"He had hoped he could return to the city that had embraced him, to the team with players he considered brothers, to the franchise where he grew into one of the NBA’s most well-rounded and respected shooting guards. But in the end, after five seasons, the feeling was not mutual. He was greeted with silence. No phone call. No text messages. The Blazers never made an offer. “I was pissed off,” Matthews said. “I felt disrespected.” I didn't know that Blazer's FO didn't call or text him; did u guys know this? Even IF it was planned all along (which of course I don't know whether that's true or not), that was a dick move by PA & crew This short article goes on to say: "The only chance the Blazers would pursue Matthews, top executive Neil Olshey later explained, was if free agent LaMarcus Aldridge chose to return, maintaining Portland as a playoff-caliber team." ^ when did they let Wes know this?
I would imagine they probably said very little while they were trying to convince LaMarcus not to break up with us. Lots of "Please hold on for just another day or two, while negotiate with Aldridge's camp." So it's not a "dick move" it's a business. If Wesley wants to take that as disrespect I guess that's his prerogative, but on the other hand the dude just got a max deal, so I don't feel too badly for him.
They should've at least texted Wes & said "The only chance the Blazers would pursue Matthews ... was if free agent LaMarcus Aldridge chose to return." Now he & we could've guessed this but sometimes, you've just got to hear things (i.e. if u love someone, they know but... u gotta say it to them sometimes to let them know; it's good policy). You're right, it's a business & we all understand that but you've got to show the proper ppl respect at the same time. I've felt/feel good for Wes that he got paid just as u mention
Aaahhh... sorry folks, I saw the thread title but didn't read it. I don't read them all, my bad Again sorry, everybody & their SlyPokerDog probably already knew this then except for me
I wasn't trying to be a jerk. Just jerk your chain a little. It's all good. Your thread has a different focus for conversation than the other one.
I didn't take it that way I do appreciate u letting me know; if I would read more... I'd b a little more aware! Hahaha!
As I said in a different thread, I think the Blazers 'should' have kept in touch with Wes' agent and explained their shift in strategy and why they weren't going to match a max contract offer. That is completely different than not extending an offer. Which is technically what Wes is saying they didn't do (I guess). Whether or not the Blazers reached out to Wes, it's Wes' agent's job to reach out to the Blazers and have a conversation about a new contract. If his agent didn't contact the Blazers, that's on him. So...for Wes to claim he's going to be a bad dog because the Blazers didn't talk to him (or his agent) at all -- I'm going to have to call bullshit on that.
I'm w/ u on this; I think you've got the truth here. You've changed my mind & Neil/PA & the gang r off the hook-ish; I rescind my "dick move" tag & go w/ ur take & HailBlazers stance of "ish."
Well...I'm not saying Blazers management wasn't dicks in how they handled it. I don't know if they explained anything to Wes, or just said, 'Don't call us, we'll call you (not)". The Vulcan Blazers haven't been know for sensitivity towards employees. I'm just saying Wes may be overstating the idea that there were zero conversations. The Blazers didn't offer a contract, that we know. And that's probably enough to 'motivate' Wes.
Gotta say that was kind of my reaction too. Even before the injury, it sometimes pained me to watch him move around the court. It was all heart and determination. He wasn't very mobile before (for a SG). We'll see about after. Not worth a $17m/yr risk, IMO, and better to go full rebuild in any case.
I wonder, really, how much of a step-down Henderson is from Matthews. Looking at their comparatives, it seems that the biggest difference between the two is the three-point shooting, and perhaps defense. Is the gap between the two worth $11M?
This is the summer of stroking the giant egos. Take your massive contract and go to Dallas. He was a role player. He's not gonna get some huge send off from the organization. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
His comments about wanting to be the "go-to guy" or whatever he said at the end of the season did kind of puzzle me. Between wanting to be a featured star in the offense, and wanting a max contract, I think the hand writing was on the wall. I wish him good luck in Dallas. I think the Blazers paid him extremely well and gave him a vital supporting role in the offense that enabled him to showcase himself into an insane contract. I don't get his statements that he wasn't appreciated.
Definitely a different type of athleticism and a different style of play. We'll miss Wes' three point daggers, but I'm looking forward to a more athletic, slashing team.
