Welcome Back, Brandon
by Dave on Aug 5, 2009 11:54 PM PDT
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PrintSo, you've all heard the news by now that--unless the Blazers execute a highly unlikely trade somewhere along the line or pick up stakes and become the Tuscaloosa Tumbleweeds--Brandon Roy is going to be a Portland Trail Blazer for the next five years minimum and probably six. Though overwhelmingly expected, it's still a joy. Obviously it's a serious boon from the talent standpoint. Few would argue that Roy is the best overall player on the team right now. Few would argue that he's encroached upon the league's elite, leapfrogging several young players with better scoring averages but nowhere near the all-around game or win production. But this contract means more to the team than that. The Blazers also acquire several other things as the ink dries.
Stability
Brandon knows he's going to be a Blazer through his prime and, provided he plays well and the team continues winning, quite possibly for the rest of his career. There are no more doubts or distractions. That stability trickles down to the rest of the team as well. We saw what happened during the Whitsitt years when 1/3-1/2 of the team recycled routinely every season. Great players became good players in that system. In a practical sense it took guys three months to get used to each other. In an emotional/psychological sense you were always looking over your shoulder, wondering which guys were going next. It was like a guy who dates six good-looking girls at once. Sure he's got moves and yeah he's fun to watch, but you can never get serious with him. The Blazers just got married. You know who's going to be the heart of this team today, tomorrow, and for the foreseeable future. This is now a team you can bank on and invest in.
Identity
That stability carries with it a fixed identity, not just that Brandon is the team captain, but that his game will define the team's. This is going to be an efficient offensive machine, capable of scoring in multiple ways and willing to share the ball. That's not only who Brandon is, that's what the team values and is built on. This is a mature team, a settled team, a team focused on winning that won't put up with crap or contrary agendas. This just became Brandon Roy's squad officially. He is the face of the franchise. This is a victory not only for him, but his style of play and way of handling himself.
Respect
Hand in hand with all this comes respect. Obviously the team is showing Brandon respect by committing over $80 million to him. But this contract also earns him the respect of his peers, not only those currently in the locker room but those who might come along in the future. Money is part of the NBA culture. Everybody wants it. When you get maxed out you become the guy everybody wants to be. When you talk, nobody can speak against you. You can't be called into question on your game because it was good enough to get that contract. You can't be threatened because you have nothing to lose anymore. If you had to walk away tomorrow you'd walk away set for life. Roy was already the king of the hill because of his play, attitude, and leadership skills. This provides the final missing piece. He has arrived in every way possible.
The Blazers knew the score exactly when they agreed to this deal. They might as well have turned to Brandon and hung a flashing neon sign around his neck saying, "LEADER". Unlike their last big-time deal (cough, Z-Bo, cough) they didn't do it hoping Roy would grow into that role. They did it because Roy had already assumed that role. This wasn't a gamble. This was the official crowning of the king. There could not be a bigger affirmation.
A Break From the Past, Entry Into the Future
In crowning le Roy nouveau the Blazers have rid themselves of the stigma of having Zach Randolph as the highest paid player in Blazers history. They weren't up nights worrying about that distinction, of course, but the symbolism is strong nonetheless. This is the official break with everything that came before. This is the official start of the new era. Some will point to the 2006 draft in which Brandon was selected, but the resources you commit to a draft pick, even the 6th overall pick, are modest and pre-determined. Selecting Roy was the Blazers choice, of course, and there was some risk involved. But they were going to select somebody in that draft, commit those resources, and take that chance. This is the first major, intentional commitment we've seen from the team to the era we've been forecasting for three years now. $80 million is a huge investment. A max contract is a huge statement for all the reason we just listed along with the financial aspect. If you blow this you poison and hamstring your franchise, as we've seen first-hand. Somebody somewhere believes in this kid and is confident that he's going to lead this team to amazing things. This is the franchise's confirmation that everything you've been dreaming about could well come true.
This is a big day for Brandon. It's a big day for the Blazers and their fans as well. We know you've been here three years already, but it feels like time to say again, "Welcome, Brandon Roy!" If we were going to max out someone, I think we're all glad it was you. Congratulations to Brandon, the team, and everyone who gets to watch them.
