WHITT SPEAKS TO BLAZERS GM KEVIN PRITCHARD
04/17/2009

He has just led the unfancied Blazers to a fourth place finish in the ultra-tough Western Conference.

On top of all his other achievements, he also spotted Joel Freeland when he was barely known in Britain, let alone the NBA.

Having drafted him late in the 2006 first round, Pritchard spoke with 24/7 about Joel's status ....

24/7: How do you keep in touch with Joel's progress from 7,000 miles away and what do you hear about him in 2008-09?

KP: We get weekly updates. He got injured a little bit and that set him back, he was doing terrific before that, and he's had some good games since he came back but I don't think he's really got back to form yet.

24/7: Do you expect to bring him in to your Summer League team?

KP: He's going to play with the British national team and get a lot of exposure there and hopefully we get him for the Summer League. We would like to get him but with him playing with the GB national team, it's a little tougher, a little more complicated and we understand that. We're not pushing for that. We just want to see him and I plan on going to see him this year because I haven't yet. A couple of my scouts have but I'd like to see him.

24/7: I know the GB coaches were delighted with Joel last summer. Do you hear positive reports about his general progress?

KP: Yeh, I know a couple of the British coaches and they really like him and are happy with where he's coming, how he's progressing. I think if he keeps on improving and working hard, he's got a chance.

24/7: Will Joel play in the NBA one day?

KP: Without question he will play in the NBA. Now, he's got to keep getting better, that's the key, he can't plateau. He's got to be always getting better but he's a good worker and wants to play so, I don't know when, I don't have a timeline for him, but I do think it will happen.

24/7: Presumably, you always knew it would take time for Joel to make the NBA grade?

KP: We knew he was a project but he's a tough kid, he works hard, he's got some physical tools and as long as he keeps getting better, advancing his skills, he will be in our league.

24/7: Is it fair to assume 2009-10, when Joel is a free agent, will be too early for him to be looking at a place on your team?

KP: I don't know that. I don't know if it will be next year. I want to see him, I want to see how he's doing and talk to him. I'd like to see him myself in Summer League or the British national team and then make the decision then.

Ian Whittell for 24/7