After listening to that, is there any doubt that about Cho being a "Yes Man"? Not that it's a bad thing, because that's what Paul Allen obviously wanted, and what Paul wants, Paul gets (except for a championship).
I don't think introductory press conferences bear much on the person's volition to do his job. It's a scripted event for the public, so it's not surprising that he sounds scripted.
I'm listening to him on 1080TheFan right now, but it's difficult because I can literally hear Larry's arm shoved up Cho's ass and working Cho's jaws. No wonder he's mumbling. Cho did spend the first two minutes talking about how smart, incredible, wonderful, and magnificent Paul Allen is, so he's off to a great start. Now talking about a "group approach" with input from Paul Allen and Larry Miller on basketball decisions, then Miller interjects to talk about how the "Vulcans" are basically Paul Allen and Bert Kolde after Ropp brought up the "Vulcans". Now Ropp is grilling Miller about not getting an experienced GM. Miller: "Well, that's what we wanted at the beginning..." Fucking fantastic! Lakers, here we come!
Very awkward, Ropp asking about the search, and Miller talks about Pritchard for a few minutes while Cho is sitting right next to him.
Cho has studied advanced stats on every player who has undergone micro-fracture surgery for the past 20 years ... hmm ... very enlightening.
It's very odd that Larry Miller is speaking more than Rich Cho in this interview. Won't they allow Cho to do interviews alone?
Cho finishes up the interview by saying he plays a lot of ping pong. I do like that he was born and raised in the NW. I hope he's allowed to do his job.
Cho has braces, which accounts for why he appears to some to be mumbling to some. I think his speaking is fine.
And he didn't save any kids from a burning house! What the fuck? Does he hate kids? It's his first god damned interview. He's not polished. Big fucking deal.
I would bet Cho gets alot of coaching on how to give interviews before he gives one alone with someone that would grill him. I expect him to be very quiet.
Name me one other GM in the WHOLE OF SPORTS that has braces!? PROOF the Blazers are poorly run..they hired Doogie Chowser as their GM! TRADEMARK! THAT'S MINE!
You sure are good at bending what was actually said in order to make your point. I just watched the interview with Ropp. Your description of the interview was not very accurate. First, he mumbles a little because the dude has BRACES. Don't be a dick. Second, he did not suck PA's dick in the slightest. In fact, I don't believe he used any of the words "incredible," "wonderful," or "magnificent." Shit, I don't even think he said "smart," but I can't recall. He did, however, explain that PA was thoughtful with his questions, asked a bunch of questions, and was very thoughtful with his responses. That's about it. As for the response that Miller wanted an experienced GM, he clearly admitted that he said that, but Cho blew them away and they decided to give him the job. I, for one, respect that. If you go in to the process thinking you have to have that ONE THING, you might miss some thing. Or more importantly, some one. Now, did Cho come off kind like a puppet? Maybe a little. But I choose to see it as he is part of a team.
Ropp mentioning how odd it is that Larry Miller and a few other Blazer execs were leading Cho around to interviews, instead of a Blazer PR person, as has always been the case in the past. Also mentioned how Cho seemed "overwhelmed", which came across clear on the radio.
Of course, if the Blazers trade for CP3 or TP - all GMs will start to wear braces. Some GMs will try to look for a competitive advantage and will go beyond braces. Personally, I can't wait for Pat Riley doing botox shots. Oh. Wait... http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=38495
I didn't quote Cho, and he did lead off by praising Paul Allen. That said, I agree that Cho won't be calling the shots. His own words admitted as much, IMO.
