Joe Freeman of The Oregonian reports on Twitter that the Blazers have hired Dean Cooper, who has served terms in Houston's front office and on Minnesota's bench as an assistant coach, as their new Player Development Director. According to Inside Hoops, Cooper's highest post in Houston was Vice President of Player Personnel. He has also coached in the collegiate ranks. The position is reportedly part of Portland's front-office reshuffling under new General Manager Rich Cho. You can find more biographical information in this Inside Hoops Article. Via Wendell Maxey on Twitter, here's a q and a with Cooper from his Minnesota Timberwolves days. --Dave (blazersub@yahoo.com)