Nate McMillan, who was dismissed as Trail Blazers coach on March 15 during his seventh season in charge, thanks Portland fans in a full-page advertisement in The Sunday Oregonian.

"There really are no words to express how amazing my time in Portland has been these past few years," McMillan wrote. "Even though I was called 'Mr. Sonic' from my days in Seattle, 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. ...

"Portland is a very special and unique place. There isn't an environment in the NBA that can compare to that of the Rose Garden. ...

"Coaches come and go but one thing that will never change is the unique bond that Portland and Oregon has with its NBA team."

To read McMillian's full message, click the image at left.

The advertisement appears days after

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Similar ads from sports figures have appeared in recent years.

Among them:

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