Joe Freeman
@freemanjoe.bsky.social
780 followers 110 following 63 posts
Senior Writer for The Oregonian/OregonLive covering the Portland Trail Blazers and NBA.
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freemanjoe.bsky.social
Chauncey Billups plans to ‘tinker’ with Trail Blazers' starting lineup and rotation in Wednesday's preseason opener — and beyond.

"No reason to read into anything. I’m just kind of looking at different rotations, looking at how it’s going."

www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
Trail Blazers preseason: Chauncey Billups plans to ‘tinker’ with starting lineup, rotation
It would be unwise, Billups advised, to make any grand declarations about what you see Wednesday night against the Golden State Warriors.
www.oregonlive.com
freemanjoe.bsky.social
Chauncey Billups said he hasn't decided on his starting lineup for the Blazers' preseason opener vs. Golden State. But he added that he planned to feature multiple lineups during the team's four exhibition games.
freemanjoe.bsky.social
So nice of you to say. Thanks!
freemanjoe.bsky.social
I am back, Eric.
deekle68.bsky.social
Are you back on The Beat again?
freemanjoe.bsky.social
Another note from Blazers practice ... Might want to slow your roll on any looming Arvydas Sabonis jersey retirement. No. 11 wasn't available when Jrue Holiday arrived in the summer because Bryce McGowans was still on the team. It's now available, though Holiday will stick with No. 5.
freemanjoe.bsky.social
I asked Blazers veteran Jerami Grant today to expound on his media day comments about coming off the bench and he downplayed the situation, saying, "I'm open to competing" and “I’m fine, man.”
freemanjoe.bsky.social
The Blazers are looking to ‘Make ’Em Uncomfortable’ this season ... and not just on defense.

Chauncey Billups is unveiling a new offensive system this season designed to take advantage of his team's relative youth, speed, athleticism and length.

www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
Portland Trail Blazers unveil new fast-paced offense designed to ‘Make ’Em Uncomfortable’
The Blazers are unveiling a new offensive system this season designed to take advantage of their relative youth, speed, athleticism and length.
www.oregonlive.com
freemanjoe.bsky.social
Javonte Cooke has agreed to sign an Exhibit 10 contract with the Blazers, according to a league source. The 6-6 guard has played the last three seasons in the G League:

www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
Portland Trail Blazers sign player to Exhibit 10 contract
The Blazers added a 6-foot-6 guard with three years of G League experience to the training camp roster.
www.oregonlive.com
Reposted by Joe Freeman
billoram.bsky.social
The Allen estate now has a formal agreement in place to sell the team to Tom Dundon. New wrinkle: Dundon's group now includes the Cherng Family Trust. Andrew and Peggy Cherng co-founded Panda Express.
Reposted by Joe Freeman
billoram.bsky.social
Column:

Marshall Glickman was 11 when his father founded the Trail Blazers. Today, he is leading a charge to ensure the upcoming sale doesn't lead to the team's departure.

“If Portland and Oregon ... do this the right way,” he said, “then leaving is not on the table. There's no reason to leave."
His dad brought the Trail Blazers to Portland. He is determined to keep them here. | Bill Oram
If the city and state respond proactively to the threat of relocation, Marshall Glickman believes, there is no reason for the Blazers to leave.
www.oregonlive.com
freemanjoe.bsky.social
A coalition of former players, team officials and business leaders has formed "Rip City Forever" to work with local/ state officials and ensure "the Blazers remain and succeed in Portland for decades to come." The group includes Chris Dudley, Marshall Glickman and Erin Hubert.