As we all recover from our post-RLEC hangovers, I think that one of the most important aspects of the team’s growth and development has been largely overlooked.

Jason Quick recently wrote an article about Blazers President Larry Miller and his efforts to turn the Blazers into "a global brand", just like he did at Nike (this is a must read article BTW). I believe that this team is being built with the global brand in mind. They want to keep an international flavor (Batum, Rudy, heck maybe even Sergio), and they want to stay away from players who might be headaches (either with their attitudes or with their bloated contracts). Yeah it stinks today when we’re Jonesing for Gerald Wallace (or Vince Carter or whomever), but we’re doing the right things in the long run, and that’s what matters.

I’m not saying that the focus is EXCLUSIVELY on marketing… in fact, building a consistent, championship-level contender is one of the best ways to build a brand. And we’re doing just that.

In this context, I believe that there were only two players worth pursuing that fit all of the Blazers needs (including the brand):

1. Shane Battier – Clean cut veteran winner from Duke, great outside shooter and defender, doesn’t need the ball to be effective, serviceable contract.

2. Tayshaun Prince – Perfect mentor (especially for Batum), a proven winner, similar qualities (but better) as a player compared to Battier.

That being said, I don’t think either player was available (at least not at a fair price), so KP was better off to stand pat.

What do you think (no gratuitous poll this time, sorry)?