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08:10 AM ET 08.08 | Trail Blazers guard Wesley Matthews' first reaction was shock. Then it evolved into hope. For months, [Matthews] has lobbied for Kaleb Canales to become the team's permanent head coach. But that possibility vanished Tuesday, when general manager Neil Olshey hired Dallas Mavericks assistant Terry Stotts instead. "Initially, I was a little shocked," Matthews said. "I thought Kaleb was definitely going to get that job. But after talking to Neil and hearing his reasons, I'm excited. Coach Stotts brings championship experience and I think that's huge. That's somewhere we see ourselves in the near-near future." Matthews' sentiment was almost identical to that of his teammates.

Wesley Matthews, Icon Sports

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August 8, 2012 08:22 AM ET

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Shocked you say ??????????????

Imagine that...............

Mickey Bad Arse

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August 8, 2012 08:49 AM ET

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For a rebuilding team like the Blazers I thought familiarity and continuity with their old coach would have been of much benefit than an outsider coming in to start from scratch. Blazers are very far from a championship so the thought of bringing in a championship assistant coach is questionable to say the least. I wish them well with their choice...

Lostwill

Natick , MA

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August 8, 2012 09:09 AM ET

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Blazed And Confused, Bros?

I Love LA

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August 8, 2012 09:39 AM ET

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I refuse to comment on ANY more Dwight Howard stories....Im taking a stance and yes, I know this is a POR thread but I couldnt comment on the ORL story

DR_Universal

Charlotte , NC

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August 8, 2012 09:57 AM ET

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Does it really make much difference?

MV_PPL

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August 8, 2012 10:10 AM ET

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When ever I read anything concerning the Blazers, my first reaction or thought is always "what happened?" About three or four, maybe five years ago, the Blazers were primed to make a very serious run at the championship; with a roster that included Brandin Roy, Rudy Fernandez, Travis Outlaw, Steve Blake, Joel Bryzillia, Gregg Oden, Bantum, Lamarcus Aldridge, the Blazers were loaded and ready. All of sudden, the team have completely dismantled and are further away from winning a championship than ever. The teams revolving door have had players ushered in and out at the same time, coaching change, management change, front office personnel overhaul; it's a mess. How did this team with so much promise just blew up, and don't blame it on Oden; his injuries can't be blamed for this blown opportunity.

mdelaneyd45

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August 8, 2012 10:28 AM ET

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Stotts didn't do much for the Bucks. Do you really think he can make a difference in Portland?

Dkopp

Saint Paul , MN

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August 8, 2012 10:59 AM ET

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Stotts was a terrible coach in ATL. Was even worse in MIL.
But then again, this is the recycling-friendly NBA, so why not?

A big FAIL!!!!

ESPN

Atlanta , GA

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August 8, 2012 11:58 AM ET

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QUOTE(#16):

Originally posted 11:30 AM ET 08.08 by MMAFan

I'm surprised Stan Van Gundy's name isn't tossed around more.I suspect a few coaches will be on the clock to start this season. Maybe Brown in LA or even Woodie in New York?

Woodie should be safe but I agree with Brown...I would have said Drew in ATL too but they just re-upped him for some reason.

I think that Stan Van will have to sit and watch for maybe a season or two before getting another call. He was too vocal about some of the "Dwama" concerning #12. Not saying he handled it wrong but speaking too publicly about the situation may have some GMs hesitant to hire him right now..

DR_Universal

Charlotte , NC

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August 8, 2012 12:51 PM ET

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QUOTE(#16):

Originally posted 11:30 AM ET 08.08 by MMAFan

I'm surprised Stan Van Gundy's name isn't tossed around more.I suspect a few coaches will be on the clock to start this season. Maybe Brown in LA or even Woodie in New York?

I think he's taking some time off after the bruising past several years with the Magic. A man can only take so much abuse. Look for him back on the sidelines in 2-3 years.