PA supports Pritchard

Interesting.

http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindblazersbeat/2010/03/trail_blazers_owner_paul_allen_2.html

 

"including Pritchard"--I read that as, "I refuse to take sides in this public forum. I support the people in the organization opposing him as much as I support him. I will not play favorites and just say that I support him, because that would imply to them that I favor him over them. I support the organization as a whole, and him only insofar as he contributes to its well-being and gets along with his fellow management. In this internecine squabble, I refuse to give blanket endorsements."

 

Still not reassured about KP's future here. Seems contrived, to avoid saying so, much like Larry Miller's comments.

 

I read it as we got rid of one person and that doesn't change how they feel about any other person. Most teams check where they are at at the end of the season, that's nothing new. This has been a lot about nothing. People tring to read something that isn't there. KP isn't going anywhere.

 

The whole f'd up mess is the Vulcan's negotiating KP's salary. Fire his buddy, make a big stink about how he might lose his job, then sit down and talk contract extension. Sounds like something a Vulcan might do.

Go Blazers

 

Exactly. A lot of Blazer fans are to paranoid.

 

I don't think Pritchard is going anywhere, but I do think there's some kind of disagreement between the suits and him. The lack of an endorsement could be posturing to prevent his trying for a large pay raise. This could be an advance beat-down to bring down his expectations. Similar to Stern saying that he wants a large pay cut even for all existing contracts.

 

If PA really supported Pritchard, why wouldn't he give a strong statement like, "KP will be back next season", or "I still have complete faith in KP". If you owned the team, and wanted KP back next year - why the hell wouldn't you say so? It would turn this whole thing into a non-issue.

 

Isn't that what they always say about coaches just before firing them? Any examples come to mind of someone referred to in that manner that didn't get canned?

 

As I said, if he said that, he'd be favoring one side. He'd be telling whichever of his employees are in conflict with Pritchard that he is tilted against them and has already decided the issue. The higher ups, whoever they are, would then probably quit and he'd have to replace some competent people. I think Allen is planning to make Pritchard be a little less arrogant within the organization, and no one will be pushed out.

But you're correct that the literal reading of his words (mgb's post #4) is too simple. There has to be a reason for Allen and Miller not endorsing Pritchard as they have in the past, and I think my theory explains it.

 

Welcome to the National Basketball Association. GM is the top of the food chain and your jobs always ups for grabs no matter what you have accomplished. That's why this is a non-issue, KP knows he has to continue to produce in order to stay, it's simply the nature of the business.

That being said, In KP I trust

 

I agree that is a possibility...and I hope it's true. Still, if there are sides, I would be fine with Allen picking Pritchard's and letting everyone know about it.

 

Huh? Then why didn't all of this happen last year, and the year before that? Sure, lots of people want to be GMs in the NBA, but that doesn't come close to proving that this is a "non-issue".

 

I've supported Pritchard since the day he became a Blazer. But come on people. Who gives a shit? Does he put on a Blazer uniform? I follow my team as closely as any of you, even though I don't have 8 million posts on this site, so don't waste your time explaining to me what KP has done. My only concerns are Paul Allen, and the guys that suit up for the games every night with Portland on the front of their jersey.

 

Nothing to see here, folks. Pritchard's sad sack face, nonconfidence about staying, and threats from his agent are routine for any GM whose contract is ending. Move along. Totally routine. Keep walking.

 

Tom Penn wasn't fired last year, prompting worries about KP's future. Last year, KP didn't essentially beg for his job in a press conference. And last year, if you asked them, I highly doubt the front office would be so vague when it comes to KP's future.

I wish I could buy this as an excuse. But KP has 2 years left. 1 is a team option, 1 is guaranteed. http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=15662

 

Yeah! I just care about the players!! Why should I care about the guy who is in charge of what players we have?? There's no correlation there at all!!!

 

You mean the guy that signs his name on EVERY transaction? That's Paul Allen. But I see your point, and I don't hold the GM position in the same high regard that you do.