Joe Freeman
@freemanjoe.bsky.social
Senior Writer for The Oregonian/OregonLive covering the Portland Trail Blazers and NBA.
From last night: Trail Blazers rally from 22-point deficit to stun Oklahoma City, end 16-game losing streak vs. Thunder.
“We’re tough. We’re aggressive. We’re talented. we’re young. We’re fast. And we’re on an uprise. There’s something special in Portland ..."
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
“We’re tough. We’re aggressive. We’re talented. we’re young. We’re fast. And we’re on an uprise. There’s something special in Portland ..."
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
‘Something special in Portland:’ Trail Blazers rally from 22-point deficit to stun Oklahoma City
The Blazers hand the Thunder their first loss of the season, showing yet again they are no longer a bumbling, fumbling, punching bag the rest of the NBA beats up on.
www.oregonlive.com
November 6, 2025 at 4:49 PM
From last night: Trail Blazers rally from 22-point deficit to stun Oklahoma City, end 16-game losing streak vs. Thunder.
“We’re tough. We’re aggressive. We’re talented. we’re young. We’re fast. And we’re on an uprise. There’s something special in Portland ..."
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
“We’re tough. We’re aggressive. We’re talented. we’re young. We’re fast. And we’re on an uprise. There’s something special in Portland ..."
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
The Trail Blazers have announced that backup guard Blake Wesley fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot in the win over the Nuggets and is out indefinitely.
November 3, 2025 at 1:22 AM
The Trail Blazers have announced that backup guard Blake Wesley fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot in the win over the Nuggets and is out indefinitely.
The Trail Blazers plan to assign Yang Hansen to the Rip City Remix this weekend to practice with the G League team, per team source. The rookie center will rejoin the Blazers Monday for their game vs. the Lakers.
November 1, 2025 at 5:29 PM
The Trail Blazers plan to assign Yang Hansen to the Rip City Remix this weekend to practice with the G League team, per team source. The rookie center will rejoin the Blazers Monday for their game vs. the Lakers.
Robert Williams III makes season debut in Trail Blazers’ win: ‘He was amazing’
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
Robert Williams III makes season debut in Trail Blazers’ win: ‘He was amazing’
The most important development in the Blazers’ entertaining, down-to-the-wire win over the Denver Nuggets came with 7:34 remaining in the first quarter, when the veteran center checked into a game for...
www.oregonlive.com
November 1, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Robert Williams III makes season debut in Trail Blazers’ win: ‘He was amazing’
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
Matisse Thybulle underwent surgery this morning to repair a tear of the UCL in his left thumb, according to the Blazers. The backup wing is expected to be reevaluated in 4-6 weeks. Thybulle suffered the injury Wednesday at Utah.
October 31, 2025 at 11:59 PM
Matisse Thybulle underwent surgery this morning to repair a tear of the UCL in his left thumb, according to the Blazers. The backup wing is expected to be reevaluated in 4-6 weeks. Thybulle suffered the injury Wednesday at Utah.
From last night: As Trail Blazers roll Los Angeles Lakers, a protege outplays his old mentor:
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
As Portland Trail Blazers roll Los Angeles Lakers, a protege outplays his old mentor
The 7-foot-2 bulldog center finished with season highs in points (16), rebounds (14) and field goals (eight), while adding two blocks, two assists and recording his first double-double of the season.
www.oregonlive.com
October 28, 2025 at 4:36 PM
From last night: As Trail Blazers roll Los Angeles Lakers, a protege outplays his old mentor:
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
Tiago Splitter says backup wing Matisse Thybulle (right hip soreness) is out tonight vs. the Lakers.
October 28, 2025 at 1:13 AM
Tiago Splitter says backup wing Matisse Thybulle (right hip soreness) is out tonight vs. the Lakers.
The Blazers announced that they have assigned Robert Williams III to the Rip City Remix of the G League for return to court conditioning. The Remix open training camp today, so this will allow him extra practice time as he nears a return to the Blazers.
