Despite the influx of people the last few years, Portland remains TV ratings death. It's still one of the smallest markets and no one but those from the NW care 1 iota about the Blazers. Coming off a finals matchup that featured a rematch clash of the league's 2 biggest marketing stars, I still believe the league tilts the calls in favor of the guys who move the most product. Players, especially established difference makers, want to compete for titles. They recognize whats what with the league and act accordingly in Free Agency. Maybe Durant resigns with OKC for a 1 year deal, but if I know my NBA he'll be headed to a big market for a chance to win soon. Sucks STOMP
You know what. I am tired of people putting this on our city. The fault lies with Olshey. The Blazers had a great turn around after Aldridge left. We had a winning season, went to the second round. The Blazers hired the best of broadcasters, are in the process of signing a hell of a TV deal that will enlargen the market....the Blazers are awesome...Portland is awesome...Neil failed to sale it
They don't even visit our city to see our nice facilities. Everyone is gone in the first 72 hours. It's a fucking buyers market.
I think Portland's best bet is to aim for quality depth. We're not going to land those stars unless we draft them (or trade for them before they develop).
Or we trade them along with a 1st round pick to rent a scrub for 20 games who leaves after one season.
I have to be honest. I am stunned by how many NBA free agents are rejecting Portland. I mean, I know we're not a glamorous destination, but neither is Memphis or Salt Lake City or Dallas, and they all made significant editions. What the hell is going on, Olshey?? This is downright embarrassing. You would think Portland doesn't even exist.
Portland has not had many years with cap space, and there's a lot of competition for free agents, but what is our record in competing for guys? The only battle I can remember winning when multiple teams were going after someone is Jamal Crawford. Of course, we don't know the story behind every signing, but that's the only clear cut case I can think of, maybe you can think of others. But what really makes you think, is when we get spurned in favor of places like Toronto (Turkoglu), Charlotte (Hawes, a guy born in the northwest), Memphis (Parsons). It's like WTF.
