Wojnarowski: Pritchard Considered Resigning, Regime Transfer Already Underway
The hits just keep coming regarding the Kevin Pritchard and Tom Penn situation. Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports writes that Pritchard has considered resigning and could be on the chopping block...
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Since Penn’s firing, LeGarie has encouraged Pritchard to resign, sources say. Pritchard contemplated the possibility, but has ultimately decided to go in a completely different direction. Pritchard has requested a meeting with Vulcan officials, and is expected to speak with them this week.
After several days of scorched earth by his agent, sources say Pritchard is desperate to find a way to save his job. After months of listening to LeGarie tell him he’d be in great demand on the market, Pritchard is finding that might not be the truth.
"Pritch has figured out that all those jobs that Warren promised him aren’t there," one GM said.
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Wojnarowski has never been Pritchard's biggest fan. But he makes a great point: Warren LeGarie's comments have gone way past the bounds of normal conversation in this type of situation. He also co-signs talk that Penn was fired after a conversation with Blazers President Larry Miller.
-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter
PS Thanks to Blazerholic in the FanPosts.
PPS Full Court Press coming later this morning.
about 2 years ago
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Regardless of who's right in this he said, she said situation...
…I’m still not very comfortable with Vulcan making the decisions for the team.
Yes! Yes! In the face!
What about Larry Miller?
I’m not comfortable with him expanding his influence over basketball operations. What a joke. He has no qualifications what so ever.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
What do you know about Miller?
The guy was a very successful executive for Nike. Meaning he’s no dummy and likely a very good businessman. He also likely understands that he does not have to be a great judge of basketball talent. You hire people to do that for you.
Clarence, It's better to have a gun and not need it, then need a gun and not have it.
Or you go with a guy that on your staff that already has proven that they can do it and has a track record to boot
KP
Roybot: "Then he said "My girlfriend is from LA." to which I replied "Well then you need to find a new girlfriend."’
by 92wastheyear on Mar 22, 2010 9:54 AM PDT up reply actions
like a GM?
I don’t understand Wojo’s point to begin with—they didn’t like what KP was doing on Roy’s extension, so Miller took over…and agreed to a max contract anyway? Wow, they sure held the line, didn’t they?
I’ve never seen the phrase “players’ GM”, but that may fit KP, it seems.
How are you not going to give Brandon the max?
Only if $$$ speaks louder than sense.
it was the years reportedly at issue, not the max/non max
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
What do you know about Miller, really?
Do not want a marketing and branding guy calling the shots. Better to have a smart former basketball player, like what we have.
by Sound_Automatic on Mar 22, 2010 1:26 PM PDT up reply actions
I stated what I know in my post. (Reading must be a lost skill.)
An NBA franchise is first and foremost a business. As many of the owners of NBA teams have made their fortunes in other businesses, they often have the freedom to treat their team like a hobby. But many still want to show a profit. And beyond the profit and loss aspect, a franchise still needs to operate efficiently and smoothly if it wants to be successful long term.
Larry Miller already runs the team – I believe his title is President of Basketball Operations. Pritchard works for him. It is not that big a stretch to roll both titles into one and then delegate some of the responsibilities to people who are expert in that field.
Clarence, It's better to have a gun and not need it, then need a gun and not have it.
This is Horrible News!
WTF!
Kevin Pritchard was like the main man for the blazers, he made some great desicions in the draft like trading Foye for Roy, Getting Lamarcus Aldridge, Picking up Greg Oden, and getting Jerryd Bayless,
Also He got Webster and Fernandez & Batum!!
This is awfull news for every Blazer Fan out there!
Foye plus Mr. Allens money for Roy. And the management team responsible for getting Webster is definately not praise worthy. I think pritchard has done great, but he isnt the Jesus of basketball. His agent has definately hurt him and has a long history of meddling with the blazers and who he represents in a very negative way. Excited to see what happens.
by jordanneale on Mar 22, 2010 9:11 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
no GM is perfect
The rumor is that Warkentien might be on deck if KP goes. Warkentien was the mastermind behind bringing AI to Denver, and was only bailed out because of the Dumars firesale. Also, in Denver he’s failed to fill their need for another rotation big, which means Johan Petro (?!) is playing substantial minutes. If Vulcan thinks Warkentien is going to be better than KP (or that anybody available will do better than KP), they’ve got another thing coming.
