Ayton (3 Viewers)

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Cugel said:
eeesh that doesn't sound good. Has he turned it around?
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Would love to get some insider insight on this if @THE HCP would be willing to let us know his personal interactions/experience with him. I totally understand if he would prefer not to and remain out of it so to speak, but if willing, would love to hear his thoughts on Ayton's behind the scenes behavior/antics and work ethic.
 
It seems like a weird throwaway line in an article that otherwise wasn't about him at all.


Trail Blazers stand pat at trade deadline as Joe Cronin continues to ring the bell of hope
By Jason Quick
3h ago
PORTLAND, Ore. — The long, spiraling descent into the abyss of irrelevance continued Thursday for the Portland Trail Blazers, with general manager Joe Cronin opting not to grasp for lifelines of help at the trade deadline, but rather steadfastly grip the bell of hope and ring it to the dwindling masses who still follow this once proud organization.

Cronin on Thursday said the Blazers were “very content” with no movement at the trade deadline, and added that “we are happy with who we have and where we are at.” He cited pleasant surprises during this 15-36 season such as rookies Toumani Camara and Doup Reath, and noted “quality and sustainable play” from veterans.

“In totality, I like where we are headed,” Cronin said.

Of course, there are no shades of darkness. It knows no depth.

Since Dec. 3, 2021, when Cronin took over the Blazers armed with a handful of dynamite he would use to blow up a roster that went to the playoffs eight consecutive seasons, the Blazers are 64-128. Only three teams during that span have won fewer games: Detroit (44), San Antonio (59) and Houston (59). Cronin on Thursday emphatically answered “yes” when I asked whether he thought he has done a good job since taking over that December day.

“I really like where we are positioned. I like where we are headed. I like what we are capable of,” Cronin said. “I like our team, I like our staff, I like our organization. I think we are well on our way to good things in the future.”

The empty seats at the Moda Center show me more and more of you aren’t quite as enthusiastic.

For those who cheer for this team religiously, there is little patience to hear this is year one of the rebuild. It’s year three. That’s three trade deadlines, two drafts, two free agent periods. And the Blazers are still among the worst teams in the league. The lowest form of relevancy — competing for a playoff spot — is years away. Meanwhile teams that shared similar predicaments two-and-a-half years ago — Houston, Indiana and Utah after it traded Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert — are well past, or in the process of, escaping the abyss.

This is not to deride Cronin for making only a clerical move Thursday, acquiring guard Dalano Banton and cash from Boston for a protected second-round pick, which allowed Portland to reach the NBA requirement of carrying at least 14 players. This is to say Cronin’s inactivity further tests the patience of a fan base that has watched him change courses during his two-and-a-half seasons. It makes it all feel as if he’s making it up as he goes. He has been good at two things since taking over: losing and selling hope. On Thursday, his inactivity brought no hope.

Of course, there is value to keeping guys such as Malcolm Brogdon and Jerami Grant, even though rookies such as Scoot Henderson, Rayan Rupert and Kris Murray could benefit with more liberal playing time. This is a team that needs some adults in the locker room. The value of Brogdon won’t dip before the summer. And although I’m not wild about Grant’s game or contract, I can see the value in keeping a consistent scorer (he had 49 on Thursday), even if he rarely passes and has questionable handle. And if you are serious about saying you value improving this franchise’s years-long run of poor defense, then you can’t ship out the menace that is Matisse Thybulle one year after acquiring him.

But I would have liked something bold. A trade of Deandre Ayton, for starters. Although his play has spiked for the better in the past month, his first months in Portland were defined by tardiness and tantrums according to team sources. And there has been an eerie resemblance to Hassan Whiteside, the former Blazers’ center whose statistics looked nice, but had little to no impact on a game. The quicker the Blazers can move off Ayton, the sooner I will believe this franchise is headed in the right direction.

I agree with Cronin that there is some potential here. I really like Jabari Walker. I have yet to see someone play harder than him on any given night. Camara has been a refreshing defensive force. Henderson, as much as I think Cronin oversold his ability after the draft, is starting to show signs he can make an impact down the road. And as much as I wished Anfernee Simons could dribble well enough to handle pressure defense, his shot-making is elite enough to make him a must keep. And I think Shaedon Sharpe has some unique physical ability.

