MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Brandon Roy. The two-time all-star stepped it up this season, ranking 10th in the NBA in scoring (22.6) while averaging 5.1 assists, 4.7 rebounds and a team-high 1.13 steals. His leadership skills are increasing, and he's one of the best in the league at making something happen at the end of a game to give his team a chance to win.
MOST DISAPPOINTING PLAYER: Greg Oden. After sitting out the entire 2007-08 season following microfracture knee surgery, the 7-foot rookie averaged 8.9 points and 7.0 rebounds but couldn't stay out of foul trouble and had more turnovers (87) than starting center Joel Przybilla (78) despite playing 638 fewer minutes. FREE AGENT FOCUS: The Blazers have four free agents, including forward Channing Frye, who is restricted. It's unlikely forward Michael Ruffin or center-forward Raef LaFrentz -- who will probably retire -- will be back.
That leaves forward Shavlik Randolph, who played sparingly last season and will likely be looking for a new perch to roost.
"There's a chance I'll be back in Portland," says the 6-10, 240-pound Randolph, who averaged 1.8 points and 1.8 rebounds in 10 games last season. "I had a good exit interview with the staff and enjoyed being there this year. They said they'd love to have me back, but they were 100 percent honest -- they said a lot of the guys are coming back, and it would be a similar situation. I want to play, and if I get in the right situation, I know I can help a team out. I would love to come back to Portland, but I have to do what's in the best interest for my career."
PLAYER NEWS:
--F Martell Webster and G Brandon Roy served as honorary co-chairs and emcees at the eighth annual Promoting Success luncheon in northeast Portland. It's a fund-raiser for St. Andrew Nativity School, a Catholic middle school dedicated to offering challenging curriculum in a structured environment, free of charge, to low-income students of all faiths.
--F LaMarcus Aldridge attended a fundraiser for President Obama in Beverly Hills, Calif. "He talked for about 15 minutes," said Aldridge, a Democrat who voted for Obama and had a photo taken with him at the event.
--The Blazers are bringing in several draft prospects in for workouts Friday, including G Greivas Vasquez of Maryland, F Omri Casspi of Israel and F Chris Johnson of Louisiana State.
MEDICAL WATCH:
--F Martell Webster missed virtually the entire season with a foot injury. He is expected to be at full strength by the time training camp rolls around in October.
