I'm not going to get into whether this story is true or not, but I just think it's funny, having played, how would you feel if you were in Gasol's shoes and you are in the middle of a playoff series and a guy comes up to you and essentially says, "Hey, let's ditch these good teams we're already on and play for a team we're already just as good if not better than next year." If I were a player in Gasol's position, that would pretty much make playing with the guy making that proposal the last thing I'd want to do. Why would you want to go to battle with a guy so eager to jump ship? As far as the truth of the story, it only seems likely to me if Aldridge really had some kind of ax to grind with the Blazers. He always comes off in interviews as a pretty mellow, low-key guy. Heck, he often plays that way. If he actually did something like this, then he's a real master of changing his personality when he's being interviewed ... he should go to LA and get into acting. I just think this story seems pretty unlikely.
So they didn't have a clip of Aldridge saying that? Do they have other people that can confirm? Because I've heard Aldridge said to Olshey that he's staying. In fact, I believe that came from his mouth to the press.
I absolutely would. The same "fluff" Howard had during both his decisions. I like how quiet it is. Olshey doesn't even seemed worried. I like our chances
Things change. That was a year ago. We can call him a liar but let's not act like we've never changed our minds about anything before.
So let me get this straight...you are disregarding everything that people in the media are saying...but taking Olshey at his word to the media? You're a successful businessman, correct? You're telling me you have never lied about your position to protect your assets and maintain leverage in a future business deal? Aldridge and the Blazers lose leverage if the NBA believes he will leave the Blazers: PDX loses leverage in a potential S&T and Aldridge loses leverage in contract negotiations--if it is a forgone conclusion then teams may not want to offer him full years/$$/incentives/etc. It's business 101 mags....
Yep, but that's the last thing we heard from LMA. Assuming he said these other things without quotes is silly. I won't fall for any of this bullshit until Woj, Olshey or Aldridge says otherwise
The last thing we heard publicly from LA was a bunch of non commitment at his exit conference. He could've stated his intentions to stay but he didn't. It's not like we would've offered him less $ if he made it known.
Nope, a successful businessman doesn't fall for bullshit that media who 1.) don't have a clue and flip flop, 2.) pull this from some noob assistant reporter that works for Cansuckoff, 3.) And see zero signs that Aldridge or Olshey sway towards him leaving. Look at the assets we've got so far. That isn't a rebuild move. It's a reload tool to build around our stars. So go on and sell low and buy high. I make money doing the opposite
A year ago Aldridge was ready to stay in Portland for the rest of his career Now he's non-committal and has really given no indication he plans on staying in Portland. If he was set on staying he would have made it clear. No idea how any of that can make a person feel great about the situation
Neil's moves so far fit a build around, a retool, and a rebuild situation. Don't know if you can really read into them too much yet.
So fucking what?! I renegotiate with my exects and this is how things go. Maybe he wants less years? Maybe he wants to make sure Olshey is doing his due diligence like LBJ did in Cleveland. Make sure your GM is dedicated to build a winning team.
If it was a rebuild, Olshey should have demanded a first rounder. He would have kept the 23 and unload. Sorry he ain't rebuilding
