With the sixth pick in the 2005 draft, the Trail Blazers selected Martell Webster.
Webster, a guard/forward out of Seattle Prep had originally committed to Washington but then became an early entry candidate for the 2005 NBA Draft. He was named a 2005 McDonald’s All-American and finalist for the Naismith Award. He was also named to the PARADE Magazine All-America First Team.
"We are very comfortable with the young man as a player and as a mature role model. We heard he was the best shooter in the draft and there is no doubt about that in my mind. We are very pleased with this selection" - Trail Blazers GM, John Nash said.
As a senior in high school, Webster averaged 27.7 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists as Seattle Prep went 19-5. He is 6-7 and weighs 210. Webster is the cousin of Jason Terry of the Dallas Mavericks.
Blazers.com: What did you think when your name was called?
Webster: I was overwhelmed.
Blazers.com: Did you know ahead of time that you were going to be drafted by the Trail Blazers.
Webster: I knew three minutes ahead of time.
Blazers.com: What team did you think would Draft you in the 2005 NBA Draft?
Telfair: I thought the Toronto Raptors were going to pick me in the 2005 Draft.
Blazers.com: Your parents must be thrilled now that they can keep tabs on you. How does it feel to be drafted by a team so close to home?
Webster: Yes they are very excited. It’s an easy commute definitely. They can come down to see me and I can fly up to see my family. It’s home.
Blazers.com: How do you think you will fit in Portland?
Webster: I think I will fit in well with the Trail Blazers. If they are looking for a shooter and looking for a commitment I am the guy.
Blazers.com: What do you know about the Trail Blazers Roster and the guys on the team?
Webster: I know the Trail Blazers are young and they have a lot of room to grow.
Blazers.com: What do you expect out of yourself in this upcoming NBA season?
Webster: I want to improve on my shooting and to become the best possible player this season.
Blazers.com: What do you want to improve on this year?
Webster: I want to become a more dominant player and work on my ball handling skills. I would also like to improve on my defense.
Blazers.com: How did you feel when you heard about age limit and this will be the last year high school players will be allowed to enter the draft?
Webster: I felt fortunate to be part of the last group of high school players that will be coming out. The agreement had no effect on my decision though. Even if it took place this year, I would have been happy to go to the University of Washington. But I feel fortunate to be a part of this.
Blazers.com: Sicne you’re part of the last high school class able to go straight to the NBA, what kind of legacy would you guys like to leave to show that maybe they made a mistake?
Webster: Basically to go out there and be the best player I could be and show them that maybe high school players still have the ability to in the NBA. That it’s a maturity issue. That if they’re ready to play, they’re ready play.
Blazers.com: What percentage of basketball fans would you say know your name at this point?
Webster: I’m an underdog. I would say maybe 20-22%. Because coming here, at the hotel, they said that I was a lottery pick, in the top 10, but not that many people came in asking for autographs.
2005 Draft Central
2005 Draft Selections
