Portland Trail Blazers

Social media reacts to Evan Turner trade news

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Social media reacts to Evan Turner trade news

By NBCS NW Staff June 24, 2019 1:43 PM

Evan Turner’s time in Portland has come to an end.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the 30-year-old forward-guard has been traded to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Kent Bazemore.

Following news of the trade, here’s a look at how fans, media and even Turner himself reacted on social media. 

View this post on Instagram

“And when I’m gone they gone remember me. Not for how I hoop but for my energy..” Pdx, it’s been real. I enjoyed the journey, team accomplishments, and vibe of the PNW To my teammates: we did a lot of great things together. We overcame a lot because we were a true team and we persevered together. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your journey. The sky is the limit Blazers organization: Thank you for allowing me to come to work in a positive environment! I was able to make a lot of bonds beyond basketball with the coaching staff and all the people behind the scenes. First class place that will only keep reaping the benefits of good karma. Last but not least, THANKS FOR THE CHEESE 🤑 #namingmydogneil

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Trail Blazers honor Kobe Bryant before Sunday's game vs. Pacers

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Portland Trail Blazers

Trail Blazers honor Kobe Bryant before Sunday's game vs. Pacers

By Jamie Hudson January 26, 2020 6:14 PM

Before the National Anthem took place the Portland Trail Blazers honored the late Kobe Bryant Sunday night as the Blazers got set to tip-off Sunday's action from Moda Center against the Indiana Pacers.

A video tribute played on the Jumbotron which included Kobe pictures and a touching moment between Kobe and Damian Lillard from Kobe's last game in Portland.

There was then a moment of silence for 24 seconds to honor Kobe.

The Blazers took a 24-second shot clock violation to start the game in memory of Kobe, while the Pacers honored Kobe by being charged with an eight-second backcourt violation.

Our Trail Blazers Insider Dwight Jaynes discussed the best way to honor the Lakers Legend is to play the hardest they have ever played in their career. 

Former Trail Blazer and Talkin' Blazers Podcast host Channing Frye shared his thoughts today on what Kobe meant to the game. 

The city of Portland also honored Kobe in its own way. The Portland Convention Center was illuminate with purple and gold.  

Other NBA teams paid their respects to the NBA legend in various ways:

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released the following statement:

"The NBA family is devastated by the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna.”

“We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Vanessa, and their family.”

Trail Blazers Pregame Notebook: Terry Stotts and Nate McMillan share stories of Kobe Bryant

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Trail Blazers Pregame Notebook: Terry Stotts and Nate McMillan share stories of Kobe Bryant

By Jamie Hudson January 26, 2020 5:01 PM

There is a somber feeling throughout Moda Center Sunday night.

Before the Portland Trail Blazers and Indiana Pacers tip-off at 6:00p.m. tonight on NBC Sports Northwest and on the 'MyTeams' App, both Blazers head coach Terry Stotts and Pacers head coach Nate McMillan shared their thoughts on the devastating news of Kobe Bryant’s passing this morning.

Coach Stotts on Kobe: “It’s a very sad day… The effect that he had on basketball around the world, he will be mourned tonight… I didn’t know him well… I just know him a competitor… I admired what he did.”   

Coach McMillan on Kobe:

“Extreme sadness. Kobe was a great man, a great role model for the NBA, for this generation, for young black men, just really extreme sadness.”

HEAR MORE FROM COACH STOTTS HERE:

HEAR MORE FROM COACH MCMILLAN HERE:

BLAZERS INJURY REPORT:

CJ McCollum (left ankle) is not on the Blazers injury report for Sunday’s game after missing the last three games with a left ankle sprain.

Rodney Hood (left ruptured Achilles tendon), Zach Collins (left shoulder dislocation), Skal Labissiere (left knee inflammation) and Jusuf Nurkic (left leg fracture) are out for Sunday’s game vs. Indiana.

PACERS INJURY REPORT:

TJ Leaf (right knee soreness) and JaKarr Sampson (left ankle sprain) are questionable; Myles Turner (illness)Malcolm Brogdon (concussion) and Victor Oladipo (right knee rehab) are out.

Remembering Kobe Bryant's final game in Portland

Remembering Kobe Bryant's final game in Portland

By NBCS NW Staff January 26, 2020 3:52 PM

The final buzzer sounded and the crowd roared. But, it wasn't because the Trail Blazers handed the Los Angeles Lakers yet another defeat. 

