IMO, Billups isn't going to greatly impact the core direction of the franchise long-term (good or bad), so this move doesn't bother me much. The main issue with the organization is above the head coach or GM. Until that changes, I don't anticipate things to look drastically different without some serious luck breaking our way.
Not surprised and hope Billups can continue to grow. I like how he has molded some of the players from a 'growing into the league' standpoint and he has them playing better defense. I hope he adds an offensive minded assistant as that seems to be lacking and there are some in-game adjustments and calls out of timeouts that still needs growth going forward.
Teams like Denver and Memphis are firing their coach before they make the playoffs again. Blazers are re-signing there’s after another fruitless year.
To be fair, in terms of the on-court performance, Billups's team's trajectory is headed in an opposite direction as Malone's and Jenkins's. Not to mention, all those surrounding the team seem to love Billups, whereas things don't appear quite as copacetic in Denver and Memphis.
get prepared to be triple M'd then as I can't imagine anyone is pining for either of them after this last season. Sure they'll have crap offers available where Portland gets someone else's overpaid unproductive malcontent, but unless either of those two is malignant off the court they'll probably stand pat. I guess that is a possibility that one or both get miffy if they lose their starting spot, which should happen. While Simons is the more movable of the two because of his expiring deal, my guess is Cronin wants to keep his 2026 offseason options open and have Simons and many others come off of Portland's cap giving them the possibility to be FA players. If the young core continues to improve, guys are going to want to join them. STOMP
I agree with the first part. But I view ownership much the same way. As long as the GM and coach are competent, then I don't care that much who owns it.......as long as they have billions of dollars, are willing to spend it, and don't interfere with trades and the draft. Paul got too involved IMO, Jody does not, and I like it that way. Yes, Jody is not the greatest owner, but it could be a lot worse. What can I say, I am still pissed we traded Moses Malone because they could not afford both him and Lucas.
that actually seems to be the overriding motivational principle of the Blazers: "Sure, things aren't great but they could be worse!"
based on the PC, it sounds like both cronin's and billups' extensions came because of our run mid-season. seems shortsighted.