--Dave (blazersub@yahoo.com)
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small quibble
Its five more years and likely six, not four more years and likely five, since the extension starts AFTER the upcoming season
How did you guys win that?
"We scored enough points. We scored 107, they scored 105.
-Nate McMillan Postgame, 3/4/2009
by douglast on Aug 6, 2009 12:01 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
nobody i'd rather have
good to lock him up
"When jumpers are outlawed only Outlaw will take jumpers"-LoadedOrygun
by DominicanAvenger on Aug 6, 2009 12:02 AM PDT reply actions
This is nothing but good news.
If there’s one player I’m 100% comfortable with committing that kind of cash to over the next 5-6 years, it’s Brandon Roy. Can’t think of anybody better suited to be the face of our franchise for years to come.
You think of all the clutch shot Brandon has hit. 3 pointers to send the game into OT or win the game.
The shots he hit in the playoffs against Houston with everyone watching. I wonder if getting his big pay day will take more pressure off of him, or put more on him. I think it takes a lot off of him.
Well said Dave.
Thanks Blazers, Mr Allen. Thanks Brandon for your winning attitude. Your goodness elevates everyone around you. Family, friends, team, City.
Well deserved!
Great news, now lets get LMA locked up and this will be a pretty good off season.
And I agree with Dave this extension marks the beginning of the Roy era. And with it serious contention for an NBA championship.
Garden Variety Internet Denizen
WORD UP.STAY.FRESCO
With this move
B Roy has now officially become the new Clyde.
Meet our max-contract superstar; he may not capture everyone’s attention nation-wide, but we know what we have and we wouldn’t want it any other way.
Blazers win!
by The X-man on Aug 6, 2009 1:03 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
I am so excited to watch B-Roy for the next five/six/more years.
This team is going as far as Brandon can carry them – he’s a superstar. GO, LMA, Nic, Rudy… whoever is around is going to be playing Brandon’s game. And I can’t think of a game I’d rather see played in Portland.
Pubert Jones > Hedo
"This was the official crowning of the king."
It’s Good To Be King
Tom Petty
Its good to be king, if just for a while
To be there in velvet, yeah, to give em a smile
Its good to get high, and never come down
Its good to be king of your own little town
Yeah the world would swing if I were king
Can I help it if I still dream time to time
Its good to be king and have your own way
Get a feeling of peace at the end of the day
And when your bulldog pitbull barks and your canary sings
You’re out there with winners, its good to be king
by BlazerFanSince1970 on Aug 6, 2009 2:01 AM PDT reply actions
Maybe a dumb question...
But could someone explain how this new deal does not affect our cap space? Does it not take effect until later?
His new, higher salary is not for this season,
so it doesn’t affect the cap space until next summer.
by BlazerFanSince1970 on Aug 6, 2009 2:09 AM PDT up reply actions
it is an extension to the old one
not a new contract. so it will kick in after his current contract ends
bayless leaves over my dead body
andre miller>hedo
by thomasikehara on Aug 6, 2009 9:41 AM PDT up reply actions
Now that that's out of the way,
the Blazers can commence kicking the crap out of the rest of the league…..
"When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace." Jimi Hendrix
by philly420pdxhilo on Aug 6, 2009 2:09 AM PDT reply actions
I'm very glad Roy's locked in now.
However I think most of the stuff Dave points out above is a result of his play and actions already. The extension is just another side-effect of him being an all-NBA player on and off court. Obviously this is a landmark moment, but it’s one we’ve known was coming.
In any case, GO BLAZERS!
You can measure skill and talent with your eyes, but productivity is shown through statistics.
I'm going to go get me a pair of B-Roys
to celebrate this joyful occasion!! Welcome home, Brandon!!!!