October 27, 2025 at 7:21 PM
The Blazers announced that they have assigned Robert Williams III to the Rip City Remix of the G League for return to court conditioning. The Remix open training camp today, so this will allow him extra practice time as he nears a return to the Blazers.
Trail Blazers’ tough reality: Clippers loss shows challenges await in wake of Billups’ arrest:
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
Trail Blazers’ tough reality: Clippers loss shows challenges await in wake of Billups’ arrest
The Blazers are leaning on basketball to move forward, but what happens when the basketball itself becomes an obstacle?
www.oregonlive.com
October 27, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Trail Blazers’ tough reality: Clippers loss shows challenges await in wake of Billups’ arrest:
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
From last night: The Blazers sprinted away from a day-and-a-half of surreal chaos by steamrolling the Warriors at the Moda Center.
“I was just happy to see a smile on my players’ faces.”
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
“I was just happy to see a smile on my players’ faces.”
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
Trail Blazers rout Warriors after unforgettable 48 hours: ‘Just happy to see a smile’
The Blazers sprinted away from a day-and-a-half of surreal chaos, steamrolling the vaunted Golden State Warriors at the Moda Center.
www.oregonlive.com
October 25, 2025 at 4:09 PM
From last night: The Blazers sprinted away from a day-and-a-half of surreal chaos by steamrolling the Warriors at the Moda Center.
“I was just happy to see a smile on my players’ faces.”
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
“I was just happy to see a smile on my players’ faces.”
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
Chauncey Billups to ‘fight’ allegations with ‘same tenacity that marked his 28-year career’
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
Blazers’ Chauncey Billups to ‘fight’ allegations with ‘same tenacity that marked his 28-year career’
Billups attorney said “Chauncey Billups has never backed down (and) he does not plan to do so now.”
www.oregonlive.com
October 24, 2025 at 1:42 AM
Chauncey Billups to ‘fight’ allegations with ‘same tenacity that marked his 28-year career’
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
‘Here we go again’: Chauncey Billups arrest is another setback for Trail Blazers franchise seeking momentum:
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
‘Here we go again’: Billups arrest is another setback for Trail Blazers franchise seeking momentum
A franchise that has endured more than its share of bad news in the 21st century was dealt another sobering blow Thursday.
www.oregonlive.com
October 23, 2025 at 10:33 PM
‘Here we go again’: Chauncey Billups arrest is another setback for Trail Blazers franchise seeking momentum:
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
The latest on Billups from @maxbernstein.bsky.social, who was at the U.S. District Courtroom in downtown Portland for his arraignment:
Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups faces fraud, money laundering charges in court
He's to be released under conditions, with travel restricted to Oregon and Colorado.
He's next scheduled to appear in federal court in Brooklyn on Nov. 24.
@oregonian.com
www.oregonlive.com/sports/2025/...
He's to be released under conditions, with travel restricted to Oregon and Colorado.
He's next scheduled to appear in federal court in Brooklyn on Nov. 24.
@oregonian.com
www.oregonlive.com/sports/2025/...
Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups faces fraud, money laundering charges in court
Chauncey Billups, 49, was granted release with travel restrictions.
www.oregonlive.com
October 23, 2025 at 10:05 PM
The latest on Billups from @maxbernstein.bsky.social, who was at the U.S. District Courtroom in downtown Portland for his arraignment:
Reposted by Joe Freeman
Blazers coach Chauncey Billups arrested, accused by feds of participating in rigged poker games
@freemanjoe.bsky.social & @rogoway.bsky.social
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
@freemanjoe.bsky.social & @rogoway.bsky.social
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
Blazers coach Chauncey Billups arrested, accused by feds of participating in rigged poker games
The NBA has placed Billups on "immediate leave" from the team.
