I understand the purpose of a fan forum is to engage in passionate debates, criticize players and team decisions, and find entertainment and distraction from the daily grind. However, I also believe that there is joy in witnessing a team of professionals excel at their jobs and bring their vision to life. About a year ago, the Portland Trail Blazers assembled an intriguing group of professionals to rebuild their team. If you're interested or may have forgotten, there's an article in The Oregonian from that time. Trail Blazers GM Joe Cronin reshapes staff in hopes of elevating franchise - oregonlive.com With individuals like Joe Cronin, Andrae Patterson, Sergi Oliva, Mike Schmitz brought in and with Chauncey Billups, Scott Brooks, and Damian Lillard already in place, it seems that their plan is just beginning to take shape…Damian Lillard appears to be on his way out, and the team has made some promising draft picks whose potential will soon be revealed. Is there anyone here who shares even a hint of curiosity and excitement to witness what they will build? Or does the general consensus lean towards them being a bunch of bumbling fools, with Jody secretly making all the decisions? As a fan of Moneyball, I find myself genuinely intrigued about the direction this team is headed. Perhaps I'm just being foolish, but the uncertainty and possibilities are captivating.
This is interesting. Can you or anyone expand on what this would change? More spending? Better Decisions? Truly curious...
Too many fans think with their hearts, and don't use their brains. If you can separate the two, it's clear to me that moving forward with a 32 year old Superstar and forcing him to play with literally 20-year-olds is beyond idiotic. Just cut the cord, get the assets you can (I'm in favor of holding out for the best deal), and do both sides a favor. It's not hard...
I am really looking forward to what next year looks like. I truly enjoy watching young players learn how hard it is to remain in the league.
Let Knight buy the team is my Ownership dream but as far as Cronin and Chauncey, needs to be given time to see where this all goes. We did give the Toxic Actor years so using that as a measuring stick. Joke
That is not to say: I'm still excited about the future! But we need to sell the team as part of that future.
Ownership is interesting, and I have no idea how it works with Jody and Bert. Paul seemed really involved, which led to some exciting decisions, and some seemingly bad decisions. This can be seen with owners throughout sports. I'm curious if they are standing back and letting this team operate, which I hope. A guy like Phil could very well have an ego like Jerry Jones, and shit could get crazy. I just feel it needs a couple of years...As long as they're willing to spend the money they are asked to spend. Seems like they're willing.
Not sure if this is "I don't care, I just like to bitch" but, would vote for "Meh? Fine placeholders until new ownership."
I almost put "S2 could do better", but that's just ego talking. (Doesn't mean I'm wrong, though...we've demonstrably been better than at least one GM in the past) As for 32y/o, Kareem won a title with Magic with a bigger gap. Wade and Shaq were 10 years apart. Kawhi and Duncan were 15 years apart (unless you think Parker and Ginobili being old invalidates that...there were 4 guys on the team in their 10th year or more, and 12 with 4 years or less) Hell, Lebron and Kyrie were 12 8 years apart. (edited h/t @PHXBlazer1) Not to say that Scoot deserves to be with Magic, Wade, Kawhi and Kyrie (yet), [and frankly, Dame isn't Kareem, Shaq, Duncan or Lebron] but age is just a number if you're great. If you're not, probably not going to win championships anyway.
Did not vote, because, I have no clue how well they are doing. My impression is most everything that has happened, and will happen in the near future, is out of their control, or, moves they were forced to make. All this while operating on information within the NBA that is all smoke and mirrors. This entire NBA off season is like kindergarden school kids putting on a magic show while the teachers and staff forgot to return from their 420 smoke break.
Not to nitpick (but I guess I am)..there’s no way Lebron and Kyrie are 12 years apart. That would mean Kyrie is 26..and drafted in 2015
Great catch. I misread the line here and must've pulled RIchard Jefferson's birthday instead of Kyrie's on the line above. 8 years apart it is.
My biggest concern with the team in transition now is not ownership or the FO but the head coach. For me he's the biggest question mark moving forward. I don't like what I've seen from his endgame coaching at all even with two seasons of tanking. His coaching challenges, timeouts, etc....he's a rookie, unproven and with a losing record....I give him till the deadline to show he can win with a healthy talented roster or I'll come to the conclusion that Dame didn't leave because of Joe...he left because of the coaching pedigree. Spoelstra took 7 undrafted players and a couple stars and got to the dance from the bottom of the ladder. That's a hell of a draw for ring chasers. Beyond that I'm excited to see a new identity and roster. Sad to me that after crushing the draft we sort of got sucker punched from a lot of joy immediately afterwards. I'm ready to put the spotlight back on the new guys and cheer. Winning a few ball games will lift the cloud.
