Rogoway: A Look at the Future of the Blazers

Mike Rogoway of The Oregonian does an excellent job writing about a very difficult subject to get people to talk about: the post-Paul Allen Portland Trail Blazers.

It's the must-read Blazers piece of the week. It raises possible reasons why Vulcan, Inc. might sell the Blazers should Paul Allen pass away and also looks at his sister Jody's role within Vulcan...
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For those who have dealt extensively with Allen's sister, the fact that the team is losing much less money than in the past matters less than the fact that it continues to bleed red ink.

"There is a constant sort of drumbeat from Jody and the people who work for Jody to cut the losses," said one former team executive, who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject. "They're doing their job, trying to look at the portfolio as a business. I can't fault them for that."

"Paul's ownership of the franchise has always been a struggle between his emotion for the team and the sport and the business reality," the executive said.
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-- Ben Golliver | (benjamin.golliver@gmail.com) | Twitter

about 2 years ago Ben Golliver 11 comments 0 recs |

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BRP got scooped!

But I love you :-(
by Mortimer on Nov 19, 2009 7:04 PM PST

by TheTinfoil on Nov 21, 2009 11:34 AM PST reply actions

agreed

meWOW

by Philthyanimal on Nov 21, 2009 11:36 AM PST up reply actions

BRP posted his first in the JD

He didn’t get scooped.
http://www.blazersedge.com/2009/11/17/1161051/all-night-junknov-17#25748437

scoop definition:
9. a news item, report, or story first revealed in one paper, magazine, newscast, etc.; beat.
10. Informal. news, information, or details, esp. as obtained from experience or an immediate source: What’s the scoop on working this machine?

by tominhawaii on Nov 22, 2009 4:06 AM PST up reply actions

I gotta be honest, i never really thought about post Allen

Once i did i very quickly saw a scenario of the Blazers being sold then moved…..I. E. Seattle. I got a chill down my spine, seriously.

by blazerbeliever97504 on Nov 21, 2009 11:35 AM PST reply actions

thats why we shouldnt take PA for granted

most owners would have sold off the team by now. PA has put up a ton of his own money bc of his love for the team, despite not turning a profit.

meWOW

by Philthyanimal on Nov 21, 2009 11:38 AM PST up reply actions

Dont even want to talk about it.

Paul Allen is going to live forever. Hopefully his clone is around teenage years now, and soon will be ready for brain implantation around 19-20.

by lethaldose on Nov 21, 2009 12:22 PM PST reply actions 1 recs

Paul, the Blazers have a championship run for you ! Hang in there.

A few scattered thoughts:
Get sister Jody to some games (well, as soon as we clear up this current, TEMPORARY [please], funk the team is in.
She needs some Blazer fever.

On the investment note, Mr. Allen may well have a prescription for some therapeutic smoke to alleviate treatment side effects. Perhaps setting up some pharmacies for others with similar need has a financial future?

On the “tax” issue, (looking WAY ahead), can’t you avoid a lot of taxes by setting up non profit trusts, or charitable foundations. I’m no expert here, but could the Blazers somehow be transferred to some kind of non profit foundation, perhaps with the citiy’s help, so it could continue? Of course, the losses, would be the challenge, they would need to hold their own, somehow (the city’s role?). It does seem the city would loose a lot without our Blazers.

"Travis went all wang-dang diddly wubba SPROING wow-wow on everybody " Dave's recap, season opener

by Berkeley on Nov 21, 2009 12:45 PM PST reply actions

Unless the Knight family decides the NBA is in the cards

the post-Paul future is something I don’t really want to think about. Good grief, I really don’t want to get stuck with a Shin/Kohl/Sterling type owner. PA has spoiled us.

"man, steve blake is clutch *dead*" - Ben Golliver on Twitter

by blazeraddict on Nov 21, 2009 2:36 PM PST reply actions

Broyposse was working on a great piece similar to this

After the latest news of PA’s health problems hit, he didn’t finish it.

It’s a real concern, and we have been very lucky to have Paul Allen as our owner.

For both my actual concern over Paul Allen and my selfishness as a fan, I hope he gets better. He’s been one of the best owners in sports.

Mortimer

by Mortimer on Nov 21, 2009 3:19 PM PST reply actions

I think my reaction to the news of PA's illness has been the reverse of most Blazer fans

My first, most dominant reaction was fear for the future of the franchise. After all, I’ve never met Allen, and he’s seemed too private, guarded, and—OK—nerdy for me to really connect with.

But after seeing Allen at the Rose Garden on Wednesday’s broadcast, I did an immediate 180. My focus switched to concern about the man. The billionaire Allen looked all-too-human—frail and vulnerable. As much as the future of the Blazers concerns me, I’m now much more worried about the fate of the team’s #1 fan.

Get well, Paul!

"We don't back down to nobody." --Joel Przybilla

by hurryup09 on Nov 21, 2009 4:31 PM PST up reply actions