www.oregonlive.com
October 23, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Blazers coach Chauncey Billups arrested, accused by feds of participating in rigged poker games
@freemanjoe.bsky.social & @rogoway.bsky.social
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
@freemanjoe.bsky.social & @rogoway.bsky.social
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
The Trail Blazers have named Tiago Splitter interim coach, according to a team source. ESPN first reported the news:
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
Portland Trail Blazers name Tiago Splitter interim coach
The move came hours after coach Chauncey Billups was arrested be federal agents and charged with money laundering and wire fraud conspiracy as part of an alleged poker scheme.
www.oregonlive.com
October 23, 2025 at 6:29 PM
The Trail Blazers have named Tiago Splitter interim coach, according to a team source. ESPN first reported the news:
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
Blazers coach Chauncey Billups arrested, accused by feds of participating in rigged poker games (from me and @rogoway.bsky.social) :
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
Blazers coach Chauncey Billups arrested, accused by feds of participating in rigged poker games
Organized crime figures allegedly used Billups and other former pro athletes to attract unsuspecting gamblers to illegal card games.
www.oregonlive.com
October 23, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Blazers coach Chauncey Billups arrested, accused by feds of participating in rigged poker games (from me and @rogoway.bsky.social) :
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
The official charges against Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups are money laundering conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy.
He will appear in Federal Court in Portland later this afternoon and be arraigned on his indictment in Brooklyn at a future date, according to the FBI.
He will appear in Federal Court in Portland later this afternoon and be arraigned on his indictment in Brooklyn at a future date, according to the FBI.
October 23, 2025 at 2:45 PM
The official charges against Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups are money laundering conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy.
He will appear in Federal Court in Portland later this afternoon and be arraigned on his indictment in Brooklyn at a future date, according to the FBI.
He will appear in Federal Court in Portland later this afternoon and be arraigned on his indictment in Brooklyn at a future date, according to the FBI.
Incoming Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon is at Moda Center tonight to watch the season opener. He's sitting in the front row next to Jody Allen.
October 23, 2025 at 2:26 AM
Incoming Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon is at Moda Center tonight to watch the season opener. He's sitting in the front row next to Jody Allen.
Minnesota guard Anthony Edwards, who was a game-time decision with back spasms, will play and start tonight against the Blazers.
October 23, 2025 at 2:08 AM
Minnesota guard Anthony Edwards, who was a game-time decision with back spasms, will play and start tonight against the Blazers.
Trail Blazers are finally ready to take off the training wheels: ‘There’s a different feel’
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
Trail Blazers are finally ready to take off the training wheels: ‘There’s a different feel’
For the first time in years, Portland is chasing victories instead of lottery ping pong balls.
www.oregonlive.com
October 22, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Trail Blazers are finally ready to take off the training wheels: ‘There’s a different feel’
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
Chauncey Billups names Trail Blazers’ starting lineup for opening night:
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
Billups names Portland Trail Blazers’ starting lineup for opening night
The Blazers will start Holiday, Sharpe, Avdija, Camara and Clingan on Wednesday, when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves at 7 p.m. at the Moda Center.
www.oregonlive.com
October 21, 2025 at 9:20 PM
Chauncey Billups names Trail Blazers’ starting lineup for opening night:
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025...
Billups said Matisse Thybulle has been a full participant in practice and Rob Williams has dramatically increased his activity. Their opening night status has not been decided, but it sounds like Thybulle might be available.
October 21, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Billups said Matisse Thybulle has been a full participant in practice and Rob Williams has dramatically increased his activity. Their opening night status has not been decided, but it sounds like Thybulle might be available.
Billups said he will start Jrue Holiday, Shaedon Sharpe, Toumani Camara, Deni Avdija and Donovan Clingan on opening night.
October 21, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Billups said he will start Jrue Holiday, Shaedon Sharpe, Toumani Camara, Deni Avdija and Donovan Clingan on opening night.
The Portland Trail Blazers have exercised 2026-27 team options on Scoot Henderson, Kris Murray and Donovan Clingan, according to a team source.
October 21, 2025 at 5:51 PM
The Portland Trail Blazers have exercised 2026-27 team options on Scoot Henderson, Kris Murray and Donovan Clingan, according to a team source.