--F Nicolas Batum, who started most of last season as a rookie, is making his presence felt as a starter for France at the European Championships.
"Last year, he blended, did whatever Nate asked and whatever the team needed," said Portland general manager Kevin Pritchard, who watched Batum played in Europe. "Now he is showing that he can make more plays. He looks a little bigger and a little more athletic... he's a more aggressive player. He's willing to try to make aggressive plays. He's taking it to the basket, finishing over people." --F LaMarcus Aldridge has not yet been signed to a contract, but Pritchard said negotiations are ensuing and that he is talking to Aldridge's agent, Arn Tellum, every day.
The Blazers have until Oct. 31 to sign the 6-11 forward, who is entering his fourth season. If he doesn't sign an extension, Aldridge becomes a restricted free agent next summer.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "It's important to me, but it's probably not important to anybody else. I take pride in being out there and contributing every night." -- Andre Miller, on his NBA-high 530-game streak of consecutive games played.