It was Kobe Bryant's final game in Portland. 

Bryant, who was retiring after 20 seasons in the NBA, finished with 10 points on 5-of-9 shooting, and added two rebounds and one assist in 24 minutes.

He amassed a 27.9 career scoring average in Portland. Blazers fans didn't take it easy on him during the game. He was booed throughout the game by Blazers fans and cheered wildly by a strong Lakers following. 

After the game, Bryant raised his hands to the crowd, and tapped his heart. Then he applauded every corner of the arena before departing. 

It was an emotional scene made even more emotional by his sudden passing. 

Watch the video above. 

Portland Trail Blazers, Commissioner Adam Silver release statement following Kobe Bryant's passing

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Portland Trail Blazers

Portland Trail Blazers, Commissioner Adam Silver release statement following Kobe Bryant's passing

By NBCS NW Staff January 26, 2020 1:36 PM

The Portland Trail Blazers have released a statement on the passing of NBA legend Kobe Bryant.

The Trail Blazers and Commisioner Adam Silver shared their condolences on Twitter:

“Our prayers are with the Bryant family & the other families affected, Lakers & all who knew & loved Kobe.”

News broke Sunday that Los Angeles Legend Kobe Bryant has been killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas. He is believed to be one of at least four people traveling in the private helicopter and reports suggest there are no survivors. TMZ first reported the news.

The Trail Blazers host the Indiana Pacers tonight at 6:00pm.

We will have the latest from Moda Center has the NBA and players pay their respects to the Black Mamba.  

Moses Brown transferred to Texas Legends

Moses Brown transferred to Texas Legends

By NBCS NW Staff January 26, 2020 10:32 AM

Well, it happened again. 

The Portland Trail Blazers transferred two-way center Moses Brown back to the Texas Legends, the team announced Sunday. 

Two-way players are only permitted to be with an NBA team for up to 45 days while spending the rest of the season in the G League.

Brown, 20, has played in seven games for the Trail Blazers this season, averaging 1.4 points (44.4% FG, 50.0% FT) and 1.6 rebounds. In 17 games with the Legends, Brown (7-1, 245) has averaged 14.8 points (65.5% FG, 47.8% FT), 7.6 rebounds and 1.29 blocks.  

Trail Blazers and Pacers find familiar footing, must exercise patience

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Trail Blazers and Pacers find familiar footing, must exercise patience

By Jamie Hudson January 26, 2020 10:25 AM

The anticipation is growing.

Portland is eagerly awaiting Trail Blazers center Jusuf Nurkic’s return to game action. It’s been 10 months since Nurkic sustained compound fractures to his left tibia and fibula. 

This week, Nurkic participated in his first practice at full speed and full contact.

He is one step closer.

Saturday after practice, Nurk’s teammates discussed how they’re very excited to have him back on the court.  

It’s the same for the Indiana Pacers.

But, Portland will luck out hosting the Pacers Sunday night.

According to reports, Pacers All-Star Victor Oladipo is targeting next week to make his 2019-20 debut.

The Pacers lost Oladipo for the 2018-19 season last January 23 after suffering a ruptured quad tendon in his right knee.

Trail Blazers All-Star Damian Lillard mentioned what it will be like for the Pacers when they get Oladipo back.

“You’re just adding star power. He’s an NBA All-Star, a dynamic player, and when you add that to equation it obviously takes their team to another level,” Lillard said after Saturday’s practice.

“I’m just happy he won’t be coming back against us,” Lillard added.

Yes, the Blazers are lucking out for sure.

But, they also know what the Pacers have been going through watching Oladipo work so hard to get back on the court after seeing firsthand what Nurk has gone through.

Oladipo and CJ McCollum have a special bond entering the league at the same time with both of them being drafted in the summer of 2013.  

As Oladipo has been rehabbing, McCollum has tried to help him through this last year.  

It’s tough. It’s a grind. I talk to Victor, I sent him some bible verses and some books while he was hurt, just try to keep his spirits up. I think it’s the same thing with Nurk. You have to continue to do things that make you happy. You have to keep your perspective and understand that it gets better. There’s going to be a time where you can’t do things, but then it’s going to be a time where it’s going to come back around full circle, and that appreciation and love for it will still be there -- it will probably grow, that’s what usually happens when it’s taken away from you. -- Trail Blazers shooting guard CJ McCollum on Victor Oladipo   

Blazers head coach Terry Stotts explained how the media attention ramps up once a player who has been rehabbing for months is nearing his return and coaches and teammates have to deal with the media’s questions about the injured player. 