The magic # is 0!!!
urrrgh. awful shoe to hoop in.
unless ur a big man and you dont need to change directions alot. i dont know how broy plays in em. they are like platform shoes. lol
Congrats B-Roy
You deserve nothing but the best and I am so happy for you :)
And I’m happy for myself knowing you are a Blazer for life (or at least the next five championship years)
"We believe" -Rudy Fernandez
Next year
Will we have to clear some cap space next year to accomodate Roy and LA’s contracts next year? How does this work. Will it weaken our bench?
Life's short, Stunt it!!
by Irwin Fletcher on Aug 6, 2009 7:22 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
Not unless we want to
Bird rights let you go over the salary cap to resign your own players. We can trade bench guys if we don’t want to encroach on luxury tax territory, but I doubt that we will. PA has shown repeatedly that he’s willing to pay a premium to keep talent.
The Michael Ruffin of BlazersEdge, cuz Amlmart said so.
by BlazersOrBust on Aug 6, 2009 8:12 AM PDT up reply actions
No
The question is just how much Paul Allen wants to pay in luxury taxes. He could go WAY over if he wants to.
"Good evening Blazer fans, wherever you may be!"-Bill Schonely
Paul Allen is getting a lucky break
All these young players will be getting their contracts extended during the recession meaing lower salaries. Now in the short—term their will be no advantage (other than fewer bucks on paychecks) in regards to luxury tax as the max-salary is tied to the cap. However if/when the economy bounces back and the cap limit goes up, Roy will be receiveing a smaller than average max salary. But this assumes that the cap will go up after a 2-3 year decline. We are already in the first year of decline as the cap just went down.
Congrats to BRoy and the Blazers, fans everywhere are happy for both of you. You make us proud to be Blazer fans.
We'll see
With banks printing money all over the world, at some point inflation is likely to start to kick in. Could be within the next year. You are probably right about Brandon and LMA, but Greg’s might be another matter.
When I rule the world, everyone will know how to use Excel.
A necessary step, but where to?
Part of this is knowing that we had to lock Brandon up long term without really knowing where we are going. At some point you have to say, "I don’t care where this road leads, I have been in the desert long enough and I believe this is my best chance to find my way back to civilization."
We are thirsty, and it is time. We should not get too caught up in how things work out in the end, we are on a journey and we are taking our best shot. I say enjoy the ride no matter what, because the only thing we have to fear is the unpredictability of the unknown and the divine intervention of the bad break. As far as our part is concerned, we have done it right this time. To heck with the gods, we just might do what Brandon says, and win a championship!
Having the best
is having BRoy as a Blazer. He has shown that to us from the beginning, but
it’s too much money. I think generally that the money (in the NBA) has gotten out of control. So how does a max contract play out in future years? When BRoy, LMA, and GO all receive top $$ (or close to it) who else can we keep on the team without going over the cap? How will that play out for a seat at the table in the RG? Will the Blazers be able to stay in Portland?
Seems many people are often willing to open up PA’s wallet at the drop of a hat, but who is willing to share that pain? I’m not working at Vulcan Industries, I’m just saying I want the Blazers here longer than any player’s contract.
In the end I’m still smilin’ ear to ear. Go Blazers!
It's totally out of control.
Brandon will make 20.1 million during the 5th year of his contract! Sure we had to do it but that is an absurd amount. I’d like to see the next CBA bring some relief to these absurdities, but it’s not likely to be anything appreciable.
Kind of funny……I remember when Pete Rose’s goal was to become the first “singles hitter” to make 100k.
Brandon Roy just destroyed everything in his path. There's your rational analysis -- Dave
Also: COMCAST SUCKS!
by TwoDeep on Aug 6, 2009 9:14 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
If there is a revenue miracle this next year
and projected Basketball Related Income for 2010-11 stays the same as the projection for 2009-10, then Roy’s max extension will start at $13,520,500 – the same as what Chris Paul and Deron Williams will make in 2009-10. In this case, his 5th year would be for $19,199,110.
The reality, though, is that projected BRI for 2010-11 will drop and that Roy’s max extension will end up being closer to $75 million for 5 years. In that case, the first year will be closer to $12,400,000 and the 5th year closer to $17,600,000. That’s just my guess based on the revenue projections that I’ve seen, but in any case I don’t think he’ll make $82 million on this extension.
