October 24, 1976 - Former Blazer Malone Traded By Braves To Houston
Moses Malone, traded five days ago by the Blazers to the Buffalo Braves, was traded today to the Houston Rockets. In the initial trade, the Braves traded their pick in the 1978 draft to Portland. In this trade, the Rockets are trading their 1977 1st round pick and their 1978 1st round pick to the Braves. Along with the picks, the Rockets are sending $232,000 to the Braves, the amount the Braves sent to the Blazers.
Harry Glickman commented on the newest deal saying, “I don’t know if the cash figure reported is accurate, but maybe it is. I’m almost certain the second trade wasn’t foremost in their minds when they made the deal with us. I think it was something that developed because of problems they had in completing other possible deals.” Glickman may be correct as Buffalo papers are reporting that the Braves are concerned that Bob McAdoo, currently playing his option year, has not signed a new contract. To add, Buffalo has not been able to trade either Tom McMillian or Ernie DiGregorio, two players that the Braves tried to trade during the summer. Adding draft picks would help the Braves rebuild should all three players are moved. The question many Blazer fans are asking is why a deal was not made with the Rockets, to which Glickman noted “We talked with Houston several times. Houston actually made four different offers to us but were never firm. So when we got a firm commitment from Buffalo, we took it.” Malone played in two games for the Braves, both wins, but did not contribute a single point in a total of six minutes. |
October 21, 1976 - Oregonian Previews The Pacific Division
October 20, 1976 - Calhoun Works Out With Blazers
Corky Calhoun is said to have had a solid tryout with the Blazers. Both Jack Ramsey and Stu Inman had positive things to say. “Calhoun is a fine defensive player although he is not exceptional in other areas,” said Ramsey. Inman added “We need a guy who has been around the block, so to speak, and Corky fits the bill there.” The Blazers had also an expressed interest in Kevin Restani of the Milwaukee Bucks, if he had been released. The Bucks announced their cuts today and Restani was protected. Inman said “After watching Calhoun at practice, I’m not sure we wouldn’t take him over Restani anyway.”
Calhoun played college ball at Pennsylvania under current Univ. of Oregon coach Dick Harter, said he was delighted for the tryout. “I think I will be given an honest chance to make the team here.” Calhoun was the fourth overall pick in the 1972 draft by the Phoenix Suns, where he played until traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1974. The Lakers released Calhoun two days ago. In his four season Calhoun has averaged just over 6 points per game and 4.4 rebounds. |
Calhoun, above shooting, played college ball at Penn
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October 19, 1976 - Blazers Looking For Player After Malone Trade
Kevin Restani
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Harry Glickman said the Blazers are looking to add a forward to replace Malone and the injured Lloyd Neal. The roster currently stands at 11 players and teams are not allowed to have more than 12 players after tomorrow’s midnight deadline. If Portland adds two players, one would have to be released when Neal returns. Glickman and Stu Inman are said to be interested in two players, Corky Calhoun, released yesterday by the Los Angeles Lakers and Kevin Restani of the Milwaukee Bucks. Restani has not been released by the Bucks as yet. |
Corky Calhoun
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Petrie Out Until January Tyson Cut By Bucks
The Blazers all-time leading scorer Geoff Petrie, traded with Steve Hawes in August to Atlanta, probably won’t be available for Hawks until first of the year. Petrie had surgery on September 9 and was expected to possibly be back by mid-November but has been slow to recover.
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Jeff Tyson, waived by the Blazer on September 30, was released by the Milwaukee Bucks today as the Bucks trimmed their roster to 12
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October 18, 1976 - Wicks Likes Being An Ex-Blazer
When asked about his previous five season with the Blazers, Sidney Wicks smiled and answered, “What five years with the Trail Blazers? I feel like a new man.” Wicks is making inroads with the Boston Celtics as the newest malcontent to don the Celtic Green. Last season Charlie Scott arrived as a gunner but he changed his game, scoring nearly 8 points per game less then he did in Phoenix and ended the season with a ring. Wicks is hoping to replicate that experience this season.
