Start squirming, Trail Blazers players. The man empowered to straighten the team's jumbled mess is in town, meaning nobody is a lock to return next season in a Blazers uniform.

John Nash, an experienced deal-maker during three previous stints in NBA front offices, took over as the Blazers' general manager on Wednesday, promising imminent change.

"I think it's fair to say that the roster will probably not come back the same as last year," Nash said. "It would be my goal to make some changes before the season starts."

Nash, 56, said his method of operation will be based on achieving two goals: reducing the payroll and improving the team's reckless and troubled image.

"(Owner) Paul Allen has made it clear: He wants a team that he and the city of Portland can be proud of," Nash said. "We are not going to tolerate the behavior that has been here previously."