Agreed
You couldn’t be more right, no gm is perfect. But I would argue that Denver is winning, and winning big. As much as I can’t stand them they have a pretty decent team built up. When you look at what kp has done, it is quite incredible. So much young talent is what everyone says, but I also think that’s a little bit of a problem obviously. The only thing I haven’t liked was that he went for Hedo, I couldn’t belive it actually. Orlando would rather have Vince Carter……I think that’s saying something. But like I said he gas done a good job, let’s hope he can stick around to give this team what it needs to succeed.
by jordanneale on Mar 22, 2010 9:33 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
I’m not saying the Denver staff didn’t do a good job. I’m just saying axing KP to go after Warkentien would be fools gold. Denver is doing well because the guy they signed to a 60 mill contract when he was crippled is coming good, and because they basically lucked into Chauncey Billups. These were both shrewd moves, but KP has had his share of these, and Denver has had their share of clunkers. As have the Spurs, and the Suns, and the Mavs. I just hope we let KP see it out. IMO he has been a very good GM—many more good ideas than bad.
Good call.
Makes me wonder how much luck has to do with running a basketball team, I’d say the blazers are due. Good conversation, totally eating up lots of time here at work, since the plant is shutting down there is not a lot for me to do.
by jordanneale on Mar 22, 2010 10:51 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
nor Fernandez... Penn was the architect of that acquisition.
Treat people well because Karma can hit you at any second.
KP + -
+: Getting Roy, Aldridge, Batum, Rudy, Bayless, Camby, Juwan Howard.
-: Taking Webster when we could have had Deron Williams or CP3; taking Oden over Durant (although, in his defense, it was mostly Nash and Patterson who did that, may they burn forever, and most GM’s would have taken Oden at the time).
All and all, I think Vulcan would be making a big mistake if they fired KP, as I imagine there would be a riot in Rip City since KP is largely seen as the savior from the Nash/Patterson/Whitsitt dark days…
Jayhawks fans-how I hate thee!
KP was not responsible for Webster
he was one of the lone voices against it and for going after CP3. That’s what made him stand out to allen.
As for Oden… big guys win championships. Hindsight… yeah… but you can’t fault him.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
can't we just table the Oden Durrant debate
until one of them wins the title? That is when we will know, not before…
"Oh Yeah!" ~ Kool Aid Man
using that logic
no team should ever draft a 7 foot big man. EVER.
What if we picked Durrant and he got ran over by a Max train or something?
It is not like Greg had a long injury history before hand. A broken bone in his hand is the only long term injury he had up until he was drafted.
You are probably one of those guys that think we should have taken Blair last year. the man has a long history of knee problems…
"Oh Yeah!" ~ Kool Aid Man
yes
we should have taken blair
Ball handling and dribbling are my strongest weaknesses."—David Thompson
Im a results guy
Oden has been a disappointment. Durant has not. Durants team currently has a better record/
No, but I would assume that Durant's success accounts for a large % of the variability
I mean please, it’s obvious that Durant is far and away the biggest reason for the Thunder’s success.
But is it just as obvious that Oden's lack of success accounts for our lack of success?
I don’t think so.
You are right though. Clearly, the success that OKC has seen so far is largely due to KD. Kind of like the success that PDX has seen so far is largely due to BRoy.
#10 & #52
Durants success accounts for 0%
Of why the Blazers have fewer wins.
by Sound_Automatic on Mar 22, 2010 1:28 PM PDT up reply actions
except for the games OKC has actually beaten Portland
because of Durant’s shooting ability
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
I actually think we should have too
but I am not arguing that it was a mistake to pick Oden. It is the people wanting it both ways that I find aggravating.
"Oh Yeah!" ~ Kool Aid Man
In KP I trust
Columbus til I die, Columbus til I die. I know I am, I swear I am, Columbus til I die!
