What all really happened

Birdman is a pimp. *edited*

Edit: In my opinion, you guys are taking the things Birdman does too seriously! I think it brings excitement to the game.

(is that better Admins? Sorry)

 

To get a true example of that happening, read up on John Salmons doing that to the Raptors and then signing with Sacramento a few years back.

I know a lot of Blazers fans want one, but it's hard to find an outright villain in this whole saga. Pritchard didn't fuck up, he got screwed by an unpredictable change of heart. And Hedo didn't maliciously string Portland along. I think he made a stupid mistake in making a commitment so early, when it's become clear that he hadn't looked at all the factors. But that's really it.

 

To further eradicate any feelings of inferiority Portland fans may feel, consider this: Hedo probably wouldn't have backed out of his commitment if Toronto hadn't offered a little bit more money. I'm sure Hedo loves the city and all that, but it alone wasn't enough to create such a significant change of heart. And it's not like Hedo was desperate to avoid playing in Portland. If Colangelo is a bit slower, Hedo ends up playing in Portland for 5 years being perfectly content (aside from the lack of NBA championships during that stay).

 

I'm not sure Turkoglu is so bad at basketball that he'd prevent Portland from winning several championships. I think you're way too down on Turkoglu. He's not worth $42 million / year, or whatever Toronto is paying him, but he's not bad.

 

I think Turk made a mistake with his decision. But that is part of the free agency process. It's a tough decision to make in a few days. I was bummed but am already over it.

 

I'm one of those as well who think we'd be a worse "team" with Hedo and probably not win any championships had he chose us. Mostly because of his inability to defend (which only worsen as he gets older), but his inconsistent shooting. To be sure, he has some skills I admire, but overall I think he's not right for this team.

 

That's what happened.

 

Well said. And I fully agree Toronto would be a fantastic place to live, it's only 300 miles from New York City, and it has a rich ethnic and cultural vibe. Frankly I think Hedo did exactly what he should have done which is explore a potential option in Portland while still thinking that his first choice would probably be Toronto, the fact that it certainly helped his final contract amount by having two teams bid him up a little was exactly what a free agent looking to get paid should do. Good on him.

As for the Blazers, I'm not exactly optimistic KP has a solid plan B, but I'm cautiously optimistic that there are still quality free agents and trade targets out there if KP is willing to make some sacrifices (Blake and Trav). I guess we'll find out as the coming days unfold.

 

I will be anxious to see if KP will actually trade one of his players. I've stated this many times, but I really think it is his kryptonite. I don't think he has the guts to do that.

 

And here I thought you would try and disprove me?

Sergio didn't pan out. We needed to not only give up an additional pick to get rid of him, we needed to pay them also. I suppose I should have been more clear and said one of his good players, or player others around the league might view as good. Blake, Outlaw, Joel, Batum, Bayless, Rudy, Webster maybe. You know, trading a piece or two to bring back an asset?

 

That's why they call it *free* agency....the guy can base his choice on whatever he wants.

No point in trying to blame anyone. As long as KP has a viable plan B, it is time to move on.

 

Oh well.. despite all this 'trying to look at this objectively' nonsense , there's no doubt in my mind when Toronto comes to play here next season, Hedo will get booed by Blazer fans. Right or wrong, it'll make an interesting subplot and I hope we kick the Raptors' ass by 50 at the RG.

 

If you think you will be happier somewhere else, then don't make a verbal commitment to Portland. How's that?

 

Don't faint, everyone, but I actually agree with Shooter.

Had Turkoglu come to Portland, said he is considering two offers and would get back to KP et al, then decided to go to Toronto for all the reasons he said - and they are good ones - I would be disappointed but that's life. If you have two job offers you are going to consider both and say yes to one. But he said he would take Portland's offer. The first I heard otherwise was watching tennis and seeing the scroll at the bottom of the screen on ESPN. I thought I'd read wrong and waited for it to come back.

I am surprised at just how furious I am. I think it's because Portland Trail Blazers worked so hard to become respectable again after being the joke of the NBA. Here they are with a good and improving team, a manic fan base, an owner who is engaged and willing to spend, a general manager who made great decisions, everything good and happy and warm and fuzzy, and Turkoglu treated the team like Jail Blazers.

And I don't think the issue was this or that mistake KP made. Sure, we are all geniuses in hind sight, right? But the bottom line is that Turkoglu wanted to go elsewhere and went back on his word. I suppose that's better than having him sulk here for 5 years, although personally I think he'd have been happy. But as Shooter said, don't give your word until you're sure.

 

He was overruled by the chief at the 11th hour. That ever happen to you? Unfortunately, it's happened to me on several occasions. Consequently, and as I've often said, you can be right (her terms).........or you can be dead right. The former has kept my heart pumping.