Raef LaFrentz was drafted third overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 1998 NBA Draft. He has since moved to Dallas, Boston, and now to Portland. The Trail Blazers acquired Raef in a draft day deal that sent him, Dan Dickau and the rights to Randy Foye in exchange for Sebastian Telfair, Theo Ratliff and a 2008 second-round draft pick.

Raef chatted live online with fans on Wed, July 26. Check out the complete chat transcript below:

Paul (Portland): Hey Raef, Where were you when you heard about the trade and what were your first impressions?

Raef LaFrentz: I just finished working out in Boston, I got home about 2pm in the afternoon and Danny Ainge left me a voice message and I could tell by his voice someting was up, and I called him up and he told me I was traded to Portland. My first thought was, "Cool town," I've always liked playing up there and I like the young players we have here and I'm excited about building toward the future with this organization.

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Tyler Chang (Vancouver, WA): Hey Raef glad to have you as a new Trailblazer. When you first saw these young Trailblazers what did you think.

Raef LaFrentz: My first opportunity was at the first game of Summer League, where I met everyone, coaches, front office and some players. And these players are very talented and we have a strong base of talent here. And from this point, we need to build the chemistry and come together as a group, which is a challenge for every team.

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RUSS DAVIS: Hey Raef, How do you think your game and ability will coincide with Nate Mcmillan's Portland Trailblazer style of Ball

Raef LaFrentz: I know Nate likes to put shoes on the floor. If that's the case, I should be out there some. With Zach down low, I think I can compliment him and let him get his work done down there.

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Mark (portland): What do you see as your primary role on the team being? Scorer, rebounder, leader?

Raef LaFrentz: Roles will find their own way. As we come together, the leaders will come to the front. On the floor, I hope I can convey some of my experiences...good and bad...to the young guys. Personally, I think I'm a versatile player, I can shoot and block shots and rebound. Whatever I can do to help the team, I'm up for.

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Chedawg (Chicago): You have a unique talent for shooting threes as a big man. Were you always encouraged to shoot, or did you just do your own thing?

Raef LaFrentz: I never shot from long-range until I became a pro. I was a post-up player prior to that. When I got into the NBA as a rookie, I played center, and was undersized, so that moved me out to the perimeter where I developed that shot into the place where it's a nice asset I have now.

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Dusty (Oklahoma City): Hey Raef, I'm a huge Big 12 fan I follow all their players into the pros and you're one of the tops on my list. I really enjoyed you in Boston but I think you will be more effective in Portland, do you think you will play the 4 or the 5 and how big of an impact do you believe you can bring to Portland offensively and defensively?

Raef LaFrentz: I don't know where I'll play, but I can play either position. I'm not a typical 5 and I can play the 4. If they can find minutes for me in the both positions that's great. Defensively, when asked to block shots, I've been able to do that here. We have Joe Pryzbilla here, who is a pretty good shotblocker already, so whatever role they want me to fill, I'm happy to do it.

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Alex (Lake Oswego): Hi Raef, I'm a big fan of your game. As a big man who can shoot the long ball, was there somone (Like Bill Laimbier or Arvydas Sabonis) who you patterned your game after?

Raef LaFrentz: Not really. As I said, it kind of developed. Playing for Coach Roy Williams in college they wanted me on the blocks and I performed that role to the best of my ability. Then in the NBA, I've been asked to play some center and mostly handle that role from the perimeter where I can knock down shots, so I've done more of that. But I'm confident in both facets of my game and will do what needs to be done for us to win games here in Portland.

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Charlie (boston): Who will you miss playing with the most in Boston?

Raef LaFrentz: One of the good things about the Celtics is we got along very well. For a pro team, we were pretty tight. I'll miss playing with Pierce, Scalabrine, Al Jefferson...all those guys over there.

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Hyper Bully (Albany, OR): Which new teammates have you met so far? Which Blazer player was the first to contact you after the trade?

Raef LaFrentz: Most of the guys are away for the summer, so I haven't seen them yet. I spoke to Martell at the Summer League, so I guess he'd be the first guy. I know the veterans on this team from playing against them, but I don't really know them that well, but when we report to camp that will take care of itself and I look forward to meeting them and getting to work.

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Jerone (Portland): At age 29, you obviously have plenty left in the tank. What are some of your goals you hope to accomplish in Portland?

Raef LaFrentz: I really have only one goal. Win games and get into the playoffs and compete with the best. I've been on good teams and bad teams, and losing makes for a very long year, so I'm going to do everything I can to help the Blazers play winning basketball.

Raef LaFrentz: Thanks to the fans for writing in, I appreciate your questions and I look forward to healthy, productive, exciting year with the Blazers.