Portland Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen is vowing "to be patient" with his rebuilding team, which will have a hard time matching even last season's 27-55 record. We'll see if that also means being patient with general manager John Nash, in the final year of his contract.

If not, it won't be surprising if rumblings start about Kiki Vandeweghe, in the final year of his contract as Nuggets general manager, possibly bolting to the Trail Blazers. Indications are there have been few discussions about a possible contract extension for Vandeweghe, making it a good bet he will be a free agent after the season.