The Portland Trail Blazers had one final practice before the 2014-15 regular season.
It took place in a much quieter Moda Center than they’ll see in Wednesday night’s opener against Oklahoma City.
The Thunder, seeking their fifth straight Northwest Division title, won’t have superstar Kevin Durant, who is projected to miss at least a month with a broken bone in his foot.
While there’s no replacing Durant, the Blazers aren’t taking the Thunder as any less of a challenge.
“If we go into this game thinking that there’s no KD, then I think we’re not as locked in as we need to be,” said Lillard earlier in the week.
But there were non-basketball matters to consider on Wednesday, such as the Blazers not picking up Thomas Robinson’s team option for next season.
“I mean, it’s a business. That’s what you got to understand, ” said Robinson. “You got to realize it’s bigger than you sometimes in this league. At the end of the day it’s just a business and all I can do is keep working hard. I know I belong in this league, I know I’m a worthy player in this league.”
Robinson was very composed with his response and also hopes that the Blazers may be able to change their minds.
“And hopefully at the end of the summer they have a different mindset,” said Robinson. “I want to be a part of this team because something special is happening and I want to be a part of it.”
But there was also talk of possibilities on the eve of the season. The Blazers were at the Moda Center to get used to the lights on their new brighter court, which is set to debut on Wednesday night.
Stotts did what coaches do and stressed the importance of process. The Blazers were also given gifts in their lockers from the organization. Personalized hammers that said “Keep Competing” on the handle that rest on a Pinwheel branded wooden box.
It’s a physical manifestation of the team’s goals for each individual.
While the Blazers were each given physical reminders, LaMarcus Aldridge told reporters of the mental reminders of a team that was supposed to have it all in the lockout season of 2011. He thinks the current Blazers are ready to take advantage.
“I was on that Gerald Wallace and Marcus Camby team where we had all of the hype and we had Jamal (Crawford) too.” he said. “That team was amazing on paper. I don’t think everybody lived in the moment and that team ended up being a bust. I think every guy understands they have to live in the moment. And every guy understands that we have a job to do.”
But while Aldridge is optimistic, he’s still waiting to see the Blazers tighten up their transition defense.
“I’m still waiting to see that one,” he said. “We have our good days and bad days. That’s going to be our biggest challenge this season is being consistent with getting back on defense.”
Leonard to miss opener — Blazers big man Meyers Leonard, who had a good preseason shooting the ball, will miss the opener with an upper respiratory illness.
