PORTLAND, Ore. — Denver Nuggets head coach David Adelman, a Portland native, appealed on Friday for the Trail Blazers to remain in the city as the franchise seeks $600 million in state-backed financing to renovate Moda Center before a planned sale to billionaire Tom Dundon.
“They’ve got to keep the team here. This is a basketball city. The Northwest deserves two teams,” Adelman said, adding that a relocation would be “crushing for this community.” While acknowledging the financial complexity of the request, he emphasized the club’s cultural value, calling NBA games “something to be a part of.”
Historic loss after All-Star break
Portland’s first outing after the All-Star break ended in a 157-103 defeat to Denver at Moda Center, the most points the Nuggets have ever scored in a regulation game and the highest total by any NBA team this season. “One of our worst games of the season,” acting head coach Tiago Splitter said. “We were just not ready.” The Blazers visit Phoenix on Sunday in search of a rebound.
Rookie guidance from Jokic
Portland first-year center Yang Hansen, the No. 16 pick in last year’s draft, received courtside advice from his idol Nikola Jokic. “He told me, ‘Don’t get nervous all the time. You’re a great player. Just go play,’” Hansen said through a translator. The 7-foot rookie has appeared in 35 games, averaging 7.5 minutes.
Scoot Henderson cleared
Guard Scoot Henderson is no longer on a minutes restriction, according to the team. He logged 21 minutes Friday, roughly matching his workload in the four games before the break after missing the season’s first 51 contests with a hamstring injury.
Source: Hoops Rumors
