<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=192888919167017&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">
Thursday, March 28, 2024
March 28, 2024

Linkedin Pinterest

Blazers notebook: Aldridge may miss another game

Blazers forward did not practice on Saturday

By Erik Gundersen, Columbian Trail Blazers Writer
Published: December 27, 2014, 4:00pm

TUALATIN, Ore. — The Portland Trail Blazers returned to the practice court Saturday morning following their blowout victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.

Again they were without All-Star forward LaMarcus Aldridge and reserve center Chris Kaman.

Aldridge, out with an illness, could be missing in action again as Blazers head coach Terry Stotts deemed him “doubtful” for Sunday’s tilt against the New York Knicks (5-26).

But Stotts is hopeful Kaman will re-join the team Sunday after the birth of his first child.

The Blazers announced the news that Kaman and his wife Emilie gave birth to Barrett Christopher Kaman at 12:27 a.m. Friday. The baby was 8 pounds, 2 ounces and 22 inches long,

“Might have another NBA player in there,” said Damian Lillard when discussing the size of the newest addition to the Kaman family.

According to his teammates he named his boy Barrett so that he can call him “Bear.” Barrett also makes a .50 caliber rifle that Kaman used on his YouTube channel “Exploring Kaman.”

Kaman’s wife and child are expected to stay in the hospital another night.

Lillard already has enough padding

Damian Lillard has played like a superstar over the past few weeks but has been doing so with some sprained fingers on his shooting hand. He also got hit on the same hand which caused him to have a big wrap on it after Friday’s win.

He wore a spongy protective padding with tape on the bruise at the base of his hand.

“I’m not going to wear nothing (on it) in the game,” he said. “I can’t. I already got enough on my finger. It’s hard enough adjusting to this.”

Lillard also wears other braces on his finger when he’s not playing and says he’ll probably have to wear the finger braces for six more weeks.

Batum playing through pain

Nicolas Batum is playing with a brace on his right wrist after his fall against the Milwaukee Bucks on Dec. 17.

He said he felt fresher but did grab at his wrist a few times during the game.

“My wrist really bothers me,” he said. “It will take a while to heal so I know that. I just got to play through it and I’ll be fine.”

Claver takes advantage of opportunity

It’s been a long season for forward Victor Claver. He played 17 minutes Friday after playing a total of four minutes in one game in the first 30 games.

“I’ve been waiting,” he said. “I knew that I had to be ready for any game.”

He hit a 3-pointer, scored five points and helped move the ball on offense. His coach has been pleased with how well Claver has accepted a difficult role.

“He’s kept a great attitude the whole time,” Stotts said. “He comes to work every day. He helps us in practice as far as playing multiple positions on scout teams and 5-0. I was glad he got the chance to play.”

“We are lucky we have other coaches and other people helping us every day to be ready to get in shape,” Claver said.

He’s prepared to be on the bench when the Blazers come back at full strength.

“I respect if I don’t play or whatever,” he said. “I don’t like it, but I know how it works.”

Loading...
Columbian Trail Blazers Writer