Observations: Blazers media day Tuesday, September 29 | 11:21 a.m. Greg Oden made the biggest splash Monday during the Portland Trail Blazers' annual media day at the Rose Garden. And Andre Miller created tiny ripples. But it was a united collection of Blazers that included Oden, Nicolas Batum, Travis Outlaw, Steve Blake and Joel Pryzbilla who made the largest wave. ... Greg Oden made the biggest splash Monday during the Portland Trail Blazers' annual media day at the Rose Garden. And Andre Miller created tiny ripples. But it was a united collection of Blazers that included Oden, Nicolas Batum, Travis Outlaw, Steve Blake and Joel Pryzbilla who made the largest wave. ... What united the group? All, to a man, said or hinted they wanted to start for the 2009-10 Blazers. Factor in that Miller stated in early September he planned to enter camp as the team's starting point guard, and coach Nate McMillan is already facing a minor situation, despite the fact that his team has yet to hold an official practice. Granted, nothing has changed. There is no real drama. And if there is one team in the NBA that can withstand the temptation of minutes played and endure a few bruised egos, it is likely the Blazers. This said, it likely will not be an all together easy, gentle road for McMillan or general manager Kevin Pritchard, as they balance competition and collectivism with pride and innate desire. Even Brandon Roy seemed to hesitate Monday, when asked how he would blend with Miller. Miller is a point guard who excels by controlling the ball and the flow of the game — also one of Roy's best traits during crunch time. Martell Webster was the most candid — and has been all summer — when discussing playing time. Webster bit when asked if he was the most hungry Blazer — he even seemed to enjoy the description. But Webster, who is returning from a lost 2008-09 injury-filled season, also would not allow himself to say that he wanted to start. Webster has declared himself to be reawakened and revamped; he is now a finisher. And he emphatically stated this summer during an interview that he is more concerned with building a lasting career in the NBA, not a one-year starting role with the 2009-10 Blazers. Yet even Webster could not resist the allure of playing time, when asked once again Monday about earning a starting spot of the rotation. He stretched out his sentences. He said everyone in the league wants to start. But then he countered by stating that part of the sacrifice — and his goal — is not giving into the temptation. Wise and old Juwan Howard was impressive during his initial press conference, and even more impressive Monday. Howard answered every question with a thoughtful, intelligent response. He earned kudos from Oden and LaMarcus Aldridge in regards to his wise, veteran ways. And he sounded like a player with something special invested in his new team and teammates. Howard estimated he has been called a veteran for since 2001, when he joined the Dallas Mavericks. Comedy Roy opened the press conference with a nice little zinger: "They brought me back for another year." Big picture Despite the "Who starts?" issue, the overriding theme Monday was one of excitement. Excitement about the roster. Excitement about the team's overall depth. Excitement about the improvement of Oden, the return of Webster, the acquisition of Miller and Howard. And a cannot-wait-to-start excitement about the upcoming season. New tricks This is what Oden reportedly has added to his offensive game: A turnaround jumper; a hook shot; a softer shooting touch; the ability to man up and face down against defenders away from the basket; increased mobility. True highlight Blake entering the press conference carrying and eating a cupcake, then bringing the cupcake around with him as he answered more questions. In and out Rudy Fernandez was almost non-existent. Fernandez answered a few queries, then quickly left the media area. Almost Aldridge said he was told by the NBA that he fell one person short of making the all-star roster, losing out to David West of the New Orleans Hornets. Off guard Pryzbilla seemed to be a little unprepared to answer questions about Oden's desire to start. http://www.columbian.com/article/20090928/BLOGS05/909289981/-1/BLAZERBANTER --

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