Observations: Sept. 29 Blazers practice Tuesday, September 29 | 1:41 p.m. Quick hits from the Portland Trail Blazers' first practice of the 2009-10 season. The final 30 minutes of Monday's practice was open to the media. The main sight was that of assistant coach Dean Demopoulus running the Blazers through a session focused on defensive rotation. The team was divided into black and red. Black: Andre Miller, Rudy Fernandez, Nicolas Batum, Greg Oden, Dante Cunningham, Steve Blake and Martell Webster, among others. Red: Jerryd Bayless, Brandon Roy, Juwan Howard and Joel Pryzbilla, among others. The energy level appeared to be high, but not off the charts. There was a fluid pace to the session, with Demopoulus guiding and head coach Nate McMillan occasionally stepping in. Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge both described the practice as being a good one, while the general mood was serious but upbeat. Highlights: Team members being forced to perform pushups following a play; Miller's new haircut, which is a combination of cornrows and something else. Interesting 'do. Among those in attendance: Former NBA star Gary Payton, Blazers owner Paul Allen and Oregon State University men's basketball coach Craig Robinson. Payton was a hit — he talked openly with reporters, but mainly wanted to discuss himself. Roy once again talked up Blake. Roy said his relationship with Blake is something that has developed over time, and that time is exactly what it will take to build chemistry with Miller. Webster, McMillan and Demopoulus all had nothing but praise for Blake. Webster said the former Maryland standout is an ideal NBA point guard, while Demopoulus referred to Blake as not just a great player, but a great human being. Good words about Oden and Webster. Webster said he felt great, while Roy said Oden looked strong. No visible signs of frustration from Aldridge. He spoke with the media, answered what was thrown his way, and did not appear frustrated or upset. McMillan said "the honeymoon's been over for a while," when referring to high expectations for the team. McMillan added that, while everything looks good on paper, nothing real has happened yet. "We still have work to do," McMillan said. He added that the decision to use pushups as motivation is an attempt to lay down the hammer early. Check Wednesday's Columbian and on the Web for a feature on Blake. http://columbian.com/article/20090929/BLOGS05/909299992/-1/BLAZERBANTER --

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