Norman Powell was still getting over the shock of being traded from Toronto to Portland when he found himself on the phone with members of the Trail Blazers’ organization. He couldn’t believe his ears. They asked the oddest of questions, Powell thought.
What laundry detergent did he use, and what scent? What was his mom’s favorite color? What snacks did he like? Did he have pets? Did he prefer red or white wine? What size bed did he sleep on?
“They asked literally everything,” Powell said.
One week later, when the Blazers returned from a four-game trip, bringing Powell to Portland for the first time as a Blazer, it all made sense.
Powell had been in Portland for less than a day, but already he felt like he had a home.