At any rate it should eventually make him one of the top 10-15 best paid basketball players
Some guys will drop out of the top 20 ranks until his salary reaches that level (T-Mac, Jermaine O’Neal, Michael Redd, Peja Stojakovich, …), others will join those ranks (Chris Bosh, Deron Williams, Chris Paul, Rashard Lewis, Dwight Howard, …)
He arguably is worth that, maybe even top 5 as we discussed earlier in the year. It remains a lot of money.
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
the original NBA salary cap was 4.5mil/year per team
I don’t remember the exact year, but it was some time in the mid-80s
When reached 39 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
many "experts" seem to agree...
…that true “max” players – the NBA’s superstars – are actually underpaid relative to the revenue they bring in, and that it’s the middle tier guys, the one’s making 6 to 10 or 11 million per year, who are grossly overpaid and are hurting overall team finances. Many pundits think that max salary allowances may actually go up in the next CBA, even while overall player salaries flatline or even go down.
I think the max player’s are a bit of two sides of the same coin. They certainly are worth every penny and more, when you consider the money they bring into the team and league, and the wins they (generally) produce. The flipside comes into play when they get seriously injured – then your entire team is hamstringed because 30% of your cap is tied up in that one guy. Not to mention, the fact he makes so much makes it that much harder to add quality players to the team later.
How did you guys win that?
"We scored enough points. We scored 107, they scored 105.
-Nate McMillan Postgame, 3/4/2009
Congrats..
Expected but welcome news leading up to training camp..
Regarding Hedo Türkoğlu:
Look at the bright side, Blazers fans -- you dodged a bullet. He peaked statistically two years ago. He's allegedly 30 but could be closer to 32 or 33 for all we know. (Do you trust Turkish birth certificates? And isn't it weird that he played four years of pro ball in Turkey in the 1990s?)
- Bill Simmons of ESPN.com
Dave
I know what you were going for here but this quote,
Money is part of the NBA culture. Everybody wants it. When you get maxed out you become the guy everybody wants to be. When you talk, nobody can speak against you. You can’t be called into question on your game because it was good enough to get that contract.
made me think of Z-Bo during Roy’s rookie year, when Roy told him to sit down and be quite in the locker room. I thought no one could talk to a max player like that? :)
Ben II Blazersedge.com || New to Blazers' Edge?
by usmcr3049 on Aug 6, 2009 7:59 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
+ 1 / Brandon being a natural born leader garners the respect of his teamates. Not a paycheck
The contract is a result of a lot of hard work. But, guarentees nothing more than Brandon Roy will be paid a little under $20m/year starting 2010/2011 by some NBA team. KP knows that in Portland, there’s no where to hide. Everyone knows somebody who knows somebody etc… That’s what guarantees he’ll be a Blazer. .
wanderlust
Good point but
Daves point is true for the most part. I guess the exception to the rule is if everyone in the lockeroom including the new Rookie knows the “max player” is a degenerate. lol
by blazerbeliever97504 on Aug 6, 2009 9:37 AM PDT up reply actions
i can't handle the truth
its a can of worms discussion. Antonio Harvey touched on it last night. Summed up as the top (1-4) and bottom (11-15) players get what they’re going to get. Middle of the road players are left wondering about playing time, contracts, what guy they’re better than, but not getting paid as much, etc… Essentially, Brandon becomes the guide on. I see that as Dave’s point. One player to unite 12.
wanderlust
This IS #7s team
And that is a good thing. He can clearly handle the pressure.
"Good evening Blazer fans, wherever you may be!"-Bill Schonely
A very good day to be a Blazer fan
Congratulations to Brandon – you’ve earned it! Now go out there and show the league that you’re underpaid!
I can sleep MUCH better now...
Yeah, we knew it was coming, and there was no way KP was going to screw this up….but life if full of uncertainties. Thankfully this is no longer one of them.
"I'm a man, but I can change.....if I have to......I guess." - Red Green
He still hasn't actually signed
so I guess we get to read through another big post when that happens. And then we get to go through everything all over again with Aldridge. Sigh.
