Trail Blazers the owner Tom Dundonwhose first year as the franchise’s majority shareholder was marred by minor controversies, sent a letter to season-ticket holders on Tuesday promising to turn the Blazers into a championship-caliber team, according to Jason Quick of The Athletic and Mike Freeman of The Oregonian (subscription required).
In the letter, Dundon discussed the moves that appeal to mainstream blazers Danny Audio, Donovan Klingonand The mists of Kamara did last season and expressed optimism about the addition Ja Morant and Damian Lillard to this group. He wrote that he expected the team to “compete every night” and take “another step forward” in the 2026/27 season.
“I’m still getting to know Portland and this fan base” Dundon said. “But one thing is clear: You show up, you care, and you expect more than mediocrity. I respect that. I saw that same commitment in Raleigh, where the fans just watched (Dundon’s Carolina Hurricanes) lift the Stanley Cup.
“I don’t believe in making promises I can’t keep. My track record speaks for itself, and my intent here is clear: to bring a championship to Portland.”
As Quick notes, while Dundon addressed the Moda Center renovation and suggested the goal was to ensure the arena would be “one of the best buildings in the NBA,” he made no guarantees that the Blazers would stay in Portland for long. The team and the city of Portland continue to haggle over issues such as rent, ticket taxes, property taxes and union labor as they seek to finalize a deal to finance the arena’s renovation before the end of December, Quick said.
We’ve got more from across the North West:
- The Timberwolves not asking for a new point guard Lamela’s ball “To change your game at all, in any way, shape or form,” according to the head coach Chris Finchwho says it’s important to let “LaMelo come in and be LaMelo” (story via Kelly Ico of Yahoo Sports). The Wolves saw what that looks like in Monday’s preseason game, as Ball had 11 points, four rebounds and three assists in 17 minutes. What impressed Finch the most was the play of the point guard on defense John Krawczynski of The Athletic. “A lot of effort, very intelligent in the sense that he plays well in positional defence,” – said the “Wolves” coach. “He uses his length well. He understands how to navigate the play there Rudy (Gobert)such as how to continue to pursue at times. I was very, very happy with that.”
- The Thunder haven’t gotten anything out of their starters over the past two seasons as both Nikola Tema and Thomas Sorber spent his early years in the NBA recovering from ACL tears. But the participants of the first round of 2026, Marr’s candidate and Bennett Stirzindicated in the team’s preseason opener that they may be ready to contribute as rookies, writes Justin Martinez of Oklahoman. Mara had 12 points, nine rebounds, three assists and three blocks in 18 minutes, while Stirz showed off his playmaking and catch-and-shoot abilities with 15 points and six assists in 30 minutes.
- Inconsistent defense and limited foul trouble Julian Strotherrole in his first three NBA seasons, but this year may represent his best chance to become a regular Nuggetsrotation, Vinny Benedetto writes for The Denver Gazette. However, as Benedetta admits (via Twitter), p DeMar DeRozan, Spencer Jones, Tyus Jonesand Marvin Bagley III all are expected to get minutes with the second unit, the last spot in the rotation if all healthy can come to Strawther vs. Alpha Dial.
