When the pieces of the “character” puzzle came together, the Trail Blazers did not have to try hard to win back their alienated fans. As they had promised, they traded away talented but controversial or unpleasant players. Now Portland is incredibly young and unbelievable talented, with all the tools for success already on their roster.

Minnesota sneaked out a 90-86 win thanks to the inspired play from their bench. One of the players who led the way was former D-League standout Blake Ahearn who enjoyed a great game despite refusing to “pull a Horace Grant” and wear goggles to protect his eyes.

When Trajan Langdon was in Toronto earlier this week I talked with him about his favorite memories of playing in Europe, his goals are for the upcoming season and if he has any desire to return to the NBA.

If you’re looking for your NBA fix, you should read what these 12 bloggers expect to see this season from the Central Division teams they cover.

Toronto rallied behind a huge defensive surge in the third quarter to pull out a big win against CKSA Moscow but the final score of a preseason game isn’t what really matters tonight.  Check inside for the scoop on who was lobbying for votes in the Canada Federal Election, insight into what Jermaine O’Neal showed on the court tonight and to read what Sam Mitchell had to say about no longer showing any charity towards players who don’t deserve to see the court.

If you’re looking for your NBA fix, you should read what these seven bloggers expect to see this season from the Southwest Division teams they cover.

This weeks Buzzer Beaters column has the scoop on a new feature on “NBA 09 The Inside,” news about how to save $20 on NBA League Pass this season and a ton of other basketball links for you to check out.

North Carolina’s Men’s basketball team had a remarkable year last season. The team ultimately did not achieve its goal of a national title, but its success laid the foundation for massive expectations for the season ahead for the Tar Heels. Unlike last year, this season is not one filled with potential and possibility, but instead firm, lofty expectations and demands. This season, absolutely nothing short of a national title will satisfy the fans, players and coaching staff in Chapel Hill.

It’s the presason so tonight’s game notes aren’t too heavy on stats or the outcome of the game. Instead I talk about my chat with Rowan Barrett, share what Mike D’Antoni said before the game to make the media chuckle and I boast about the new and improved Andrea Bargnani.

This is why bloggers shouldn’t be allowed to try out for the D-League; I made it less than 30 minutes into my tryout before I pulled up limping and had to call it a day.