February 19, 2004

Blazers head coach Maurice Cheeks, President Steve Patterson and General Manager John Nash met with media today to discuss the recent moves made by the Trail Blazers and to discuss the conclusion of the NBA trading period.

Question: How do you view the trades that you did make?

John: It has been a very hectic month and there were times when I was worried that things would not work out. We are so pleased with the last trade and the amount of talent that we added to our team. This trade would not have been possible before. It was a balancing act between realizing the desires of the fans and not compromising our goals for the future.


Question: How do you feel about the recent Rasheed trade?

John: The Rasheed deal did not surprise us. The Pistons are looking to rent Rasheed for the rest of the season, maybe even looking to sign him next year. Atlanta achieved what they were trying to achieve as well.


Question: What are you going to do now that the trade deadline has passed?

John: I was going to take some time off, travel to Europe. But with all of the recent changes with the team I am going to stick around and monitor this transition.


Question: Why didn't another trade occur before the deadline?

Steve: We've been looking at trades that make sense. A trade has to fit with our team taking into account character, talent, financial impact and keeping a competitive team on the court.


Question: Is there still a potential for additional players to be added?

Steve: We will continue to look for players that have potential and can add something to our team. There are options but we will most likely wait until the end of the season to make additional changes.


Question: Were you looking to add a shooting guard?

Steve: No, it was not on our agenda. The shooting guard position is up for grabs. It is a challenge that Maurice is faced with and it will not be easy.


Question: How do you feel about the end of the trade deadline?

Maurice:The guys breathe easier after the trade deadline has passed because they know they can just focus on basketball and not have to worry. It is hard to wait as a coach, knowing you have a lot of work ahead of you, rearranging players and strategy. It is also hard to wait as a player. The players have a lot of interaction with their agents which allows them some knowledge of what is or isn't happening. It wasn't like that in my day.


Question: How do you feel about back-to-back games against Memphis and Bonzi Wells and now the Pistons and Rasheed Wallace?

Maurice: It is going to make for a fun week. I hope that the Rose Garden is packed with support for our team. It is always tough playing against former team mates. Makes things a little more heated, they feel like they have something to prove.