Jason Quick

On coaching legend Dick Motta, who at 94 is still sharp, still strong and still ornery as ever. And, as he learned yesterday, he is still not elected into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. (Gift article) nytimes.com/athletic/71284…

On Ja Morant, and the welcome mat awaiting him in Portland: nytimes.com/athletic/74392…

Ja Morant says he initially wanted to continue wearing wearing No. 12 with the Trail Blazers, but after talking to the organization he decided to shift to No. 1. "The organization has other plans for it,'' Morant said, alluding to LaMarcus Aldridge, who wore 12.

Hurricanes owner left one player off Stanley Cup while including family members in NHL stunner trib.al/7bKSJEw

It’s what he does: build relationships. He believes it’s on him to make the initial contact.

@surrwadd @DirtAndSprague He really liked him and had heard positive things about him before the meeting. Also, I’m sure Micah inherently is optimistic about the possibilities. Human nature.

@jwquick Heard you on with @DirtAndSprague Do you think Nori’s words are 100% sincere or is there some coachspeak and excitement that leads to overstating things here?

New Trail Blazers coach Micah Nori had a two-hour lunch with Ja Morant on Tuesday in South Carolina. He saw and heard a motivated player. Article free to read: nytimes.com/athletic/74131…

Included in here: Nori is on his way to Los Angeles to meet Jrue Holiday. “Jrue Holiday is a big part of what we’ve got going … I want to let him know I’m going to continue putting him in positions to be successful.”

@ptownjake A combination of Yang not ready and insurance against Williams being unable to play more than 60 games.

Curious about the note at the end of this Re: Blazers looking for another center. True 3rd stringer as Yang isn't ready, or because they might send Clingan to Boston as part of the JB trade? Any read @jwquick #RipCity

Things change in negotiations, especially after a big trade. Blazers were comfortable in 10-12 mil range and weren’t willing to go 15. They figured they were out. But need for rim protection increased with Ja signing, and Rob reiterated desire to return. They came to agreement

Blazers were unsure about committing to Williams at such a high number, but he wanted to return, likes their direction as well as new coach Micah Nori. Blazers need for center depth has been offseason priority and two sides come to agreement. nytimes.com/athletic/live-…

With Monday’s trade for Ja Morant, don’t expect Blazers center Donovan Clingan to be involved in any upcoming trades. The 7-foot-2 center and his elite defense is viewed as essential to making roster work. nytimes.com/athletic/live-…

I don’t know what will happen in the coming days, but the Blazers roster is more talented today than it was yesterday. That’s a win.

@pianomaster00 I can assure you I will give more coverage to Portland this season.

@jwquick @jwquick this is absolutely classic writing from you. I’m literally going to hang on to my Athletic subscription a little longer because I hope to see more of this.

On new Trail Blazers coach Micah Nori and his diverse and varied path to Portland: (Article is free to read) nytimes.com/athletic/73820…

Minnesota coach Chris Finch says it’s a shame Micah Nori’s hiring in Portland is being overshadowed by unconventional contract. “I know he wasn’t focused on certainly money, but he was first focused on opportunity,” Finch said. nytimes.com/athletic/73887…

Micah Nori will be the next coach of the Trail Blazers. “Micah is the real deal.” Free to read. nytimes.com/athletic/73777…

BREAKING: Micah Nori has agreed to become the head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, sources tell @TheAthletic. Nori was lead assistant of the Minnesota Timberwolves for the past five years. Nori, 52, signed a one-year deal with team options for each of the next two seasons.

The wifey @ThubaQuick with a cameo at the end 😂

@jeffshelman @EnswellJones I was talking with my friend who is also reading it, and I told him I had to do the same thing. I would close it and just sit in reverie … I wanted to read more but I needed moments to absorb the impact. Just a brilliant book.

@jwquick @EnswellJones Jason, I could not agree more. The only thing that kept me from finishing it faster was the number of times I had to stop to manage my own emotions.

For those like me who struggle with grief, and the arduous, never-ending pursuit to fix ourselves, I highly recommend this book by @EnswellJones. Don’t know if I’ve ever been moved by a book as much as this one. Just a remarkable piece of work.