PORTLAND, Ore. -- Damon Stoudamire has told the Portland Trail Blazers to start him or trade him.

Stoudamire, a longtime starter, is competing against newcomers Jeff McInnis and Antonio Daniels for the starting point guard spot.

"To be honest, I can't really see myself coming off the bench,'' Stoudamire told the Oregonian. "But that's just me. I never have envisioned that, and if that's the case, they might as well get me out of here. Point-blank.''

Blazers team president Bob Whitsitt would not comment to the newspaper about Stoudamire's remarks.

But coach Maurice Cheeks said he was encouraged, seeing it as a sign that Stoudamire is ready to compete.

"I appreciate his candor, him saying what he really feels,'' Cheeks said. "I can't fault him for that. You know, Damon is one of my favorite players...He has learned to defend, and he has learned how to be a leader.''

It has been a trying offseason for Stoudamire, who has battled a felony drug possession charge, trade rumors and memories of his anemic postseason play against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Stoudamire has been the Blazers' starter for the last 4½ seasons. He is coming off his best season in Portland, averaging 13.5 points, 6.5 assists, and 3.9 rebounds as a team co-captain.