Seemed obvious. Seeing the timing of the information release, I'd almost bet money that the extension was agreed to yesterday, and then this morning the agent leaked the communication with the Wizards at the behest of the organization, providing the foundation for the extension announcement a few hours later.
Here's a thought that I keep coming back too. In 2016 the Blazers surprised just about everyone, and had success. So everyone got paid, everyone was happy, extensions and long term plans. Some of that was good, some of that wasn't as good... In 2019, they're surprised a lot of people, had success now everyone's getting extensions, were doing supermax's (I'm not questioning if Dame deserves it), but what I am saying is that were so content with literally just making it to the top 4 here in Portland that it's like everyone's done their job... It's almost like making it to the WCF's for the franchise exceeded the goal, winning a championship wasn't really the goal. Just like in 2016 making the playoffs was exceeding expectations. I really, really don't know how I feel about all of the end of the season stuff... I definitely appreciated the ride they went on, and I think they exceeded my expectations and I'm happy for that, but I'm not content just being 4th, and I feel weird with how content they seem to be with that.
Exactly. What's wrong with sucking dick anyways? I mean, @SlyPokerDog will lick anything if you use a little peanut butter.
I think it's funny this came out immediately after the Wizards reported interest. Neil probably called up Adrian (they're on a first name basis) to break the news.
In some ways it definitely does. In some ways, it depends on what the goals are. If you're GS the last couple of years you lose in the WCF's, people would be questioning what's going on... If you're Portland getting swept in the WCF is a tremendous year. I'm not even knocking it, it was a good year, but I also, have mixed feelings about it.
I'm less than enthusiastic about this extension. He better pull some amazing stuff after this. Let it bake isn't what I'm looking for--we could do that without him.
I find it a little bit funny that this announcement is met with ambivalence around here. Olshey has built a team post Aldridge that has continued to make the playoffs without a tank job, improve each year and is a model of stability compared to the turmoil we see elsewhere with so many franchises around the league, yet that's not good enough. Not every move has worked out well, despite a bunch that have. Olshey hasn't pulled the trigger on any of the fantasy moves we see here and, for that, some people want him gone. Yeah, he spent too much on Leonard, Harkless, and particularly Turner, but that was mainly a product of the Blazers having cap space at the exact wrong time when league markets went bonkers because of the influx of cash from the new TV deal. Turner is the biggest black mark against Olshey, IMO, but he's still managed to make things work to make the Blazers more competitive each season in spite of being capped out. I think he's done a good job.
Jody Allen is the new Oprah of the NBA...."you get a deal, and you get a deal!" I can't stand fickle franchises....love loyalty and good culture...I've been pretty happy and really entertained throughout the Neil era...optimistic that the next chapter of Blazer basketball will be equally as much fun to follow and cheer for.
Do I need to post a picture of Nurks snapped leg? I for one will not question this teams heart to improve.
I still think some of the bad contracts under Neil were Paul's decision. Either way I see some benefits of keeping him. Watching the Laker management team back stab each other as of late, I appreciate a team that seems to work well together. The problem with a new guy coming in is they either blame the last guy and expect more time to fix it. Or they do something rash to put their stamp on the franchise. They all make mistakes. Hopefully Neil has already learned from his.