For the first time in six years of covering this league, I will not be attending media day in my local market – in this case the Portland Trail Blazers, unlike previous stops in New York and New Jersey. Chalk it up to the realities of fatherhood of a freelance writer covering the NBA.

I put the word out to the Oregonian’s own Joe Freeman on Friday about using his pull to establish a daycare complete with babysitter at both the practice facility and Rose Garden next to the media room to help accommodate my needs. But until that happens, the chance of me catching-up with the guys at media day just ain’t happening.

So my only hope now is the questions I had for the Blazers come Monday afternoon get fielded regardless.

Here are just a few off the cuff….

Brandon Roy – Do you feel less inclined to put this whole team on your back now with the addition of Andre Miller and hopefully both Greg Oden and Martell Webster staying healthy for the season?

LaMarcus Aldridge – How frustrating is it that your contract extension isn’t finalized the day before training camp begins when this should have been an obvious priority very early on in the offseason?

Greg Oden – After everything you’ve been through the past two seasons, are you at the point now where basketball is finally fun again?

Nicolas Batum – What did you learn most about yourself playing on the French National team this summer that will benefit the Blazers?

Rudy Fernandez – What is the ideal role for you on this team – if you had it your way?

Ime Udoka – When you made the team back during the 2006-07 season, you did so by employing the passing of your father, Vitalis, around training camp as a source of motivation. Now that you are back trying to fight for another spot, how do you regain that inspiration?

Jerryd Bayless - If you aren’t happy with your situation on the team playing behind Andre Miller and Steve Blake as the season develops would you feel comfortable approaching management at that time about a change of scenery?

Steve Blake – Have you spoken with Andre Miller about how to best handle the point guard duties in Portland?

Andre Miller – When you signed with Portland this offseason did you know you would likely be utilized this season as a back-up point guard?

Martell Webster - Do you feel any pressure about delivering on the contract extension you signed last October during your foot injury?

Joel Przybilla – Next to you, who is the most physical guy on this team – and do you think Portland gets overlooked in this area?

Travis Outlaw – You are the longest tenured Blazer on the roster. How nervous were you this summer that your time in Portland would come to an end with a trade?

Juwan Howard – After all your years in this league, what is the best advice you’ve been given and can give to these young guys in return?

Dante Cunningham – After an impressive summer league, are you worried you’ll get lost in the forward mix around here?

pic via: the hoop doctors

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