Oregon Public Broadcasting

The Portland Trail Blazers won't play an official game until October 28th, but the young team kicks off its training camp next week in advance of the preseason schedule the following week.  As Andrew Theen reports, Blazers' management is looking for a big year.

Blazers' general manager Kevin Pritchard says he refuses to temper expectations.  Pritchard says he's looking to see the team make the playoffs this year, something the squad hasn't done in five years.

The additions of rookie guard Jerryd Bayless and Spanish star Rudy Fernandez should give the Blazers depth.  And then there's the long-awaited debut of last year's top draft pick, 7-foot center Greg Oden.

Kevin Pritchard says "the sky is the limit" for Oden.

Kevin Pritchard: "I think he has a chance to be special.  There's only one person in the world that can hold back Greg Oden.  Greg Oden."

Pritchard and Head Coach Nate McMillan say they expect the competition to be fierce in training camp, with a deep and talented roster of young players -- all competing for limited playing time.