For Blazers rookie Pendergraph, friendship hits close to home

Over the last few months, Pendergraph, the Blazers’ 6-9, 240-pound rookie power forward has transformed into an instant fan favorite thanks to his physical play on the court and genuine kid-like personality off it. But the 22-year-old will be the first to tell you he wouldn’t be where he is today without his mother, LaDona Orcutt, or “the argument.”