The Portland Trail Blazers were the first team in league history to feature a player born in Spain when Fernando Martin made his NBA debut versus the Seattle SuperSonics on October 31, 1986. The Trail Blazers now also own the distinction of having the best player in Spanish basketball history on their roster.
After previous attempts fell short, the Portland Trail Blazers have successfully signed veteran center and future Hall of Famer Pau Gasol to a one-year contract. The Trail Blazers will be the sixth NBA team for the six-time All-Star and two-time NBA Champion, who was selected with the third overall pick of the 2001 Draft.