Brandon Roy just destroyed everything in his path. There's your rational analysis -- Dave
Also: COMCAST SUCKS!
Yeah... I agree with all this..
I do have one quibble though…
This provides the final missing piece. He has arrived in every way possible.
I wouldn’t say he’s arrived in every way possible until he actually leads us deep into the playoffs.
Gotta win, baby.
I thought tme same thing
except I was think rings were the final missing piece.
We totally shoulda paid Zach more, that guy was awesome
in so many ways. From sucker-punching teammates in the eye to drag racing down Main that fella was a pillory of the community. Zach was worth a hundred million dollars, or a zillion.
Who would you rather have on your team: Zach or Darius? And to think we were fortunate enough to have both at the same time. Sandwiched in between such standouts as Damon “Mighty Mouse” Stoudamire and Jeff McGinnis. Amazin’
2003-2004 forever baby!
Blazer Fan
by leeroyjenkins on Aug 6, 2009 9:42 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Z-Bo had many faults
But one thing I’ll never fault him for is sucker punching Ruben Patterson. He had it coming from all angles!
Morty
+92
I agree …everyone likes to point out Ruben as a prime example of the Jail Blazer era but also knock Zbo for sucker punching him…..I always put that one on the plus column of Zach’s report card here
"My avatar picture is of the favorite vehicle I ever owned" -Me
by 92wastheyear on Aug 6, 2009 10:26 AM PDT up reply actions
rec for "pillory of the community".
When I rule the world, everyone will know how to use Excel.
Brandon Roy is worth a lot, BUT.....
I’m having a really hard time justifying the amount of money athletes get payed. I mean, $85 million over 6 years? Should any human get paid that much money when schools are getting shut down all around us, teachers are losing their jobs, people are struggling all around us. I guess it wouldn’t be so bad if we knew these athletes were helping people in other areas. Just saying!
Trade Outlaw and Bayless for David Lee
by DJRazorburn on Aug 6, 2009 9:56 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
the "questioning of the structure of society and job-appropriate wages" blog is located somewhere else
Glad to have Brandon on board for 5 more years!
by rip_city_swagger on Aug 6, 2009 10:26 AM PDT up reply actions
i agree with u 100%. BUT
if i was a player i would get max take care of me and than funnel it all things u mention. lol
It's your money
For me, being a fan makes my life more fun and interesting. So, I’m willing to pay something in the occasional ticket price and in having ads beamed deep into my subconscious, to watch and root for the Blazers.
As far as where that money goes, I’d much rather it went to a great player than to a team owner. I also don’t mind the owners making a return on their investment (but I’m quite happy that Allen doesn’t need to).
All that glitters isn't chrome
Agree mostly, but in this case it's a little easier to swallow
First of all, Brandon’s made it clear that he plans to contribute back to the community. I expect his foundation, which focuses on education, will get a chunk of his salary. In the radio interview that got so much attention, he spend a lot of time talking about creating a school for inner city Seattle kids, similar to one that he had worked with in Portland.
Second of all, if you want to get seriously nauseated, look at what other top entertainers are paid. Harrison Ford and Adam Sandler made $65 million last year alone. Cameron Diaz made $30 million for her voice alone in the third Shrek movie. Yikes!
Well, first of all take that 85 million and cut it in half
Also, Brandon Roy is an entertainer, he doesn’t have the same salary constraints as regular people.
The Chicago Bulls.....the more profitable Los Angeles Clippers.
by Ozzie Montana on Aug 6, 2009 6:33 PM PDT up reply actions
While it is definitely a lot of money
This is all very basic economics. You are worth what someone is willing to pay you.
- Sam
As far as Roy's pay goes
Roy and his play generates income for his team, for the NBA, and I am totally fine with Roy getting what he deserves, since without Roy (and great players like him) there would not be the money coming in to pay Roy (and great players like him).
Is it a crap-load of money? Yes. But even though most teams don’t break even, it’s a big money business and what Roy’s getting is just a fraction of it. I would rather the pay go to him over the various owners of the league saving some money. Roy deserves it because of both his skill and talent value, and the entertainment we derive from it.
