SB Nation User Blog: Nick Van Excellent

NBA sources claim there's considerable interest in Bayless.

Nick Van Excellent — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:02:47 -0000

NBA sources claim there's considerable interest in Bayless.

"NBA front-office sources say there is considerable outside interest in young (and mostly forgotten) Portland guard Jerryd Bayless, Miller's more substantial salary -- $6.7 million to Bayless' $2.1 million -- would probably bring a bigger talent payoff in a trade.

"They need a Mo Williams-type to play with Brandon Roy," said one rival team executive in the West. "They need a shooter to play off him."-ESPN

Von Wafer is leaving Olympiakos, returning to the NBA.

Nick Van Excellent — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:46:51 -0000

Von Wafer is leaving Olympiakos, returning to the NBA.

"Former Rockets guard Von Wafer is close to leaving Olympiakos and returning to the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies, one source told HoopsHype.com. Wafer’s European agents are working today to rescind his contract with the Greek powerhouse. The 6-foot-5 guard could soon afterwards join the Grizzlies for the rest of the season, the source said."-Hoopshype

Hollinger says Blake should be benched.

Nick Van Excellent — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:24:08 -0000

Hollinger says Blake should be benched.

"Brandon Roy loves playing with Blake and McMillan has given Roy a lot of rope, but they need to look really hard at this. Blake is a backup. Period. If Blazers are going anywhere this year, and I'm not necessarily sure they are, it will be with either Miller or Bayless running point"-Hollinger

Andre Miller doesn't want to be traded.

Nick Van Excellent — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:53:46 -0000

Andre Miller doesn't want to be traded.

"There is where I want to be. I'm comfortable. Everything's not going to be gravy when you get into a new situation. So I just take it in stride."

"It's a business. I don't get caught up in pointing fingers. I'm here to play basketball. I came in here with a professional attitude, and that's how I want to keep it. If people want to point fingers at me, I could care less about that. I'll be all right.''

Beyond Bowie is done?

Nick Van Excellent — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:47:19 -0000

Beyond Bowie is done?

"...we're putting out a call. We're looking for a strong Blazer blog to join the TrueHoop Network. Could be one that's already out there, one that exists in your imagination, or some combination. Could be one run by one person or a whole team."-truehoop

Bayless clears the air.

Nick Van Excellent — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:25:58 -0000

Bayless clears the air.

"First, I want to clear up the fact that I am an angry guy who is arrogant. I have heard this so many times the last couple years in Portland and it is the farthest thing from me. Yeah I am in a tough situation at the moment, but I love life way too much to just be mad."-Bayless

Pendergraph is running at full speed and could be cleared to play by Christmas.

Nick Van Excellent — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:25:28 -0000

Pendergraph is running at full speed and could be cleared to play by Christmas.

"It's nice, man," Pendergraph said. "I miss it. I miss it a lot. It feels good to actually finally be on the court and not spectating." Pendergraph began running Tuesday, and has been increasing his activity ever since."-Columbian

Bayless describes his situation on the team as "tough".

Nick Van Excellent — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:22:38 -0000

Bayless describes his situation on the team as "tough".

"Coach (Nate McMillan) kind of has his rotation, and I'm in and out of it," Bayless said. "I know what I can do. And just getting an opportunity — if I get the opportunity, I know I can help this team."

The Grizzlies have become the Bizzaro Jail-Blazers.

Nick Van Excellent — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 21:25:15 -0000

The Grizzlies have become the Bizzaro Jail-Blazers.

"There are going to be times when Rudy (Gay) is asking for the ball, Zach (Randolph) is asking for the ball and O.J. (Mayo) is asking for the ball. Who are you going to give it to? Are you going to give it to the guy who has been cussing you out the whole game or the guy who has been open and will help you win the game? That's what I mean by having command of this team."-Damon Stoudamire

Stephen Jackson is my favorite.

Nick Van Excellent — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:54:13 -0000

Stephen Jackson is my favorite.

"I'm not a fan of Kobe. I'm not somebody who looks up to him, I'm a grown man, so when I go out there and play the game, I play the game."-Stephen Jackon