There aren't too many people attempting to graph the Portland Trail Blazers tonight so there were plenty of spots to graph from and I got front row again. The lack of people was odd considering there was a decent-sized line outside waiting to come in, but I assume they were either going for the home team or to get food. Kevin Durant signed on the other side which was great for those guys. I might try going down to the Thunder side upon arrival to see if any big-name players are out, but not for a big-name opponent. I believe Durant signed for me at the last Portland home game as well. Damian Lillard was already out on the court when I got there, but the first guy to walk past was Meyers Leonard and it was just me, Charlie, and Pocky. He signed for all of us (one per, he said), in the marker of our choosing and went on his way. After he finished practicing, he came out and signed for Josh (Meyers asked him what his name was: "Hey Meyers, can you sign one for me?" "Sure, what's your name?") and walked off. He didn't sign for anyone else as far as I could tell -- the side I used to go on was skipped over completely. After Meyers signed, there was an extremely long lull in signing. Shane was over on the Thunder side and was texting me that he got Anthony Morrow and Randy Foye after Durant. I started worrying that this would be all I would get. Lillard finished practicing but sat down on the bench to chat for what seemed like an eternity. My fellow graphers were concerned they'd all come off the court at once and skip everyone. Chris Kaman and Damian Lillard both came off the court at almost the exact same time. Fortunately I always carry two foam boards, so I had one in each hand and ready to go. I knew Kaman probably wouldn't sign based on the reports I heard from his last visit through town (he quit signing), but when he picked up a Sharpie to sign for Charlie I got a little bit excited. He skipped everyone else but he may have signed for a few more kids down the line on the other side as he walked down. It's a shame that Kaman only signs for kids -- adults can be fans, too! Lillard was much nicer and signed for everyone. He seemed to be in a good mood and answered questions about his music and whether he'd be cutting a new track soon. Not yet, but if you haven't heard "Soldier of the Game," check it out! Maurice Harkless was the only player that ran off and didn't sign for anyone. He seemed to be in a big hurry but he definitely had enough time to sign for all of us waiting for him. Al-Farouq Aminu and Gerald Henderson were the last two guys on the court and I knew Henderson would be hard to get based on what the other guys around me were saying. I also didn't have anything for him, save my team logo photo. As expected, Aminu was the only one of the pair to sign, but he only signed autographs and declined photo ops. Aminu 1/1 Harkless 0/1 Henderson 0/1 Kaman 0/1 Leonard 1/1 Lillard 1/1 Plumlee 0/1 This was a mixed-bag game for sure. I was pleasantly surprised to get Lillard, but there were a lot of smaller-name players who don't sign. I don't know if I'd graph Portland again (okay, maybe once or twice for Lillard). As I told Shane, any time the Trail Blazers are in town, I'd probably graph the Thunder. I was able to snag a cheap ticket from the venue! for the Lakers game, so I'll be attempting to get Kobe (but half the state will probably be there). Only two games left in the season for me, the next being the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday. I'm not sure if Tim Duncan will be healthy/playing, but his 'graph is the one I want most, followed by Tony Parker. I bought a swingman for Parker off eBay and hopefully it'll be here before the game. I've also finally purchased a shadowbox frame for my Steph Curry jersey so I'll be posting that when it's here and done. Until next time, J.R.
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