HoopsHype.com Rumors

The bench, which entered the game averaging an NBA-low 12.8 points per game, collectively played 76 minutes and scored 29 points as Joel Freeland (eight points, two rebounds, one block), Will Barton (seven points, 3 of 5 shooting) and Nolan Smith (six points, 3 of 6 shooting) excelled. “We heard it,” Smith said of outside criticism about the bench’s play. “But I think as a group ... we try and just focus on what we’re doing in house; just keeping each other’s confidence up and continue to be supportive of one another. It kept us all just ready for this moment.” Oregonian

Portland Trail Blazers, Will Barton, Nolan Smith, Joel Freeland 

In the not-too-distant future, young players such as Victor Claver, Joel Freeland, Will Barton and Nolan Smith might be sent down to the NBA Development League for a little playing time and seasoning. Blazers general manager Neil Olshey said he intends to use Idaho this season as a tool to foster growth with his young players and he has created a tentative plan to send guys east across the Oregon border. Oregonian

Portland Trail Blazers, Victor Claver, D-League, Will Barton, Nolan Smith, Joel Freeland 

Chris Haynes: Nolan Smith says he views #Blazers decision not to pick up his option a "blessing in disguise." Twitter @ChrisBHaynes

Portland Trail Blazers, Nolan Smith 

Chris Haynes: Nolan Smith understands the #Blazers cap situation and says "They had to do what was best for them and I have no problem with it." Twitter @ChrisBHaynes

Portland Trail Blazers, Nolan Smith 

Chris Haynes: #Blazers head coach Terry Stotts says he'll probably go with Nolan Smith as the backup PG oppose to Coby Karl. Twitter @ChrisBHaynes

Portland Trail Blazers, Coby Karl, Nolan Smith, Terry Stotts 

General manager Neil Olshey told CSNNW.com that he intends to use all of the time necessary before making a decision. Smith says he's not focused on his contract. “That's something I can't control,” Smith said. “All I can do is go out there and play my game. Whatever happens, I'll have to deal with it. But right now, I just got to play ball and be ready when my number is called.” CSNNW.com

Portland Trail Blazers, Nolan Smith 

Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts brushed off Smith's latest performance and chalked it up to him just missing some gimmes that might have jump-started his game onto the right track. “He had a rough night [Friday] because he went 0-for-6,” Stotts said. “He had a couple of really good moves that he wasn't able to finish and that probably would have changed the tenner of the opinion of the game. “Those two layups go in [it's different game]. But he struggled [Friday] scoring the ball, but I think he still defends, he's quick, he gets by people. So, this is good for him. This is good for him to go through it and get minutes on the floor and [Friday] in crunch time, to be able to try and make plays and win the game.” CSNNW.com

Portland Trail Blazers, Nolan Smith 

Chris Haynes: #Blazers GM Neil Olshey says he will not make decision on exercising options on Luke Babbitt, Nolan Smith, Elliot Williams until very end. Twitter @ChrisBHaynes

Portland Trail Blazers, Elliot Williams, Luke Babbitt, Neil Olshey, Nolan Smith 

Chris Haynes: So there you have it: @Nolan Smith and @Damian Lillard are getting pedicures together and loving it! Hey, I just report the news. #Blazers Twitter @ChrisBHaynes

Portland Trail Blazers, Nolan Smith, Damian Lillard 

But it’s his most recent stop, with Dallas, that is generating the biggest buzz among Blazers players. Stotts was a key member of coach Rick Carlisle’s staff during the Mavericks’ run to the 2011 NBA Championship, which featured a first-round Western Conference playoff victory over the Blazers. “I’ve never formally met him, so I don’t know him,” second-year Blazers guard Nolan Smith said. “But I know he was on the World Championship team with the Mavericks. I know he knows what it takes to win.” Oregonian

Portland Trail Blazers, Coaching, Neil Olshey, Kaleb Canales, Nolan Smith, Terry Stotts 

Joe Freeman: #Blazers players are still discovering Stotts is coach. I reached out to @Nolan Smith to talk about new coach. His reply: "Who is it? Lol" Twitter

Portland Trail Blazers, Coaching, Nolan Smith, Terry Stotts 

Sean Highkin: Nolan Smith told me after the game that he's feeling better and will "absolutely" be good to go by training camp. Twitter

Portland Trail Blazers, Injuries, Nolan Smith 

Chris Haynes: #Blazers Nolan Smith says he's still experiencing headaches every now & then. Says this is his 2nd concussion. 1st was his soph yr at Duke. Twitter

Portland Trail Blazers, Injuries, Nolan Smith 

Joe Freeman: Smith has not been cleared to fly yet and has to stay in Vegas until Wednesday. Twitter

Portland Trail Blazers, Injuries, Nolan Smith 

Nolan Smith: Just opened my eyes to the scary news!! PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILIES IN AURORA, COLORADO AFFECTED BY THE SHOOTINGS!! Twitter

Nolan Smith 

Nolan Smith continued to endure headaches and a sore neck Wednesday, but was recovering from the concussion he suffered Tuesday night in a summer league game against the Houston Rockets. Because he sustained a concussion, Smith will have to go through a series of steps to gain clearance from the NBA to return to basketball. But general manager Neil Olshey said Smith was "going to be fine." Oregonian

Portland Trail Blazers, Injuries, Nolan Smith 

Chris Haynes: Zoran Dragic: "Tell @Nolan Smith I'm so sorry. It was a fluke play and I didn't mean any harm. I hope he gets better soon. I'm really sorry." Twitter

Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, Injuries, Nolan Smith, Zoran Dragic 

Chris Haynes: Houston Rockets G Zoran Dragic tells CSNNW he didn't think he elbowed #Blazers G Nolan Smith even after he saw the replay. Twitter

Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, Injuries, Nolan Smith, Zoran Dragic 

Chris Haynes: Dragic will tweet out an apology to Nolan, too. Says he tried to apologize last night, but says Nolan's teammate (Ekene Ibekwe) interfered. Twitter

Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, Injuries, Nolan Smith, Zoran Dragic, Ekene Ibekwe 

Chris Haynes: Nolan Smith's sister, Sydney, tells CSNNW that Nolan will not return to Summer League & has to go through NBA protocol for the concussion. Twitter

Portland Trail Blazers, Summer League, Injuries, Nolan Smith