"Turner, at midcourt...inside it, at the buzzer, GOT IT!!!!"
by Andrew Tolliver on Mar 22, 2010 8:57 AM PDT reply actions
So many problems with this article
1) Woj has a long and rich history of hating on Pritchard. I can pull up a bunch of articles written by him in the very same vein of “Prichard is arrogant blah blah.”
2) He never mentions that Pritchard makes $800K which is surprisingly low for someone considered to be one of the better GMs in the league.
3) I think there would be much debate over who is more responsible for the success of the current Blazers, Pritchard or McMillan. I would argue that Pritchard is more responsible since he assembled this super talented roster, and that McMillan’s coaching style — late game offense, Pick and Roll defense — all leave much to be desired.
In defense of Nate
I’ve maintained this for a while… he coaches at the level his players can absorb. Plays are becoming more complex because the players seem able to respond to them. he IS conservative. HIs plays AREN’T flashy.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
I agree. Nate is a far better coach than he's given credit for.
And the way the team plays does not always reflect the way he wants them to play. He’s extremely well respected by the guys from the Olympic team for good reason.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
the players do not seem to be learning anything
the dfense is as it was last season and the year before that…
Camby has changed that up a bit.
Game management is still terrible. we should have put that last 3 up at least 8 seconds earlier last night for example. Then we could have played some D, maybe got a stop and had a chance at tying or winning. Sending Nash to the line in that situation is death…
"Oh Yeah!" ~ Kool Aid Man
face the facts
players aren’t perfect. You saw it with Steve Nash, arguably the best PG in the league for many years. He had an 8 second backcourt violation. He knows better. It’s called a mistake, which all humans are capable of. Would you blame Gentry because Nash made a mistake?
by Billy Hoyle on Mar 22, 2010 12:24 PM PDT up reply actions
None of that justifies the crap KP supposedly pulled.
If A Woj is right, KP deserves to be fired. You can’t behave like that in an office environment. The supposed problem is not that he’s underpaid or compared his salary to Nate’s, but rather, that he went blabbing all around the league and bad-mouthing Paul Allen and the Blazers. You can’t talk like that about your employer and hope to keep your job. Period.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
I agree.
I think KP has done a great job obviously but there was always something weird about him to me. This sort of sheds light on everything. But this is all retarded drama that we don’t need so don’t let the door hit you on the way out. Don’t try and put yourself ahead of the blazer machine. tsk tsk…
DC had already made it
It’s a good point, but Awoj is so venomous and hateful to KP I assume a lot of that is blown up. Due to a lack of credibility and solid facts instead of rumor, I just don’t believe that’s what really went down or how it went down.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
Swallowing this swill without even bothering to taste it?
Consider the source.
by upper left corner on Mar 23, 2010 3:58 PM PDT up reply actions
But that $800k is a contract, isn't it?
It’s always lame when people try to renegotiate their contract mid-way through, as it never goes the other direction. If that’s really what this is about, then it’s on KP for letting his agent go down that path. People seem to forget that this is KP’s first run as a GM, and he had very little experience prior to assuming the role.
When the contract ends, he will have an opportunity to renegotiate. If he had totally sucked and drafted Adam Morrison and the Blazers were still a lottery team right now, he’d still be getting his $800k, even if they fired him.
puts words in Nate's mouth
He asserts that Nate has problems with KP, then uses…another GM to back him up? WTF?
Dude should fire his agent...
he’s made a mess of the situation…
Go to Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company.
I hope he stays in Portland
and does fire that guy. What does a GM with a secure job really need an agent for anyway?
"Oh, and Ted, give my love to the Princesses. Ted2: Who? Ted: You'll see." - Ted Theodore Logan.
He obviously didn't have a secure job
This stuff isn’t coming out of the blue. It sounds like Pritch has been on the block all season.
Witty Unpredictable Talent and Natural Game
This article only proves conclusively that Wojnarowski despises KP and
will go to any lengths to destroy him, nothing else. What a spiteful, petty article, full of speculation, surmise and so-called statements from nebulous sources. Wojnarowski’s hatred of KP seems pathological. They guy needs serious help.
