The Portland Trail Blazers internally considered firing Terry Stotts during the offseason and nearly made that decision.

The Phoenix Suns were one of several teams that began engaging third parties about Stotts' potential interest in their jobs.

Damian Lillard fought for the Blazers to keep Stotts.

"I was asked what I thought, and I just said I love him as a coach," Lillard said. "We all love him." 

Stotts and Neil Olshey have developed an understanding during their time working together.

Paul Allen addressed the Portland Trail Blazers following their series loss to the New Orleans Pelicans last season.

Allen described the sweep as "unacceptable" and it led players and staff to fear a shakeup.

Allen died of complications related to non-Hodgkin lymphoma in October.

Carmelo Anthony is expected to leave the Houston Rockets and a number of teams have emerged as potential destinations should he either be traded, waived and claimed, or signed as a free agent.

“I heard three teams I think it can be for Melo, and this could change—I mean, he’s still with Houston—New Orleans, Portland and the L.A. Lakers. Those are the three teams I heard,” said Kevin O'Connor.

Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated previously reported that the Lakers "are done" making any free agent signings in the short-term. Spears reported that the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers could also be interested in Anthony.

Pascal Siakam and CJ McCollum have been named the NBA's Players of the Week.

Siakam averaged 20.0 points and 4.3 rebounds in Toronto's 3-0 week.

McCollum averaged 25.7 points and 4.3 rebounds per game for the Blazers as they also went 3-0.