By removing Vulcan and trusting his president and gm to do the job. After all, thats what they are there for. But I agree he is a good owner. But I think he complicates things for himself needlessly.
Well, by all means, go buy as many as you can afford and let us know what they say. Maybe I missed it - it wouldn't be the first time - but I've never seen any hints in the press that they don't have authority to negotiate the contracts. barfo
That says absolutely nothing about whether Allen could break even without the process, as you alleged and claimed you had figured out from "reports."
I think and believe they make the final decision. It should be clear as day. We know they handle the financial part of the business in their office. We know that the CEO of both the blazers and seahawks is located in that office. Why wouldn't he be part of the process? Why wouldn't the numbers and terms come from that office? If it didn't, what would be the real purpose for Vulcan?
Restricted free agency is another major factor. Back when Sheed and Damon were given huge deals there was more fear that they'd leave for another team, now that just isn't the case for quality young players. They can always get the most from their current team, so they always stay put. If Aldridge doesn't want to accept a $10 million per year extension because he thinks he is worth more then he should go out and prove it this season. There isn't any incentive for the team to hand out extra money now when they can surely sign him to a similar deal next summer. Paul Allen handing out huge deals in the past, such as the Miles deal, hurt this franchise. I'm glad the team is more careful. If anything I thought they were far to generous with Roy, there was no reason to give him a player option. There is no way he would have turned down a max 5 year deal next offseason and left for a team who couldn't pay him as much. I suspect the team decided to give in for PR reasons, the cost in ticket revenue and negative press would hurt the team so as a result Roy was able to cash in.
Paul Allen can break even by removing the organization and hiring good people to do the things they do.
Some here think and believe the earth is 6000 years old. Doesn't make it so. Well, first of all Vulcan is a lot bigger than the Seahawks and Blazers. So there would be plenty of purpose for it even if Paul sold the sports teams. Secondly, the fact that KP and Miller have a boss doesn't prove that they have no decision making power. There's no reason to assume that the boss can't delegate. barfo
I'm very glad they are careful too. My point is this, you can hire talented, smart business men to fill the void at president and gm that would have a firm understanding of what it take to break a profit without convuluting things in adding in a silly organization from Seattle. That should have been Paul's move from the beginning. Now, the players and organization are stranded in the middle of a "process".
Organization is one of the things that allow good people to do what they do. Disorganized entities tend to be much more inefficient.
This is a fairly bizarre contention. All transactions that involve millions of dollars require a process...across the entire business world. No responsible company would let such huge decisions be made without an organizing process.
But again, we do know they are part of the negotiating process. Needlessly. Larry Miller and Kevin Pritchard should be enough to do the job. That's why you hired them. If it was left up to them, these deals would be done. For one, I don't believe either one of them have any interest in putting any undue hardship on their players. They live with them daily. I think it would be in their best interest to see it that their players are taken care of and treated right, right from the beginning.
There is a process. Yes. But how long are most processes? Are they as convuluted and drawn out as these player negotiations seem to be going? Do you think there might be a different process that could be more efficient in negotiations? One that could move a lil more quickly and smoother while seeing to it that it puts the company in good position of breaking a profit and putting less hardship on the player?
Do we? You've asserted that they are, but you've provided no evidence whatsoever. They also have a responsibility to the team, which pays their salaries, to do the best for the team, even if it hurts someone's feelings. barfo
Yes, things do get complex when you get into the tens of millions of dollars. A few months is in my experience not an unreasonable time to conclude a deal of that size in the business world. I'm not sure what hardship the players are suffering. You know they (a) have agents who negotiate on their behalf, and (b) are getting paid handsomely even on their rookie contracts? barfo
If Aldridge was truly worried about securing himself financially, IMO he could sign a 5 year, $50M+ deal. Aldridge and his agent want to squeeze as much money out of Portland, and Portland would like to sign him for a cheaply as possible while still securing him long-term. I'm amazed how alarmed people are by a player possibly not getting a contract extension when he's a year away from being a restricted free agent.
Aldridge demands a max contract, but can't even make the All-Star Team. He gets 1 rebound every 5 minutes while Joel gets 1 every 2.7 minutes. A top rebounder gets 1 every 3; a good rebounder gets 1 every 4. What's confusing is that you don't like how Allen had Whitsitt spend Allen's money, yet you want Allen to spend more than he is now. It seems to be a contradiction.
OK, I am confused. During the Roy negotiations, EVERYBODY seemed convinced that Lewieke and/or Vulcan was heavily involved in the the process. What's changed?
Maybe I was sleeping during those negotiations, because I don't remember that. If everyone was convinced of that, how did they become convinced? I'm not saying Vulcan isn't involved, I'm saying we don't have any information one way or another. But maybe we do and I've overlooked it? barfo
