The sparkle of putting on a pro uniform wore off on Brunson soon after his arrival in Portland. He’s learned not to take it for granted.
Tag Archives: Portland Trail Blazers
Rasheed Wallace’s Sixth Sense, 1999
When I asked if he was interested in competing for the NBA’s coveted Sixth Man Award, Wallace just laughs. “Oh, I wouldn’t mind getting a trophy to put up on my mantle, but that’s not a goal.”
Larry Steele: Portland’s Man of Steal, 1975
The only problem with Steele gaining a reputation for ball thievery is that some of his other attributes are overlooked.
Dave Twardzik: Diving and Driving He Goes, 1978
There will be times when Twardzik will fire from far out—at the end of a quarter or when the 24-second is running out. Don’t be distressed. He’ll probably make the shot anyway.
Maurice Lucas: Roughing It in the NBA, 1977
Lucas plays aggressively, and critics say he plays dirty. “I play very aggressively. I play with intelligence,” he said. He paused a moment and added a footnote. “I play rough.”
Bill Walton: In His Own Words, 1994
Your ability to get near perfection makes it so worthwhile, because the more you work at it, the better you get. Not just the two hours you’re on the court, but the 18, 19, 20 hours a day that you’re awake, thinking about the game . . .
Buck Williams: On the Rebound in the City of Roses, 1991
All of the time, Williams had been regarded as the consummate pro, a man who tried to make the best of a bad situation.
What Makes Jack Ramsay Roll, 1988
Invariably, too much is made of the rumor that Jack Ramsay is in better shape than the athletes he coaches. “Let’s put it this way,” he says diplomatically. “I can’t do what they do on the court, and they can’t do what I do in the pool, on the bike, or on the roads.”
Irwin Weiner Does the NBA, 1978
Weiner also had some news: George McGinnis has been traded by Philadelphia to Denver for Bobby Jones. Back to the news after the commercial from Irwin Weiner.
“I’ve never been down to Portland,” Weiner said. “When I come to town, they’ll give me the red-carpet treatment. It will all be blood.”
Clifford Robinson: Super Swingman, 1994
Even if Robinson becomes a “permanent” starter—and that seems inevitable—his adaptability will continue to magnify his importance.
From Way Downtown 