Joe Freeman of The Oregonian reports:
The Trail Blazers have finally received a dose of good news surrounding their injury-depleted roster.
The NBA has awarded the Blazers a hardship exception, giving them the option of signing a 16th player to the roster for a short-term basis. Teams are eligible for the exception after four players on a roster miss at least three games and are expected to miss two additional weeks.
The Blazers became eligible after their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday, when Greg Oden missed his third consecutive game because of a fractured patella in his left knee, and were awarded the exception by the NBA on Sunday.
