.

BlazerCaravan

I like Channing a lot from a chemistry perspective. From a play perspective, he's growing too: when he's hitting his mid-range jumper, he's quite valuable in the Outlaw-and-Jack-slash white unit. He can rebound in bunches on some nights, too. With some more work from Maurice Lucas toughening him up, he could be a stronger defender too. There's plenty of potential for him to become quite valuable off the bench for us, if he's happy with being LMA's backup PF.

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mook

I'm really curious to see how Randolph is received at the Rose Garden. I know he was pigeon holed as "one of the bad character guys", but for several years he was the only Blazer who was putting out consistent effort and keeping our team from being a complete embarrassment.

I'd like to see him get a nice cheer from the crowd. It'd demonstrate that Portland fans have class and don't just dwell on the negatives of his time here.

B_&_B

Great article, thanks!

I'm with ya. Zach may have had his off court issues, but he busted his butt to improve every year.

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"People say we are coming, but I almost think it's to the point where we are here," he said. "I think it's no longer coming. We are here now."... Brandon Roy.

Freshtown

I hope he doesn't get booed tonight. Zach, who has definitely made some mistakes and with the people he surrounds himself with, is actually a really nice guy if you've ever talked to him. He seems like he gets an unfair shake with Portland fans, and I hope no one continues to wish him bad things.

Spud147

I feel the same way, I won't ever forget Zach putting the whole team on his back and almost getting us past Dallas in the play offs. He worked hard to improve every year and he wanted to be here. While his maturity was questionable, I think he was really trying to become a leader and a team player.

With the youth movement and the new players it was clear Zach wasn't going to be a part of the plan for the future. It was time to part ways but I hope the fans appreciate his effort on the court when he was here and give him a warm welcome. I feel bad he landed in such a bad situation and I hope his career turns around. I wish him the best (except against Portland).

Oldmangrouch

I honestly feel sorry for Zach.

He got a bum rap in Portland, mostly because expectations for him were out of step with reality. He also never got the credit he deserved for the way he came back from major surgery, and how hard he worked in rehab.

In NY, the situation is just hopeless. Things are so toxic and dysfunctional that Duncan and KG couldn't turn that team around. Yet somehow, some people want to blame Zach! Damn silly.

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KingSpeed

Great article. Makes me love our team even more. And I feel bad for Zach too. I talked to him briefly last season after the Clippers. He listened to me and smiled and just seemed like a really fun guy to be around.

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Gunner

Although I hated the off the court actions that drew negative attention to the team and his general lack of team play on the court,not even going to mention defense... And while I'm happy thats he no longer on the team I genuinely feel sorry for him in the situation that hes in now. His motivation and the hard work he put in rehabbing does say a lot for the guys heart and will.One of my 1st thoughts after the elation of Roy being chosen All star,was thinking poor Zach! Its obvious that making it means a lot to him and then Brandon scoops up the honor in his 2nd rookie year.Damn! Of course his off court antics most likely played a large role in his not being chosen. Since hes left "The Hoops Family" behind maybe he can keep his nose clean and get a shot at it.Hopefully with a new coach and system (this summer?)he can kickstart his career AND image,open some eyes. Best wishes to him anyway.

I watched a lot of Channing his first year and couldn't believe the screwing he got last year under Isiah. I consider him really being in his second year as the last was a total waste as far as advancement as a player. Under Nate and in this environment he seems to be coming along slowly but steadily. From the indications it seems like hes very coachable and I think he will be a difference maker as he learns. I think with Oden back next year hes going to fit right into niche that Pritch envisioned when he made the deal. Happy to have him here!