It's with a gigantic sigh that I promote this to the front page. It's all over; it's time to talk about our memories. -- Tim

嗯,这糟透了。

Dear Nicolas Batum:

Thank you for all the sweet dishes and silly turnovers and big time shots. While you may have been the most maddening players on the roster, you sure were awesome to have and fun to watch during your time here. Your nut-punching, game winning, chase down blocking, and 9 foot french wingspan are all surely irreplaceable. Good luck to you in Charlotte!

Dear Robin Lopez:

I don't know whether I'm sadder about losing you, or losing Wes. You fit Portland perfectly. It doesn't even make sense to have you play anywhere else, but I'm glad you'll at least be in a good situation counting fat stacks and playing your less handsome brother four times a year. Your knee socks and sideshow hair were tremendous assets to this team. You will be sorely missed. Now go take a big bite out of that Big Apple!

亲爱的韦斯·马修斯:

You became my favorite basketball player during the time you spent in Portland. That hardworking tough nosed gritty basketball that you play was endearing to us all. You came back every fall with noticeable improvements. I will never forget the game-clinching steal against the Rockets in game 4--probably in my top 3 favorite Blazer moments ever. I will be keeping my username in honor of you. Good luck in Dallas. Go shoot some arrows through the hearts of all the doubters.

Dear LaMarcus Aldridge:

You probably don't remember, but nearly 10 years ago, before your rookie season began, you were shooting jumpers at a park outside. A little 3rd grader went up to you and asked why you were so tall. The little boy didn't know who you were, but other older people at the park had told him that you were famous. You shook that little boys hand and changed his life.

That little boy was me. LaMarcus Aldridge, you made me fall in love with the game of Basketball. You made me a fan of the Portland Trail Blazers. With you as my inspiration, I aim to play the game I love in college and further after that. And now you, one of the greatest players this franchise has ever seen, has left. And who could blame you--this team has been cursed by unfortunate injuries at the most inopportune times. Tears roll down my cheeks as I write this and bid you farewell and say: The very best of luck to you in a class franchise. Go get yourself a ring in San Antonio. I hope you come back at the end of your career and retire with Portland.

Dear Damian Lillard:

Your time is now.This is your team. You are the hero we have been waiting for all our lives.

Save us. Go Blazers.