Martell Webster Chat Transcript: Dec. 27, 2005
Webster was Portland's first pick in the 2005 NBA Draft.
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Not since Portland selected Sam Bowie with the second pick in the 1984 NBA Draft have the Trail Blazers had as high a draft pick as
Martell Webster. Taken with the sixth selection in the 2005 Draft, Webster comes with all the praise and potential in the world. The high school phenom, who just turned 19, is already turning heads in Rip City. And, while he may not be lighting up the scoreboard just yet, he is winning Trail Blazers fans over with his infectious smile, charming demeanor, and a refreshing sense of humility.
Webster chatted live with fans on Dec. 27. See the complete chat transcript below:
adam vancovure washington: hey martell,
hows it feel to play in portland? and how are the fans treating u?
Martell Webster: Portland is great. It's just like Seattle, where I'm from. And it's very close to home, which is very convenient. The fans have been great to me too, they've really supported me and I'm just concentrating on performing for them and my teammates and doing what I can to help us win games.
Mike: Salem: What is your favorite move? Jab step, step back behind the 3-point arc, bomb from 3?
Martell Webster: The jab-step and whatever opens up from that. I like to start with the jab-step.
alex(toronto): which rookie do you enjoy playing against and why>?
Martell Webster: I haven't played against many yet. I guess you could say I'm looking forward to playing against Gerald Green, who is one of my good friends and if we could both get on the court when the Blazers play the Celtics that would be something to look forward to.
Seth Brockbank AF: What was the first thing you bought as an NBA Rookie?
Martell Webster: I got myself a vehicle. I needed to get mobile around the city, so I got a Chrysler 300.
Seth Brockbank: Who is the funniest guy on the Trail Blazers?
Martell Webster: Zach Randolph. By far!
Lisa (albany, or): Why did you choose #8??
Martell Webster: The day I got drafted I had a choice of a few numbers 23, 32, 5 and they were all taken. Bill Walton's is retired and the other two were taken, so I saw that No. 8 was open, so I took that. Nothing more than that.
Patrick (Oregon City): Who on the team so far has surprised you the most?
Martell Webster: Viktor. He can really play, and he's getting better everyday.
Robert - portland: Do you like starting or coming off the bench better?
Martell Webster: Everybody enjoys starting better, but the coach has a rotation and I'm going to be patient and do what I can to get the coach comfortable with putting me in the starting lineup. What I need to do is put in the hard work in practice, so I'm ready to produce when I do get into the games.
Patrick (Oregon City): What's been the hardest thing in practice?
Martell Webster: Just learning. There are so many plays, so many different sets, it's a lot of information. It's not that bad, but it is probably the hardest part.
William (Rockville): Martell, Is there anything you miss ever since you've gone on to the NBA?
Martell Webster: Family. I don't get to see them that much, and that has been an adjustment. In high school, I saw them all the time. But that is one of the responsibilities of being away from home. But I'm getting used to it.
Blase: Portland: Have you been rookie 'hazed' by the 'veterans' on the team? If so, what happend?
Martell Webster: I got hazed one time. They decided to scoop me up after practice and throw me into the cold pool with all my clothes on, including my shoes!
Scott - UK: Hi Martell. How was the Christmas period for you?
Martell Webster: It was alright, I got to go home for a little bit and saw my family. That was nice. I saw my grandmother and my brother and some old friends. It was great Christmas.
Alex- Vancouver: If you had to choose between old school players, who would you choose, Dr. J or George "The Iceman" Gervin?
Martell Webster: I'll take Dr. J. I loved his game. Smoooooth!
Tip (Portland): What is your favorite Portland restaurant?
Martell Webster: I haven't found one yet. But probably the best is El Gaucho, the steakhouse. So far, that one has been good.
Martell Webster: Thank you to all the fans out there, I enjoyed answering your questions and I look forward to doing it again. Have a nice day and Happy New Year!