Is it as important as, say, a teacher keeping his job? Depends on the teacher :-) I can’t say I know the answer. But what I do know is, there are very few people in the entire world who can play in the NBA, and Roy is one of the elite amongst the elite. He deserves to get paid an amount deserving to such a rare, unique, talented, person.
He is lucky to be gifted these skills that are worth so much in our world, and we are lucky to get to watch him put these skills on display. It is a win/win.
Because we are all willing to pay for tickets, merchandise, NBA league pass, etc, Roy is worth it because he is why we do it— and are happy to do so.
Mortimer
You forgot one major thing:
Unity
I can’t imagine there’s a person, worthy of the label “Blazer Fan”, who thinks Brandon Roy is a terrible player to Max out and that the Blazers made a huge mistake with this contract. As opposed to the Z-Bo contract where maybe %50 of the fanbase knew that that contract was a huge mistake and that the front-office was setting them up for disappointement. By rebuilding the team around Brandon Roy, the Blazers have rebuilt the fanbase and the city of Portland around the Blazers.
"It all depends on where his growth will come and we think his growth will come within us" -- Kevin Pritchard on Jerryd Bayless
The Blazers just got married. You know who’s going to be the heart of this team today, tomorrow, and for the foreseeable future.
So you’re saying when I got married 5.5 years ago it wasn’t for life or eternity but for the foreseeable future? Am I now an unrestricted free agent? I’d get more than the mid-level exception on the open market… in fact I demand a new 4yr/$36M deal.
But I like to be here. Oh, I like it a lot! Said the Cat in the Hat. To the fish in the pot.
by you'vegottomakeyourfreethrows on Aug 6, 2009 10:51 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Broy deserves this BUT
He needs to stay healthy and perform at least as well if not better going forward.
Another player currently on the team or obtained via trade, FA or draft, may challenge Roy for leadership. I hope so, good for Roy and the team.
Roy’s record so far is phenomenal. But funny thing about the past, it’s over! What will he do for this team today? and today? and today?
trust all is well
Great analysis Dave
The early 90’s team wasn’t Drexler’s team; it was Drexler and Porter’s. Because Drexler was the more exciting player and bigger “star”, it skewed things a bit, and I think he began to want to be ‘the man’ later in their run.
With Roy, there is no doubt; he is the leader, the go-to guy in the clutch, and the biggest star. That doesn’t mean others can’t shine, it just means there is less weight on their shoulders.
All that glitters isn't chrome
Yeah, it is satisfying to have a guy we can feel good about giving a max deal...
But seeing that fat chunk of our cap space used, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see we got cap space problems ahead, if our team (i.e. players) pan out the way we are hoping for. We can’t be paying too many guys like this, unless PA wants to be the Steinbrenner of basketball. Not tough to sign a guy to this contract. Now for LMA, a bit tougher perhaps.
I forgot who it was, but I remember a player signing for less than a max contract to help his team hold onto other players. Perhaps it is asking too much, but how about that for a model of “leadership”. Now Brandon can concentrate on winning a championship ? Gonna need his teammates to do that. How about leading with less than a max deal ? What a concept. Tough for a teammate to demand more then. You need the max deal to get respect ? Really? What generates the greatest respect, the player, or the man. Sure performance on the court is essential. But, why don’t many of us totally respect K*be ? He’s got the contract, he’s got the game. Would we respect anyone less for taking less for the team ?
Anyway, just a thought I had, please understand, not really a knock against Roy. More a knock against the “get mine” mentality which is a bit dominant.
Appreciate the steadying voice of reason as always
Jason Quick does deserve blame for some of the hysteria. He clearly got information from the agent in return had to work for the agent in taking sides.
Brandon deserves whatever he can earn and he has earned upwards of $70M over 5 years and we hope even more from Portland at the end of this contract.
Dave’s excellent analysis brings needed perspective.
The real hard choices for the Blazers will be in the contracts to come. LMA will need to take less than max and maybe for 4 years period. We still have a ton of young guys who will earn big bucks from someone in their career.
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