But Thursday was another red-letter day on the NBA calendar that passed, leaving the Blazers selling that things will get better down the road, all while neglecting to make things better. Nobody was expecting the Blazers to pull off a blockbuster, franchise-changing deal. But it was also a little unsettling to hear an “everything is great, we’re doing fine” delivery amid a third straight season of heavy losses. One of my concerns during Cronin’s era is that organizationally, losing has become tolerated. Shoot, for the second half of the past two seasons, Cronin has encouraged losing as the Blazers have engineered tank missions that prioritized better odds in the draft lottery over wins. I just don’t see, or feel, the disappointment over losses, or the team’s standing. Losing in Portland has become normal, accepted.

Cronin pointed to last month, when Portland went 1-6 on a trip, during which the six losses came by an average of 29 points, including a 62-point drubbing at Oklahoma City. Cronin noted how well the Blazers responded in the aftermath of that nightmare trip: they’ve gone 5-8 since, including Thursday’s 128-122 overtime loss to the lowly Pistons.

“That’s what we are pointed to: the positives. What are we capable of, what are the good moments, what can we build from, and how can we get more consistent in that higher end level ofplay,” Cronin said.

Those 5-8 stretches are victories these days. Cronin said other teams inquired about players on his roster, but he said he was actually more interested in adding talent rather than trading away a contract. Cronin said what eventually won out was his desire to give the young core a chance to grow together without taking another step back.

“I want to make sure this is a quality build that is sustainable,” Cronin said.

Well, on Thursday, there was no building. Just another major day on the NBA calendar gone by, with the Blazers’ slipping further into the abyss, and the sound of Cronin’s bell of hope growing more faint with each fathom.
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SharpeScooterShooter said:
Would love to get some insider insight on this if @THE HCP would be willing to let us know his personal interactions/experience with him. I totally understand if he would prefer not to and remain out of it so to speak, but if willing, would love to hear his thoughts on Ayton's behind the scenes behavior/antics and work ethic.
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Would love to have the insight about how the players and people behind the scene feel about Quick and if anyone actually talks with him.
 
Natebishop3 said:
I just don't take Quick seriously. I have seen his bullshit in person, first hand.
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he lost me with Toradol gate. He should have known better then gaslight the Blazers GM with b.s. rumors. Quick is a back stabber. He'll say highly positive things to keep Blazer fans interested, then presses the team logo in a waffle iron.

Quick started the season throwing Dame under the bus, while excited for the rebuild with Scoot, Shaedon etc. Now the rebuild isn't rebuilding the way rebuilds should work? Blazers are going into this summer with a pocket full of picks. Draft day is setup to be huge moment for the franchise. "Oh... but that's not how rebuilds work" ... ??
 
Why was Quick already advocating to run Ayton out of town? Already decided he wants him gone after how many games played, 40?
 
Big men are able to do well in basketball up to a point because if their sheer physical attributes. They have less competition than smaller players because the hit the genetic jackpot. But this also means they are more likely to be less motivated.

Ayton doesn't have it upstairs and never will.
 
It's been very well documented that Quick will peel an onion exactly the way it will get him the most attention. There simply isn't a bone in my body that thinks there isn't a second side to this story and that he has manipulated a portion of what he has heard to make the story more worthy of a gossip page.

This is why I don't read Quick and will never pay to get his opinion. It's sad because the guy is truly a very good writer.
 
I have a rather low opinion of Ayton, although that might be too heavily influenced by his salary

but I'd be really hesitant to have any opinion on a player informed by what Quick wrote. He's not quite at canzano-level but he sure isn't allergic to raising muck
 
SharpeScooterShooter said:
Would love to get some insider insight on this if @THE HCP would be willing to let us know his personal interactions/experience with him. I totally understand if he would prefer not to and remain out of it so to speak, but if willing, would love to hear his thoughts on Ayton's behind the scenes behavior/antics and work ethic.
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I think he would only let us know if everything looks good.
 
