New kids in town: Young Blazers hope to compete

The Portland Trail Blazers' theme for this season is ''New Dream. New Team.'' After a major makeover, the team certainly looks new. But it might be a few years before the dream becomes reality. The most familiar faces on the team, All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge, French forward Nicolas Batum and Wesley Matthews will be surrounded by a young, largely untested cast, including first-round draft picks Damian Lillard and Meyers Leonard. ''Emerging, I think is the word,'' new general manager Neil Olshey said when he was asked to describe his team. ''I think we're further ahead of a lot of teams that you might consider in a youth movement.'' Portland's overhaul started before last season ended with a 28-38 thud. The team let go of longtime and well-liked coach Nate McMillan, vets Gerald Wallace and Marcus Camby were dealt in trade deadline deals and often-injured former No. 1 draft pick Greg Oden was finally waived. The rebuilding began in earnest over the summer when the team hired Olshey...