Rejoice and tell your friends: The NBA and The Portland Trail Blazers are back!
The Blazers emerged from the dullest parts of the NBA offseason this past week for a flurry of preseason action. It kicked
off with Media Day on Monday, continued with training camp Tuesday through Friday, and then closed with Fan Fest at the Moda Center on Saturday.
To tie up some odds and ends from the busy week, here are two small pieces from Thursday’s media availability session that haven’t been spotlighted yet at Blazer’s Edge.
The No. 11 Mystery
New Blazers guard Jrue Holiday sparked some curiosity at Media Day when he explained why he chose No. 5 for his jersey number this season. He said the decision was made partly because No. 11 — his original NBA jersey number — wasn’t available. The astute eye may notice that nobody on the current Blazers roster wears No. 11.
That led some people online, including The Athletic’s John Hollinger, to speculate that maybe the Blazers were planning to retire the jersey of fan favorite Arvydas Sabonis. The 7-foot-3 center wore No. 11 and played seven seasons in Portland between 1995 and 2003.
However, it turns out, the real reason behind the unavailability of No. 11 is much simpler and much less exciting.
Holiday couldn’t select No. 11 this summer because guard Bryce McGowens was still under contract and had the number. The number is now available, but Holiday didn’t mind sticking with No. 5.
Grant Addresses Starter Comment
Speaking of quotes that caused speculation at Media Day, Blazers forward Jerami Grant caused a stir among some in the fanbase when he said on Monday he didn’t expect to come off the bench.
During media availability on Thursday, the veteran forward was asked more about that statement and if he was insinuating there might be a problem if he doesn’t start — a notion he shrugged off.
“I’m open to competing,” Grant said. “I know what I can do on the court.”
Grant was then asked how he would describe his demeanor heading into camp.
“I’m fine, man,” he said with a smile.
Finally on the subject, Grant was asked if the situation surrounding his comments were overblown.
“Yeah, for sure.”
You can listen to the interaction in the video below. It starts at the 3:15 mark.