Maybe he rounded the corner, turned over a new leaf, seeing the glass half full, realizing he can't take it with him, seeing the forest for the trees, and the grass isn't always greener on the other side, but I digest...
 
If we can just get the Ayton we've gotten over the past couple of weeks, that's the best we can hope for. But Suns fans say he's always phasing in and out...
 
Overwrought, drama queen. I get having a strong opinion, but he needs to dial it back. Let the story be what it is, or else it becomes about the writer.

Trail Blazers stand pat at trade deadline as Joe Cronin continues to ring the bell of hope
By Jason Quick
3h ago
PORTLAND, Ore. — The long, spiraling descent into the abyss of irrelevance continued Thursday for the Portland Trail Blazers, with general manager Joe Cronin opting not to grasp for lifelines of help at the trade deadline, but rather steadfastly grip the bell of hope and ring it to the dwindling masses who still follow this once proud organization.

Cronin on Thursday said the Blazers were “very content” with no movement at the trade deadline, and added that “we are happy with who we have and where we are at.” He cited pleasant surprises during this 15-36 season such as rookies Toumani Camara and Doup Reath, and noted “quality and sustainable play” from veterans.

“In totality, I like where we are headed,” Cronin said.

Of course, there are no shades of darkness. It knows no depth.
 
HoopsFanAZ said:
Overwrought, drama queen. I get having a strong opinion, but he needs to dial it back. Let the story be what it is, or else it becomes about the writer.

Trail Blazers stand pat at trade deadline as Joe Cronin continues to ring the bell of hope
By Jason Quick
3h ago
PORTLAND, Ore. — The long, spiraling descent into the abyss of irrelevance continued Thursday for the Portland Trail Blazers, with general manager Joe Cronin opting not to grasp for lifelines of help at the trade deadline, but rather steadfastly grip the bell of hope and ring it to the dwindling masses who still follow this once proud organization.

Cronin on Thursday said the Blazers were “very content” with no movement at the trade deadline, and added that “we are happy with who we have and where we are at.” He cited pleasant surprises during this 15-36 season such as rookies Toumani Camara and Doup Reath, and noted “quality and sustainable play” from veterans.

“In totality, I like where we are headed,” Cronin said.

Of course, there are no shades of darkness. It knows no depth.
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Quick is an asshole even when thing are going well but at this time his assholery is well waranted because... well...
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Yet Joe insists on saying they aren't. I understand that he can't tank the value of our players or discourage the fan base but his presser could have had just a touch more realism because I think his brightsiding to us while our team is struggling is discouraging. I am hopeful that Joe is right about being happy with where we are headed but without acknowledging that this isn't currently a fun place, him being "happy with where we are at" is kind of a kick in the nuts.
 
HoopsFanAZ said:
Overwrought, drama queen. I get having a strong opinion, but he needs to dial it back. Let the story be what it is, or else it becomes about the writer.

Trail Blazers stand pat at trade deadline as Joe Cronin continues to ring the bell of hope
By Jason Quick
3h ago
PORTLAND, Ore. — The long, spiraling descent into the abyss of irrelevance continued Thursday for the Portland Trail Blazers, with general manager Joe Cronin opting not to grasp for lifelines of help at the trade deadline, but rather steadfastly grip the bell of hope and ring it to the dwindling masses who still follow this once proud organization.

Cronin on Thursday said the Blazers were “very content” with no movement at the trade deadline, and added that “we are happy with who we have and where we are at.” He cited pleasant surprises during this 15-36 season such as rookies Toumani Camara and Doup Reath, and noted “quality and sustainable play” from veterans.

“In totality, I like where we are headed,” Cronin said.

Of course, there are no shades of darkness. It knows no depth.
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OMFG. I made it to the end of the first paragraph :smiley-puke:That's more than I can take.
 
Natebishop3 said:
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Maybe not a great moment for Quick, but an even worse moment for Ayton, IMO.