Before that can be done, Wicks dissected his previous time in Portland, saying the time spent wasn’t for him. “The Portland thing was a part of my life I’d rather not talk about. It was a negative experience and I’m a positive person. That’s all I want to say about the Portland Trail Blazers.” Pressed further, Wicks added, "I didn’t mind going to an expansion team.” but he admitted he was naive when he came out of UCLA in 1971. The Cleveland Cavaliers had the first pick and they choose Austin Carr. “I felt lucky in a way. I thought Portland had a much better expansion club than Cleveland. I thought we’d go places.” Instead what followed was five straight losing seasons. |
“It has nothing to do with talent” Wicks said about winning as all teams have talent, even saying Portland had plenty of talent. “Winning comes down to a combination of other things, like coaching expertise, mental and physical preparation, playing style and organization. That’s why I’m so looking forward to playing for them (Celtics) It’s a great feeling to get into a system that you know has had great success.” Celtic coach Tom Heinsohn added “Sidney wants to be a winner, just like Scott. They put a rap on Scott too, but he has done everything we have asked of him and more. Sidney will fit in” |
October 18, 1976 - New York Times Say Malone has Been Traded
Malone played for the ABA Spirits of St. Louis last year
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The New York Times is reporting that Blazer forward Moses Malone has been traded to the Buffalo Braves. Blazer executive vice-president Harry Glickman would only say, “No, I have no comment on it of any kind.” The Times are reporting that the Blazers will have a press conference to announce the trade tomorrow. When asked if the Blazers had a scheduled a news conference for tomorrow, Glickman said, “Not at this time. But that doesn’t mean there might not be”
The Times is reporting that the Braves are trading their first round pick in the 1978 college draft and $350,000 to the Blazers for Malone, who jumped straight from Petersburg High School in Petersburg, Virginia to the ABA Utah Stars in 1974. Malone made the ABA All-Star team and was a member of the All-Rookie team. Reports are that his original contract with the ABA Stars, which the Blazers purchased in the August 5 dispersal draft, was for $1,000,000 over five years. Malone is in year three of that contract. After the dispersal draft, it was widely thought throughout the NBA that the Blazers did so strictly to trade Malone. Rumors are that many NBA clubs didn’t want to take on the contract either. |
October 17, 1976
Sports Illustrated Preview Of Blazers 1976/77 Season
Final Blazers PreSeason Stats
The Sporting News Preview Of Blazers 1976/77 Season
October 13, 1976 - Ramsey Envisions 45 Wins And Playoffs
Jack Ramsey believes that the Blazers can win 45 games and make the playoffs. Speaking at the Oregon Sports Writers and Sportscasters Association at Multnomah Athletic Club, the new Blazers coach said, “My goal is to get the team into the playoffs. I think 45 wins will do it and I think we can win 45 games” Ramsey, assistant coach Jack McKinney and 10 players were at the event. Missing players were Lloyd Neal who is recovering from knee surgery and Herm Gilliam, who suffered a broken nose in a practice session earlier in the day.
“Gilliam collided with Lionel Hollins and banged his nose against Hollins forehead” said McKinney. Gilliam is not expected to miss any games, but may have to wear a protective deices over his face and nose.
“Gilliam collided with Lionel Hollins and banged his nose against Hollins forehead” said McKinney. Gilliam is not expected to miss any games, but may have to wear a protective deices over his face and nose.
October 11, 1976 - Russell Says Sonics Interested In Wicks
Bill Russell, the coach and General Manager for the Seattle SuperSonics, has said the Sonics are looking into acquiring Sidney Wicks. “It’s a possibility, not a probability” said Russell. “I’m doubtful that we have a shot at Sidney. Portland has said they’d like to make a deal outside or division” There have been reports that the Sonics were one of several teams that had tried last month to acquire Wicks before the Blazers sent hime to the New Orleans Jazz instead. The Jazz rescinded the deal three days ago after not reaching a new contract deal with Wicks.
October 9, 1976 - Ron Lee Day In Eugene Before Blazers/Suns Game
It will be Ron Lee Day in Eugene. In a ceremony slated thirty minutes before the scheduled tip-off, an athletic scholarship will be announced in his name, his number 30 will be retired and a large portrait will be presented among other gifts to the 1976 Pac-8 Player of the Year.
Lee was the 10th player selected in the NBA draft by the Phoenix Suns this past summer. Lee is the leading scorer in Oregon Duck history. |
October 8, 1976 - Wicks To Be Returned To Blazers
The saga of Sidney Wicks continues as the New Orleans Jazz have returned the contract of the All-Star forward back to the Blazers. “It isn’t official, but Wicks will be returned to Portland” said Harry Glickman referring to the NBA needing to review the paperwork of the trade. Last month the Blazers traded Wicks to the Jazz with the condition that if the Jazz could not sign him, he would be returned to Portland.
