PLAYER NEWS:
--G Brandon Roy was among those taking part in informal pickup games at the Blazers' practice facility this week, along with teammates C Greg Oden, G Steve Blake and G Jerryd Bayless. --C Greg Oden said he played golf for the third time ever in a benefit to pay tribute to boyhood best friends Travis Smith, who died in a car accident in 2007. "I (was) worse than anybody who ever played golf," Oden joked.
--Mike Born, the Blazers' director of scouting, is taking part in the NBA's "Basketball Without Borders" program in Africa. Born is part of a contingent that includes Dikembe Mutombo, Dwight Howard, Chris Bosh and Dirk Nowitzki.
DRAFT PICKS:
Victor Clavert, F, 6-9, Spain (first round) -- Blazers have no room on their 2009-10 roster for the 20-year-old prospect, who will remain playing professionally in Spain for at least another season.
Jeff Pendergraph, F, 6-9, Arizona State (second round) -- With Channing Frye leaving for Phoenix, Pendergraph could have excellent shot at making the club next season.
Dante Cunningham, F, 6-9, Villanova (second round) -- He'll get a shot to battle Pendergraph for a spot in the Blazers' roster.
Patty Mills, G, 6-0, St. Mary's (second round) -- Blazers expected him to go much higher than No. 55; could earn the No. 3 point guard position.