Looking to a handler for support for not wanting to answer a fair question? Dude, you've been a pro for six years. If you can't answer this directly ... even by just repeating "I'm here now. That's in my past and I'm just looking forward, so I legitimately don't have any thoughts about playing the Suns any more than any other team now" then don't even do the presser. He comes off as condescending and petulant and as naive as a 6-year-old. For goodness sakes, talking past the question by telling his handler that "I thought I was going to be here to talk about the team we played last night." That's low level and deserves criticism. He knows that's not how these things work.

Now, Quick shouldn't be taking it out on him here. That's not doing his job, either. However, Ayton ran the risk of cutting Quick's thin skin by being remarkably thin-skinned himself. They both look bad and both deserve to look bad, IMO.
 
PCmor7 said:
Maybe not a great moment for Quick, but an even worse moment for Ayton, IMO.

Looking to a handler for support for not wanting to answer a fair question? Dude, you've been a pro for six years. If you can't answer this directly ... even by just repeating "I'm here now. That's in my past and I'm just looking forward, so I legitimately don't have any thoughts about playing the Suns any more than any other team now" then don't even do the presser. He comes off as condescending and petulant and as naive as a 6-year-old. For goodness sakes, talking past the question by telling his handler that "I thought I was going to be here to talk about the team we played last night." That's low level and deserves criticism. He knows that's not how these things work.

Now, Quick shouldn't be taking it out on him here. That's not doing his job, either. However, Ayton ran the risk of cutting Quick's thin skin by being remarkably thin-skinned himself. They both look bad and both deserve to look bad, IMO.
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Yeah he could have said just a very basic "I'm just going to keep trying to improve and go out and play to the best of my ability" type thing. You have to be able to deal with media. If he's a "Max" player then you also have to be one in front of the cameras.
 
HailBlazers said:
I have no problem with Ayton's reaction. Reporters were annoying AF about it when he arrived. For quick to talk trash four months later is well, quick.
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I have to agree with this also but Quick has a reputation and it's pretty well documented that he will eventually cut back. He always does.
 
PCmor7 said:
Maybe not a great moment for Quick, but an even worse moment for Ayton, IMO.

Looking to a handler for support for not wanting to answer a fair question? Dude, you've been a pro for six years. If you can't answer this directly ... even by just repeating "I'm here now. That's in my past and I'm just looking forward, so I legitimately don't have any thoughts about playing the Suns any more than any other team now" then don't even do the presser. He comes off as condescending and petulant and as naive as a 6-year-old. For goodness sakes, talking past the question by telling his handler that "I thought I was going to be here to talk about the team we played last night." That's low level and deserves criticism. He knows that's not how these things work.

Now, Quick shouldn't be taking it out on him here. That's not doing his job, either. However, Ayton ran the risk of cutting Quick's thin skin by being remarkably thin-skinned himself. They both look bad and both deserve to look bad, IMO.
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Not saying it was a good move. Ayton keeps making things harder on himself. But I’m saying that I think that was the moment that he made an enemy for life from J Quick.
 
PCmor7 said:
Maybe not a great moment for Quick, but an even worse moment for Ayton, IMO.

Looking to a handler for support for not wanting to answer a fair question? Dude, you've been a pro for six years. If you can't answer this directly ... even by just repeating "I'm here now. That's in my past and I'm just looking forward, so I legitimately don't have any thoughts about playing the Suns any more than any other team now" then don't even do the presser. He comes off as condescending and petulant and as naive as a 6-year-old. For goodness sakes, talking past the question by telling his handler that "I thought I was going to be here to talk about the team we played last night." That's low level and deserves criticism. He knows that's not how these things work.

Now, Quick shouldn't be taking it out on him here. That's not doing his job, either. However, Ayton ran the risk of cutting Quick's thin skin by being remarkably thin-skinned himself. They both look bad and both deserve to look bad, IMO.
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Im rewatching the last dance and a scene last night changed my thoughts on this. At one point the media was asking Michael about Pippen’s trade request. At a point, Jordan said, “you gonna ask me about the game or are we gonna talk about Pippen?” In a manner that made it clear he is no longer gonna discuss Pippen.

The media, at all levels, have really disintegrated into gossip columnists. Sports, politics, all levels.
A true reporter is very rare indeed.
 
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