I wouldn't go that far, but it does seem like the Spanish Invasion in the NBA has fizzled out a bit. I think international players have figured out that playing in the NBA isn't always what it's cracked up to be.
This is one of the most common misconceptions about the media. While there are certainly some guys whose only goal is to stir the pot, most people, especially those who are actually covering the team on a daily basis, just want to tell good stories.
Pretty much. The numbers just didn't make it worth the effort or expense. We've scaled back a lot of our digital initiatives over the last few years which has actually improved our site numbers. Less really can be more when it comes to the web.
I mow my own lawn. It's a chore I enjoy doing, and I couldn't afford to pay the insurance claim if/when HCP invariably cut his foot off while trying to unclog wet grass from the catch. I actually went to buy a new mower the other day since the weather has been so nice, but they were out of stock on the model I wanted.
How's Joel coming along? I'm assuming the team is aware that they are 63-20 when he plays, and much much worse when he doesn't.
I think Joel is well on his way. I question if he'll be able to do enough to wrestle all of his minutes back from Meyers with the improvements he's made and his ability to stretch the floor, but Joel still has the leg up when it comes to the defensive end, which might be more important, especially when playing alongside Kaman.
1) David Vanterpool. I know he interviewed for the Sixers job a while back (he dodged a bullet on that one, imo) and I guessing he gets a look this offseason, as head coaches seem to be getting fired every other week. 2) I think it was about right. Blazers definitely use analytics in their decision making, but I don't think they're doing so on the level of the Rockets/Sixers/Suns. I think they've struck a nice balance, and as I've said before, I think Neil Olshey has a much better sense of how players fit together than most of his contemporaries. 3) I have no idea. Olshey only talks very infrequently during the season, so it's hard to get that kind of information. I know our VP of marketing and business analytics both went, as it's a much larger event than just on-court analytics. 4) In terms of information, I don't hook up anyone. If I can't use something, I'm sure as hell not giving it to someone else to use. I've had minor disagreements throughout my career, but nothing I would consider bridge burning.
I'd rather go the route of John Hollinger, another former OregonLive employee. At least he's still employed.
I'm not sure if I'd say they trust him more, but I feel pretty confident in saying they like him a whole lot more. I think the players respected Stern like they respect any worthy adversary, but Silver's willingness to try new things and make changes based off of feedback from players far exceeds Stern's. And giving the players a full week for the All-Star break probably sealed the deal as favorite commissioner.
He's in a much better place than he was before the all-star break. He was burned out, and was readily willing to admit it. The wrist certainly didn't help, of course, but having some time away from basketball really seemed to be a relief.
Casey, thank you so very much for doing this. Last year this forum voted you the Best Beat Reporter, we love your coverage of the team and truly appreciate you answering our questions.
I'm sure some guys were sad to see them go -- I know I was -- but the writing was on the wall, so it's not like it was much of a surprise.
