Unless you're Patrick Star living under a rock, by now you should know that the NBA has placed Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier on immediate leave from their respective teams amid federal indictments, with charges of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy. ESPN's Shams Charania mentioned on "Inside the NBA" that both Billups and Rozier will fight these charges, which is expected to be "at least a six to 12-month process."
Basketball is secondary to this situation, but it is unfortunate timing considering it comes just one game into the season. Portland will be forced to pivot on the fly, which makes Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard veteran roles even more essential for this young Blazers roster in need of leadership and organizational consistency.