Joel Freeland Impressing in Portland (Already)

Portland Trailbazers’ training camp has only been open for a week, but that’s long enough, it seems, for GB’s Joel Freeland to impress the Portland contingent.

From Mike Barrett over on the Trail Blazers Bloggers Network:

Now, he’s started playing for the Trail Blazers, and everyone is taking notice. Early in training camp, he’s been one of the pleasant surprises on the practice court. He’s strong, polished, mature, and his outside jumper is starting to wow the coaches. Freeland has taken it all in stride, so far, and doesn’t appear in awe or overly confident.

“I have such a great perspective now, and that can’t be overstated,” said Freeland. “I’ve been through some hard times. I’ve been through a lot of wins, and a lot of losses, at the professional level. I’ve been in some very tough environments with fans going against you, some crazy stuff, and have had to learn to deal with the pressure and expectations. I feel like all of that gives me a bit of an advantage going into this NBA season.”

So, is he a power forward, or is he a center? Will he start, or will he come off the bench? Will he want a bigger role early, or will he be patient? Freeland has answered all of those questions, and more, with the same answer- “I don’t care.

“Hey, I just try and do what I can do, and it’s really as simple as that,” said Freeland. “I don’t try and play out of my limits. That’s the key to being successful. I’m going to earn my spot on this team, earn my minutes, and hopefully have a long career here. I’ll play whatever Coach wants me to play. It doesn’t matter. If he wants me to play the one, I’ll play the one (laughing).”

The article is also an interesting read into how Freeland first started playing basketball, and his early career (getting drafted after only playing basketball for 2 years is crazy!), so make sure you check it out here.

Meanwhile, Nicolas Batum has nothing but good things to say about Freeland. Talking to Oregon Live, he said:

“Joel is not like a normal rookie, he’s had a big career already in Europe at a very high level, so he knows the game. He’s not like a normal rookie. People say maybe he’s like a soft European shooter, like forward shooter, but no, he’s got some big moves inside, he plays hard. I like it.”

You can also see Joel talking to the media in Portland, below:

How do you think Joel will do?

H/T to @algreenan for the link.

Image Credit: I Am A Trailblazers Fan