Nate McMillan was fired recently by the Portland Trail Blazers, following a 42-point trouncing by the Knicks. Coaches gets fired frequently. It’s part of life in the NBA. So that was the last I expected to hear about — or from — McMillan in Portland.
On Sunday, I was startled to see a full-page ad on page C3 of The Oregonian, titled “Thank you, Portland!” and paid
for by McMillan. It had a photo of McMillan wearing a Blazers shirt and holding a basketball. Below the photo was a three-paragraph, heartfelt letter from the departed coach. I read every gracious word of it.
A sampling:
“… you greeted me warmly from the moment I arrived and showed me and my family love, respect and support. It meant the world to us and always will. … There isn’t an environment in the NBA that can compare to that of the Rose Garden. The energy and passion that is present there each possession for 44 games a season is electrifying. You, the fans, bring it every game.”
McMillan went on to thank everyone in the Blazers organization — from owner Paul Allen and President Larry Miller, to the players and the rest of the staff. He then concluded:
“I am truly humbled and honored to have served as Head Coach of the Portland Trail Blazers for the past seven years.
“Go Portland, Go Oregon and Go Trail Blazers.
“Nate McMillan.”
What a class act!