Wicks, entering the last year of his contract, has refused to report to New Orleans until a new contract been agreed upon. Since he and the Jazz could not come to terms, the Jazz decided to use its option to return him to Portland. The Jazz must first notify league offices, which in turn must notify the Blazers that Wicks is a Blazer once again. It is rumored that Wicks and his agent Sam Gilbert have been angling for the former UCLA forward to be traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. Harry Glickman would only comment that “We’re talking with one club and several others are interested in him” Despite the recent injury to Lloyd Neal and the Blazers looking to add another forward, a spokesman for the Blazers made sure to say that, “There is no way Wicks will play for Portland again.” |
October 4, 1976 - Neal Out 8-12 Weeks; Ron Culp Likes Attitude Of Blazers
The Blazers are looking to add an additional player soon as Lloyd Neal has undergone knee surgery this morning. Neal and team officials are not sure when Neal hurt himself but noticed the swelling yesterday. Further examination revealed that Neal had torn lateral cartilage said team physician Dr. Robert Cook. The Blazers will play the Golden State Warriors in Corvallis tomorrow. |
Ron Culp likes the look of this years Blazers. “It’s the best team attitude situation I’ve seen in my seven years in the NBA” says Culp. “I was kind of amazed at our training camp when it came to cut the roster from 15 to 12. The attitude of the players was so good that I don’t think it would have mattered which three players were cut. The feeling was that strong.”
An example of that camaraderie was guard Steve Jones, one of the three players cut on September 30, stuck around long enough after practice to have lunch with Lionel Hollins and Bill Walton. Naturally disappointed, he didn’t depart bitterly |
October 1, 1976 - Wicks And Jazz Officials At Odds
New Orleans Jazz VP Barry Mendelson say’s he’s having second thoughts on acquiring former Blazer Forward Sidney Wicks. The Jazz bought Wicks contract from the Blazers on September 2nd. Wicks at the time said he’d play anywhere but has since had other thoughts.
Wicks agent Sam Gilbert now says Wicks will report to the Jazz but only to play out his option year. When completed, according to NBA rules, he would be become a free agent and can sign with any team. Mendelson said “We can’t have players dictate to us where they’re going to play or when they’re going to play. It’s unfair to the guys who’ve worked to make this a solid franchise” Mr. Mendelson also added “ Mr. Gilbert has been less than professional with us. He certainly isn’t cognizant of New Orleans or our arraignment with Portland. We wouldn’t make a deal for a ball player in his option year without holding some options ourselves, including the option to rescind the deal”
Blazer Owner Lawrence Weinberg said, “It is true that our transaction with New Orleans for Sidney Wicks was conditional. I would rather not discuss specifically what those conditions are”
Wicks agent Sam Gilbert now says Wicks will report to the Jazz but only to play out his option year. When completed, according to NBA rules, he would be become a free agent and can sign with any team. Mendelson said “We can’t have players dictate to us where they’re going to play or when they’re going to play. It’s unfair to the guys who’ve worked to make this a solid franchise” Mr. Mendelson also added “ Mr. Gilbert has been less than professional with us. He certainly isn’t cognizant of New Orleans or our arraignment with Portland. We wouldn’t make a deal for a ball player in his option year without holding some options ourselves, including the option to rescind the deal”
Blazer Owner Lawrence Weinberg said, “It is true that our transaction with New Orleans for Sidney Wicks was conditional. I would rather not discuss specifically what those conditions are”
September 30, 1976 - Blazers Open Preseason This Evening vs LA Lakers
The Blazers will open their seventh exhibition season this evening when they face the Los Angeles Lakers in the second game of a doubleheader. The Golden State Warriors and Seattle Super Sonics start the evening with a 6:30 tip-off. The Blazers / Lakers tip is scheduled for 8:55pm
Surrounding intrigue with the four teams will be Jerry West’s first game as Laker coach, Warriors rookie Robert Parrish, LaRue Martin role with the Sonics and to see how the seven new players fit into the new-look Blazers. According to coach Jack Ramsey, he is looking to start Maurice Lucas and Larry Steele at forwards, Bill Walton at center, Lionel Hollins and Herm Gilliam at guard.