“When a player gets closer to getting back obviously there’s more interest in it,” Stotts said. “But still that’s minimal to what the player had to endure with is rehab.”

Stotts continued, “the long-term injuries, like Oladipo, or Nurk, or Rodney Hood, even to an extent Zach Collins, it’s much more difficult on the player. We as players and coaches have to move on and prepare for the season, for the next game, but to have a long-term injury really is trying for that person because of the mental approach to rehab, not seeing an end in sight, I think that’s really difficult.”

Yes, the Blazers will just miss Oladipo’s debut, but they know that the Pacers have been able to pull together this season and still hold a winning record. Indiana is coming off a 129-118 win over the Golden State Warriors improving to 30-16 on the season.

And Lillard discussed just that.

“Their just a really solid team. They’ve got a lot of guys that contribute and do things that make them go. It’s not just like one person is out there doing everything and I think that balance is just presents a problem. They compete hard, they’ve got a great balance, they defend, they’ve got guys capable of having big nights and they’ve been steady, so I think when you’re dealing with a team like that, it’s important for you to have that same type of effort.”

CJ McCollum echoed those same sentiments.

“They’re a very good team… They defend well, and offensively they’ve got a lot of weapons.”

CJ McCollum is going to add this non-Browns player's jersey to his collection

CJ McCollum is going to add this non-Browns player's jersey to his collection

By Peter Socotch January 26, 2020 9:44 AM

Being a sports fan is hard. 

Being a Cleveland Browns fan is even harder. 

This is Trail Blazers shooting guard CJ McCollum’s reality.

After years as bottom dwellers of the NFL, the Cleveland Browns were looking poised to have a breakout season. 

And that didn’t happen. 

No amount of Baker Mayfield, Odell Beckham, Jr., Landry Jones and Nick Chubb was going to save the Browns from themselves. 

After finishing 6-10 and losing their final three games of the season, Cleveland fired head coach Freddie Kitchens.

“It’s sad,” McCollum said on his Pull Up Podcast. “There’s a lot of loyal fans out there like myself— we’ve been through a lot. We’ve been through a lot of coaches, we’ve been through a lot of quarterbacks. It’s just frustrating. I always say I’m going to give them another year, I’m going to give them another year. I mean it, but at some point, 

Now, the revolving door has swung to Kevin Stefanski, the Vikings offensive coordinator, to try and get Cleveland over the hump. 

McCollum isn’t going to give up his fandom of the Browns anytime soon. The Canton, Ohio native probably never will, no matter the continued heartache his favorite NFL team may put him through. 

There is, however, a jersey he’s going to add to his collection who is not on the Browns. 

While CJ is picking the Chiefs to win the Super Bowl, he’s not running out to buy a Patrick Mahomes jersey. 

And while his season was electric, McCollum won’t be sporting a Lamar Jackson jersey, either.

Talking with ESPN’s Adam Schefter on the Pull Up Pod, CJ said the jersey he would defect from the Cleveland Browns for is Seahawks QB Russell Wilson 

“I am going to get a Russell Wilson jersey because the Seahawks are so close, the ownership is shared. I’m going to have to do it. It’s just something I’m going to have to do.”

Wilson finished this season with 4,110 passing yards, 41 passing touchdowns and just five interceptions. He added 342 yards and three more scores as a runner. 

His jersey is a top-15 seller. 

Maybe the two players can do a jersey exchange.

You can listen to the full Pull Up Podcast here. 

How to watch, stream Trail Blazers vs. Pacers tonight at 6:00pm

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How to watch, stream Trail Blazers vs. Pacers tonight at 6:00pm

By Jamie Hudson January 26, 2020 5:55 AM

The Trail Blazers (19-27) host the Indiana Pacers (30-16) Sunday night in game number three of Portland’s current four-game homestand.

Good news for Trail Blazers fans: CJ McCollum (left ankle sprain) was not listed on the Blazers injury report for Sunday’s game. McCollum has missed the last three games. 

