The
foundation of “The Interrogation Room” was
for the prospect of being able to create a Q&A and
Interview forum. We are currently starting to work with
Blazer Management to identify if it is possible to get
some form of media credentials to continue and grow our
Q&A sessions and interviews with not only Blazer
Management, but players and fans.
All
of us, the Blazer fans would like to take this opportunity
to thank John Nash for making himself available during
his busy schedule to answer some fans questions for
our inaugural report from “The Interrogation
Room”.
John
we wish you well and safe travels at the Pre-Draft
Camp in Chicago.
Q. When you and Steve Patterson were
brought in to the Portland organization, obviously it
was with the desire to not only improve the team, but
also bring back the Portland fan base and a positive
perception about the team. Based on what has transpired
to date, what would you say has been the most difficult
part of that transition or rebuilding process? Understanding
of course your role may not be responsible for some of
that but maybe more from a player perspective.
A . The most difficult part has
been to admit that some of the veteran players that
were on the roster at the time of our arrival were
not capable of contributing to the levels of their
contracts. In some cases it was because mentally and
emotionally they didn't want to be here any longer.
In other cases injuries and age had taken their toll
and eroded performance levels.
Q. Over the last year and a half the
media has on quite a few occasions been quite aggressive
and assertive in its comments and opinions about not
only Trailblazer players, but management as well. Based
on your years of history with other organizations, is
Portland’s negative media coverage overblown because
it is a one team town, or has it in your opinion become
more personal than that?
A . I think it has become fashionable
to bash the Trail Blazers of today. I believe that
because of transgressions in recent years that there
is very little patience within the community and the
media has recognized this and in someway over reacted
or sensationalized stories to get a reaction from readers,
listeners and viewers. What is particularly disturbing
to me is this new trend within the print media to participate
in blogs. These blogs are full of the authors perceptions
and feelings but very rarely are they supported by
factual quotes etc. The newspapers claim the blogs
are not part of the paper but the musings of reporters
are picked up on websites throughout the country and
attributed to the employee's publication as if it had
the same credibility and if it appeared in print. The
blogs are filled with errors.
Q. Based on last year’s draft,
it has become quite apparent that you picked players
with a very “down to earth, good head on their
shoulders”, blue collar style work ethic on the
court and at least so far media friendly personalities
off the court. How important, when looking at players
in the pre-draft workout, is it to understand their backgrounds
growing up, their maturity even at 18, and to see if
they have the work like mentality to handle playing in
the pros? Also, does where they came from, ever come
up as it relates to living in the greater Portland area?
A . When selecting players, talent
is important. I like players who are versatile. One
of my favorite draft picks was Tom Gugliotta who went
on to be named to an All Star team and an Olympic Team
before injuries severely hampered his career. He was
an all around player who could pass, shoot, dribble
and rebound at the PF position. Passion for the game
is an important ingredient. Zach Randolph loves to
play. It is one of his greatest assets. Allen Iverson
loves to play. Character is important as well because
things don't always go well. Adversity requires character
to get through it. Also teams need leadership from
players and you want those that lead to go in the right
direction.
Q. Coach Grgurich’s contract
runs through this coming season, but he has been mentioned
in some rumors from the media as possibly leaving for
another team. Is there a possibility he will not be back
next year and are there currently any Portland players
working with him right now?
A . We can't force someone to honor
their contract. Just as a player can choose to retire
with years left so can a coach. Grg is in LA as we
write this, working out Travis Outlaw. We all hope
he chooses to return next season.
Q. Will it be difficult to retain Joel
Przybilla after this season? Obviously with him becoming
a free agent and if his performance continues to improve
there is a strong possibility he will command a salary
increase. Do the Blazers have the means for keeping both
Joel and Theo Ratliff on the roster or will one of them
need to be moved?
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A
. Until we see the next Collective Bargaining Agreement,
we don't know what the rules will be. Joel loves Portland
and he has discovered his game here. We will do everything
within our power to resign him.
Q.
When will the Blazers begin their workouts for use with
our first round pick and whom do you plan on bringing in?
Could you give us any information on how the workouts have
been so far and has anyone surprised or been very impressive?
A . We have already brought in
over 20 players and we will invite all that we believe
could be drafted at #3 and then target those who we
project to be there at #35. In addition we will invite
others who we have interest in just in case we secure
an extra draft pick. We invite the media to those workouts
to interview the players afterward, so it is a matter
of record as to those that have already visited.
Q. If you don’t bring someone
in for a pre-draft workout, does that mean you wouldn’t
be picking them or can you get enough information out
of the Chicago Pre-Draft camp? The Blazers have brought
in about 22 players already, will there still be others,
such as Francisco Garcia, or are the only expected remaining
workouts to be the top picks?
A . We didn't have Sergei Monia
in last year yet drafted him on the advice of our international
scout and our library of taped games in which he played.
If someone that we project as a first rounder slides,
we would take him even if he hadn't visited as long
as he has talent, character and a love for the game.
Q. What were some of your reactions
and thoughts regarding your trip to Europe ? Were there
any players that especially caught your eye and what
was your evaluation of Monya’s play? Does he have
the experience and maturity to play extended minutes
next year?
A . Our trip to the Euro Final
Four was very valuable because not only did we see
some key performers on the four best pro teams in Europe
but we also saw an 18 and under tourney with players
who will be in the next couple of drafts. In addition,
there were other teams from the NBA and many agents
there so discussions related to trades and potential
free agents took place as well.
Q. In your coaching search, are you
looking beyond the NBA? Would you look at coaching prospects
from the Euro League and College? Or are you looking
only for those with NBA experience either as an assistant
or head coach?
A . Our preference would be to
hire someone with head coaching experience at the NBA
level but we are looking beyond that as well.
Q. What are some of the most frustrating
parts of being a GM and do you think fans have any real
understanding of what you do? Give us a little candid
view of the GM role, and are there other GM’s that
are difficult to work with or do most of the GM’s
get along.
A . Dealing with the agents is
very difficult because they all have an unrealistic
view as to who and how good their client is. They also
feel they have to break the bank to be able to attract
future clients.
Q. I know it is everyone’s hope
to be back in the playoffs next year, but based on where
the team is right now is that a reasonable thought?
A . We just won 27 games in an
injury riddled season. In our league a 10 game improvement
is huge but even that wouldn't get us into the playoffs.
However we don't want to rule out the playoffs as a
goal. Seattle and Phoenix had great turnarounds this
year. We will make every effort to get back to the
playoffs.
Q. Which team is your pick to win this
year’s NBA Championship?
A . My pick is SA because they
have three high level players while Miami has 2 and
despite Detroit being a great team, it is tough to
repeat. Duncan, Ginobili and Parker should prevail
but we play the games to find out. |