Surrounding intrigue with the four teams will be Jerry West’s first game as Laker coach, Warriors rookie Robert Parrish, LaRue Martin role with the Sonics and to see how the seven new players fit into the new-look Blazers. According to coach Jack Ramsey, he is looking to start Maurice Lucas and Larry Steele at forwards, Bill Walton at center, Lionel Hollins and Herm Gilliam at guard.
September 29, 1976 - Herm Gilliam Enjoying Being A Blazer
September 28, 1976 - Tickets Still Available For PreSeason Games
Hollins Likes Wide-Open Feel Lionel Hollins is feeling like a new man. Even though most NBA observers considered his rookie season to be a success, Hollins would only say "I expected more of myself. I wasn't in the best shape early in the season and then I missed some time for an appendectomy" Under the new scheme of Jack Ramsey though, Hollins feels he can be more effective this season.
"My best game is the wide-open one where you press and gamble. That's the way I played in college (Arizona St.) I know what I can do in that style." |
George Rickles says there are still good tickets still available for the coming exhibition doubleheader game against the Los Angeles Lakers after the Golden State Warriors face the Seattle SuperSonics. All eight of the Blazers exhibition games will be broadcast live on KOIN radio. |
September 27, 1976 - Steele Finding Himself In New Position, Again
Larry Steele has had six Training Camps with the Blazers, under four different coaches and every year it’s the same thought. Where will the 6’-5 swing man play? He’s a good guard but lacks speed. He’s a good forward but lacks weight or muscle. Yet every year, Steele makes his case, makes the team and plays well enough to start more often than not.
"There's not much I can do about it" says Steele. "Every year, it seems, I have gone into the season having to more or less find a place for myself, having to show where I could fit in." This season is no different for the veteran from Kentucky as Jack Ramsey is looking for speed in the backcourt and feels he has that with Lionel Hollins, Dave Twardzik, Herm Gilliam and Johnny Davis. Which means the versatile Steele may have to play upfront some more than in previous seasons. |
As a guard, Steele's speed would have to be considered modest but up front, he is definitely considered quicker than most. Currently the small forward position competition is Steele, second year man Bob Gross and rookie Wally Walker. Steele anticipates a situation where the three would a somewhat of a shared position with each player bringing different qualities.
Steele led the league in steals during the 1973/74 season with an average of 2.17 and in the 3 seasons since has averaged 2 steals per game. He anticipates that skill to be an asset in the small forward position. "Last season when I played some at forward, I found that I usually had an edge in quickness. That allowed me to gamble a little." Four of those games were against Buffalo, coached by Jack Ramsey, and he of course noticed. |
September 26, 1976 - Ramsey See A Different Offense For Blazers
“Our plan is to have very few set plays,” said Blazer coach Jack Ramsey in referencing what he is teaching to the Blazers. In basketball terms, he is advocating “play action” which means the players are reacting to the situation before them, not just a set of plays. The players are to react to baskets by the other team, a rebound, a steal and then perform accordingly.
Ramsay said that there are about “50 things we can do off play action” as there is no time for conscious thinking, especially when Ramsey wants to work the fastbreak much more than the team has done in the recent past. The play action got it’s first test run yesterday during the Blazers second day of training. Play was a little rough but Ramsey was still satisfied. “We had many good plays but we weren’t consistent”
Ramsey thought Maurice Lucas and Herm Gilliam gave the most consistent efforts during the evenings scrimmage. He also liked what he saw with the play of Moses Malone. “Moses did all right and there is question about his raw talent.” The issue with Malone is still where he is going to fit but Ramsey says “All I can do is take a long look at him in the next few days”
Wally Walker and Moses Malone both completed their required mile-run in under the 6 minute requirement. Walker beat Lionel Hollins time by 8 seconds, finishing at 5:06. Malone finished at 5:48
Ramsay said that there are about “50 things we can do off play action” as there is no time for conscious thinking, especially when Ramsey wants to work the fastbreak much more than the team has done in the recent past. The play action got it’s first test run yesterday during the Blazers second day of training. Play was a little rough but Ramsey was still satisfied. “We had many good plays but we weren’t consistent”
Ramsey thought Maurice Lucas and Herm Gilliam gave the most consistent efforts during the evenings scrimmage. He also liked what he saw with the play of Moses Malone. “Moses did all right and there is question about his raw talent.” The issue with Malone is still where he is going to fit but Ramsey says “All I can do is take a long look at him in the next few days”
Wally Walker and Moses Malone both completed their required mile-run in under the 6 minute requirement. Walker beat Lionel Hollins time by 8 seconds, finishing at 5:06. Malone finished at 5:48
September 24, 1976 - Blazers Open Camp With Mile Run
Jack Ramsey traditionally start his Training Camps with a 6 minute mile-run. Lionel Hollins led all players finishing at 5:14 with Bill Walton right on his heels and would have finished at 5:15 but instead choose to wait until 5:59 to avoid a fine. "I knew Bill had been doing a lot of running" said Ramsey. Walton said he had been playing a lot of soccer over the summer.