You can watch all the action between the Blazers and Pacers in action on NBC Sports Northwest, the Official Network of the Portland Trail Blazers and you can stream the game on our website or by downloading the MyTeams app!

And, have you heard about Blazers Pass?

You can get 15 live Trail Blazers games, pre and postgame shows, and on-demand full-game replays with Blazers Pass! (Only available to fans located in Blazers Territory, pursuant to NBA rules and agreements. No TV provider required. Subscription Period: November 4, 2019 - April 16, 2020. Subscription auto-renews prior to start of next season.)

Don't miss any of the coverage of tonight's game:

3:30pm Blazers Game Day with Chad Doing

5:00pm Blazers Warm-Up

5:30pm Trail Blazers Pregame Show

6:00pm Trail Blazers vs. Pacers

After the game catch Blazers Outsiders with hosts Joe Simons and Dan Marang!

Plus, full coverage of the game from Dwight Jaynes, Jamie Hudson and our digital team. Follow us on social throughout the night for the latest updates. 

Quotable: 

“It’s like old times, it was fun. Still got good chemistry. Good to see him getting up and down the court, getting hit, getting fouled, blocking shots, making the right reads, he sets some good screens… It’s good to see him out there, because I feel like I can feel the excitement from him being able to get back out there playing after so long.” -- CJ McCollum on Jusuf Nurkic returning to the practice court  

 

Trail Blazer fans are going to have to wait, but teammates have 'Nurk Fever'

Trail Blazer fans are going to have to wait, but teammates have 'Nurk Fever'

By Dwight Jaynes January 25, 2020 2:18 PM

He isn’t even playing in games yet, but Jusuf Nurkic is making his mark on his teammates. He’s practicing.

And even practice is better when Nurk is around.

“It’s like old times, it was fun,” CJ McCollum said after Saturday's workout. “Still got good chemistry. Good to see him getting up and down the court, getting hit, getting fouled, blocking shots, making the right reads, he sets some good screens.

“It’s good to see him out there, because I feel like I can feel the excitement from him being able to get back out there playing after so long.

“I know the process is tedious. I haven’t been through what he's been through but It’s a lonely road. No one knows what it’s like to go through rehabbing by yourself, being by yourself and not traveling. For him to be around, it’s great.”

Obviously, Nurkic will not be playing in games anytime soon. Caution is the byword with his rehab.

“He looks great,” McCollum said. “But it’s moreso 'feel' than anything. I always tell him, take your time. No one knows when you’re ready, but you. It’s your body. No one has to rehab when you get hurt. No one has to live with what you have to live with, So make sure you’re ready mentally and when you are, you will know.

“I think he looks great, but it’s moreso about him feeling like he’s ready.”

More than the personality, the Trail Blazers play a different game when he’s on the court.

“Well, he looked good,” Damian Lillard said. “He’s looked really good, so it’s definitely encouraging. 

“I’m really excited. The playmaking ability, the amount of things we can do with his skillset, to be less predictable and harder to deal with, is definitely exciting to know he’s getting closer.”

“There’s a difference with him because he’s a unique player,” Coach Terry Stotts said. “His passing is the first thing that stands out. We did a lot of three-on-three, emphasizing some passing and dribble hand-offs and things like that, but his style of play, we miss that, because he is a unique player.”

Is he as fun to play with as he is to watch?

“Absolutely,” McCollum said. “He really and truly enjoys the game. He plays with energy. He’s Infectious with his demeanor and with the way he carries himself. He doesn’t have a false bravado about him, but he celebrates. When he blocks a shot he lets you know -- similar to Whiteside. Whiteside plays with that, too.

“It's something that the fans miss. Something they thrive off of and I’m sure they will be excited when that time comes."

But his teammates enjoy him even when he’s not playing.

“His swag is unbelievable,” McCollum said. “Hollywood. I’ve been calling him Hollywood for a long time. He’s got that European swag. The flow is there. The comb-over he had with the Pat Riley look a while ago with the slicked-back hair.

“You have to be confident in yourself in this league. If you don’t believe in yourself, this league will swallow you whole.”

“There’s no question his personality is a part of the team,” Stotts said. “But you can tell his personality on the bench, with his attire. Everybody enjoys him, whether he is playing or not. Everybody enjoys his personality.”

Nurk Fever is back. But it’s still in quarantine.

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