From yesterday's Truehoop

by timg56 on Dec 12, 2008 9:14 AM PST

UPDATE: TrueHoop reader Brad e-mails: "Isn't what you recommend based on his findings exactly what the Spurs are doing? They bought a D-League team (Austin Toros, 90 minutes up I-35), and as 48 Minutes of Hell wonderfully explicate, the brilliant San Antonio management uses 10-day contracts like ongoing job interviews. They stash and/or farm young guys and bring them up every so often to see how they react. Even if they won't be playing this year, they're grooming them in the "Spurs Character" (not to mention Pop's basketball) system, so that next year, or the year after that, they will be more than ready -- and management will have seen who fits and who doesn't.

I've been wondering (and I've seen others here doing the same) why Paul Allen and Kevin Pritchard haven't followed this model. One would think Allen could certainly afford it. And it could fit into a larger plan of developing a NorthWest regional sports empire. The Boise Stampede seems like a nice starting point, or possibly putting a team in the Tri-Cities. In addition to putting a development stream in place, Portland could be grooming a new batch of fans who get interested in the team from watching guys who later graduate to the big league team.

I'd take it one step further and purchase a team in Europe. In fact, should I purchase the winning ticket to Washington's Mega Millions lottery (currently at $207 million), I would be willing to co-invest in such a team (preferably one in Trieste or Gorica, in Italy).

Who thinks PA should build his own minor league system?

There's supposed to be a poll, but I couldn't figure out how to insert it.

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He should buy a D-league team

and move it to Seattle.

Do you like asparagus?

by jscot on Dec 12, 2008 9:23 AM PST reply actions

And call them the Sunics

I’d rather have all PA’s money focused on the Blazers current pay roll.

I'm a really really ridiculously good looking orange mocha frappaccino drinking manhammer sandwich

by hobobob on Dec 12, 2008 9:32 AM PST up reply actions

If the Spurs can afford it, don't you think Allen could?

People are always talking about how we need good “role” players to round out the team. Having the means to evaluate and develop talent under your own system should provide an edge.

hakkaa päälle !

by timg56 on Dec 12, 2008 9:59 AM PST up reply actions

Not sure the NBA would approve that.

I’d guess that they are reserving Seattle for a future NBA franchise.

hakkaa päälle !

by timg56 on Dec 12, 2008 10:00 AM PST up reply actions

I always find it hard to eat

when my tongue gets stuck in my cheek like this.

Do you like asparagus?

by jscot on Dec 12, 2008 10:08 AM PST up reply actions

Makes it difficult for me to understand you as well.

hakkaa päälle !

by timg56 on Dec 12, 2008 10:36 AM PST up reply actions

Not if you're eating tongue

by pualo on Dec 12, 2008 4:23 PM PST up reply actions

Europe

I’ve been wondering for a while if it would be possible to own both a Euroleague and NBA team. The implications for developing talent would be huge. And I’m not sure how the system works, but could we possibly bypass the draft with this system?

"It's not who jumps the highest -- it's who wants it the most" Buck Williams

by Fund A Mental on Dec 12, 2008 10:17 AM PST reply actions

nope. cant bypass the draft. every incoming player must go through the draft their first time.

by dario argento on Dec 12, 2008 10:22 AM PST up reply actions

What you could do

is stockpile European picks with your second round picks, and sign them all on your Euro team. Then, you wouldn’t have to worry about buyouts to go to the NBA.

If there isn’t a rule against this, someone would invent one.

Do you like asparagus?

by jscot on Dec 12, 2008 11:50 AM PST up reply actions

I agree with the premise

that there should be a minor leagues for basketball.

Some kind of agreement between the Blazers and a Spanish or Italian team would be very interesting and it seems like that would promote worldwide hoops.

It is my opinion that there are too many major league franchises (in all three major sports) and that it would behoove the NBA to slim down by about a half-dozen franchises and start a new AAA league (baseball should definitely do the same).

The requirement would be that the NBA make a bigger deal out of its minor league so as to generate interest.

If I were in Bakersfield CA or Eugene OR or Boise ID, I would love to watch the NBA stars of the future.

Boise could load up their team with former Gonzaga stars, maybe. – Elgin

It's all blues and no dinner at the Ministry of Bag. The steaks are getting thinner. The office is a drag. - Pete Brown

by 22baylor on Dec 12, 2008 12:28 PM PST reply actions