--Former Blazer Brian Grant said he has been deluged with phone calls and e-mails from not only former coaches and teammates, but also the public, after news broke that he is afflicted with young onset Parkinson's Disease.
"We set up a Facebook site, and a lot of people have reached out," said Grant, 37, who played for the Blazers from 1997-2000 and makes Portland his home. "I've heard from friends I hadn't talked to in a long time. There has been an outcry of support that has made my wife and I feel really good. I definitely appreciate it all." --For the first time in five years, the Trail Blazers didn't have a spot in the NBA's draft lottery by virtue of their playoff appearance. That sets just fine with GM Kevin Pritchard, but he also said the Blazers might be willing to move up in the draft with a trade.
"I'm glad I'm not in the back room of the lottery, but just because we're not at the lottery, it doesn't mean we won't be in the lottery," Pritchard said. "I'm not making any promises. What I will tell you is, we are always open to all the possibilities. We're not afraid to take chances and have some fun with the draft."
QUOTE TO NOTE: "We hope we've earned some emotional credit with the community, because that's who we ultimately work for. We want this to be a great organization. We want players to want to come here. We're going to be challenged to do a good job again this summer, and we shoulder that responsibility with a lot of pride. We want good kids and good players who can continue to grow." -- GM Kevin Pritchard, talking about the growth of the franchise since he took over in 2007.
