They are the youngest team in the NBA, and arguably the most promising collection of talent.
And that was before Greg Oden returns from knee surgery, and Rudy Fernandez arrives from Spain, and a relentless and determined rookie named Jerryd Bayless joins a group of budding stars in All-Star guard Brandon Roy, smooth big man LaMarcus Aldridge and super sixth man Travis Outlaw.
After nearly a decade during which words such as dog fighting, marijuana, technicals and sucker punches tarnished a once-proud franchise, the Trail Blazers have revived their image and the connection with their fan base.
Throughout the 2008-09 season, Oregonian beat writer Jason Quick and photographer Bruce Ely will chronicle the people and the events that define what could be the most dramatic turnaround in Blazers' history. It will be called "Rip City Revival: An inside look at the Blazers' pursuit of a second NBA title."
Now online, the first installment -- Brandon Roy: A star's quest for greatness -- is accompanied by a 10-part blog series centered around Roy. Part I -- Roy's marriage proposal: Little BJ gets an assist Part II -- Making Roy nervous: Paul Allen pays a visit Part III -- Roy and Bayless: A match made in heaven? Part IV -- Roy's summer priority: Getting better off the ball Part V -- The stories this bike could tell Part VI -- What do you get an NBA star for his birthday? Part VII -- A gallon of water before 2 p.m. Part VIII -- Don't call him a point guard; he's a "playmaker"
Part IX -- Money for nothing Part X -- Portland: A new home?
