Hoopsworld: Blazers Training Camp Preview

Hoopsworld : There is an oversized red Portland Trail Blazers jersey dedicated to Greg Oden which bares a “#1″ draped over the front of the Rose Garden for all to see. But just weeks ago that giant replica uni was suddenly changed to an enormous question mark after Oden underwent season ending microfracture knee surgery.

With three incisions the Blazers season went from hopeful to heartache.

While head coach Nate McMillan was in a state of shock, he had no choice but to look forward to training camp and the start of the 2007-08 season. Even without the big fella in the middle, Portland remains extremely deep and versatile, the two attributes they’ll need to survive in the West.

When training camp opens October 2nd, the Blazers coaching staff will get a closer look at the hand dealt to them and should be pleased with their options. McMillan can go with LaMarcus Aldridge or plug in Joel Przybilla at center. Newcomer Channing Frye is no stranger to the paint either and could even see minutes at small forward as McMillan has admitted. James Jones, who joins the Blazers in a trade with Phoenix this summer, will help spread the floor in Portland’s open offense. Same goes for Travis Outlaw, fresh off his contract extension this summer.

Yet it’s Brandon Roy who will now shoulder more of a load than he originally anticipated but anyone with Roy’s maturity and awe inspiring talent is willing to accept the new role as team leader. All this without even detailing the stacked backcourt of Jarrett Jack, the return of Steve Blake, or Sergio Rodriguez.