Thirteen of the 15 players invited participated in the timed run with only Steve Jones (6:11) and Lloyd Neal (6:36) failing to make the 6 minute time limit. Both players decided to pay the "fine" over running another time. Moses Malone and Wally Walker each had airport connection issues and were expected to arrive tomorrow |
Lionel Hollins 5:14
Bill Walton 5:15 (5:59) Jeff Tyson 5:16 Dan Anderson 5:18 Johnny Davis 5:19 Larry Steele 5:35 Herm Gilliam 5:43 Bob Gross 5:45 Maurice Lucas 5:48 Dave Twardzik 5:50 Robin Jones 5:56 Steve Jones 6:11 Lloyd Neal 6:36 Moses Malone and Wally Walker not present |
September 23, 1976 - Wicks Not Reporting To Jazz, According To AP
According to Associated Press reports, Sidney Wicks will not report to New Orleans training camp when it opens on tomorrow. Wicks, five times selected to the NBA All-Star game as a member of the Blazers, was acquired by the Jazz last month as the Blazers have done a major overhaul. According to reports, Wicks and Jazz have not made significant process in extending his contract, which has only one year left. Wicks attorney Sam Gilbert said his client will not report until a long-term deal is signed. |
September 21, 1976 - Blazers And Walker Agree; Season Tickets Top 7,000
The Blazers have agreed to a contract with Wally Walker, their first pick in this summers college draft. Walker was the fifth pick out of Univ. of Virginia where he was the leading scorer. Blazer officials would not comment as to length or dollars involved though some reports are the deal was for $1.2 million for 7 years. He is due in Portland to sign the contract in two days and then head to Salem to join training camp.
Blazers have invited Steve Paterson and Jeff Tyson to attend the training camp. Tyson was drafted by the Blazers in the recent college draft out of Western Michigan Univ. and played well during the Los Angeles Summer League. Tyson has been working out with some Blazer players during informal workouts and has been impressive enough to warrant another look. Patterson is a five-year NBA veteran and was recently waived by the Chicago Bulls. He has a career average of 4.4 points and 4.7 rebounds. Patterson played at UCLA and was the starting center for the Bruins between Kareem Abdul-Jabber and Bill Walton. Training camp invitees can be seen at http://77trailblazers.weebly.com/training-camp-invitees.html Blazers Business Manager George Rickles announced that the Blazers season tickets sales have topped 7,000 for the first time in history. The Blazers averaged 10, 097 attendance last season in the Memorial Coliseum. Entering the 1976/77 season, the MC has a seating capacity of 12,411, though twice last season the Blazers topped that number. On Nov. 26, 1975 12,476 saw the Blazers defeat the Los Angeles Lakers 118-101. On Feb 8 a record crowd of 12,482 fans saw the Blazers lose to the Golden State Warriors 105-109. |
September 17, 1976 - New Playoff Structure For Coming Season
Walton Suffers Minor Injury Bill Walton suffered a minor knee injury during an informal practice session at the Jewish Community Center. Team doctor Robert Cook called it a mild sprain and Walton should rest for a couple of days. “It’s no big deal. He should be ready to practice again shortly”
The Blazers Training Camp opens on Sept. 24 in Salem at the Willamette Univ. |
Larry Weinberg happy with 2 NBA decision that were recently approved but disappointed in a third. He is happy to raise playoff participants from 10 to 12 teams by record instead of by division. The new format has the 4 division winners plus the next four best teams in each conference making the playoffs. Had this system been in effect last season, Portland and Los Angeles from the Pacific Division would have qualified and Detroit from the Midwest Division would not have. He is disappointed that the league has decided not to have a third referee. “Mostly it was a case of a lack of agreement on how the third official should work” Some owners favored a referee that was on par with the 2 officials already officiating where some owners preferred the third official to be an advisor
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September 14, 1976 - Former Blazer Coach McCloskey Sees Positive Changes
September 10, 1976 - Blazers Again Move Date Of Training Camp
An NBA rule has forced another change in the opening of the Blazers Fall Training Camp. The Blazers were expected to open camp on Sept 22 at Willamette Univ. but will now open on Sept 24.
The rule says teams cannot begin practice until 30 days before their first regular season game. The Blazers first league game is Oct. 23 against Julius Erving and the New York Nets. The Blazers will have five days of practice before their exhibition opener against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sept. 30.
The rule says teams cannot begin practice until 30 days before their first regular season game. The Blazers first league game is Oct. 23 against Julius Erving and the New York Nets. The Blazers will have five days of practice before their exhibition opener against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sept. 30.
September 9, 1976 - Petrie Has Surgery
Blazer Dr. Robert Cook performed the long awaited knee surgery on recently traded Geoff Petrie and described it as a success. The recovery period is expected to be about 2 months which means Petrie will not be available for the start of the Hawks trying camp. The Hawks open the 1976/77 season October 21 with a home game vs the Houston Rockets. The Hawks visit Portland on November 2.
Petrie was bothered with knee pain towards the end of last season, missing the last 6 games the Blazers played. Blazer officials wanted Petrie to have the surgery before a new contract was worked out but Petrie held off until his contract was settled.
Petrie was bothered with knee pain towards the end of last season, missing the last 6 games the Blazers played. Blazer officials wanted Petrie to have the surgery before a new contract was worked out but Petrie held off until his contract was settled.
September 8, 1976 - Coach Ramsey Likes Look Of New Blazers
Coach Jack Ramsey likes look of his new team. “I liked this team when I took the job and I like it even better now” Since ending the 1975/76 season the Blazers have added Maurice Lucas, Moses Malone, Johnny Davis, Herm Gilliam, Dave Twardzik, Robin Jones and are close to signing Wally Walker. Gone are Geoff Petrie, Sidney Wicks, Steve Hawes, LaRue Martin and Barry Clemens.
Ramsey felt the guard position needed to be shored up when it took the job but doesn’t feel that way now. “Davis and Hollins worked extremely well together” said Ramsey referring to rookie Johnny Davis and second year guard Lionel Hollins play in the recently completed Los Angeles Summer League. “I liked what I saw. The fans here are going to like Davis”
Speaking of Herm Gilliam, Ramsey said he was “the best player of his type we could have got. We got a quality player who is a little underrated. He plays good defense, he is a good ball handler, he is a good scorer and a good team player. It is not easy to find players with all of those qualities.”
Fall Training camp is expected to open Sept. 22 at Willamette Univ. in Salem.
Ramsey felt the guard position needed to be shored up when it took the job but doesn’t feel that way now. “Davis and Hollins worked extremely well together” said Ramsey referring to rookie Johnny Davis and second year guard Lionel Hollins play in the recently completed Los Angeles Summer League. “I liked what I saw. The fans here are going to like Davis”
Speaking of Herm Gilliam, Ramsey said he was “the best player of his type we could have got. We got a quality player who is a little underrated. He plays good defense, he is a good ball handler, he is a good scorer and a good team player. It is not easy to find players with all of those qualities.”
Fall Training camp is expected to open Sept. 22 at Willamette Univ. in Salem.
September 4, 1976 - Jack McCloskey Is New Asst. Coach of LA Lakers
Former Blazer head coach Jack McCloskey was named asst. coach for the Los Angeles Lakers, along with Stan Albeck. They will assist Jerry West who was hired August 19 to replace Bill Sharman. McCloskey coached the Blazers from 1972 thru 1974 recording 48 wins with 116 loses.
Albeck has been an assistant coach in the ABA since 1970 with Denver Nuggets, San Diego Conquistadors and the Kentucky Colonels. |
September 3, 1976 - Sonics GM Russell Clarifies Trade For Martin
Seattle SuperSonics GM Bill Russell says the Sonics did not trade their 1st round pick for LaRue Martin. Russell declined to say what pick it was but it would be in the 1977 draft, providing Martin makes the opening day roster. “The offense I run, I think he will fit in better than the guys I had last year” said Russell. The only condition Russell conceded was the pick was conditional on Martin making the Sonics
Russell also admitted that the Sonics lost a “bidding war” for the rights to recently departed Sidney Wicks. “We made an adequate bid” |