#52
by annthefan on Mar 22, 2010 9:21 AM PDT reply actions 3 recs
How do you square your opinion that everything is peachy at Blazer HQ with LeGarie’s incendiary comments?
They idea of letting cooler heads prevail is obsolete
Roybot: "Then he said "My girlfriend is from LA." to which I replied "Well then you need to find a new girlfriend."’
by 92wastheyear on Mar 22, 2010 9:38 AM PDT up reply actions
You said it only proves that Wojo despises KP. I think this is indisputable. However, I think the overall situation, along with the accumulation of apparent nastiness between the “basketball” folks and Vulcan is starting to demonstrate that there are serious problems. And even though Wojo is probably the worst reporter in the league outside Vecsey, this report is basically another piece of evidence to that end. So maybe it doesn’t prove anything singlehandedly, but as a part of a growing body of evidence, it’s telling.
AWoj does hate KP, but this article makes FAR too much sense to totally dismiss
This doesn’t read like it’s full of speculation. It reads like it’s based on a lot of inside info for which he can’t name the sources for very obvious reasons.
Unlike a lot of the other articles about this whole drama, this one doesn’t have enormous logical gaps. To my mind, it does a pretty credible job of explaining the FACTS we are seeing:
1. Penn was axed late in the season.
2. Nobody will give an official reason with any substance.
3. KP has disappeared since this all started (that’s HUGE, given that the dude is always out in the spotlight).
4. LaGarie has been saying some pretty nasty stuff about the employer of one of his clients.
5. There’s been a TON of smoke surrounding this story.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
Unnamed sources have zero credibility
Try citing an unnamed source in a professional journal, where people actually take things seriously. Absence of the visibility necessary for recrimination, words ought to have no weight.
I'm a really really ridiculously good looking orange mocha frappaccino drinking manhammer sandwich
in the real world of news reported, unnamed sources are necessary
in sports, business, politics, etc, unnamed sources are often the best kind – they get you information you cannot get otherwise. This is very very normal.
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
Doug, you got to understand these sources in the sports business
Sports agents and GMs. These guys are liars. They are suppose to lie so they can leverage those leaks. There’s a selfish benefit to leak information.
Look at all the false rumors around the trade deadline.
"I'm at the thingamajig talking the yakety-yak" - Kenny Smith
this is different from politics how?
Come on you gotta listen unto me,
lay off that whiskey and let that cocaine be. ~Johnny Cash
by HurraKane212 on Mar 22, 2010 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions
You still hold on that this is all blown out of proportion?
Theres enough smoke to realize this is real. Stop blaming the messengers.
Witty Unpredictable Talent and Natural Game
Stop believing the messengers
Roybot: "Then he said "My girlfriend is from LA." to which I replied "Well then you need to find a new girlfriend."’
by 92wastheyear on Mar 22, 2010 10:07 AM PDT up reply actions
finally
an idea that has merit. If they’re pigeons, i have recipes.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
Could the Pritchard years really be almost over?
That was a lot quicker than I expected. I remember hearing him say a summer or two ago that if Mr. Allen offered him a 10 year contract that he’d take it.
Either way, it feels like the “culture” has already begun to shift… which direction it ends up going, I’m not sure yet, but there is definitely movement.
"Oh, and Ted, give my love to the Princesses. Ted2: Who? Ted: You'll see." - Ted Theodore Logan.
It's funny
The culture almost seemed to shift before this season started. It’s felt strange ever since the Roy and LMA extensions.
Witty Unpredictable Talent and Natural Game
maybe I need new glasses,
I initially missed the “f” in shift above.
"You be realistic," Oden said. "I’m going to stay happy. All right?"
where is this coming from?
Our “culture” was never better in the last 10 years until GO and Prz went down with their injuries. Sure, it’s been rough ever since, but I don’t think that should reflect on the organization as a whole. I can’t believe how much everyone is buying into this
by Billy Hoyle on Mar 22, 2010 12:29 PM PDT up reply actions
The cold hearted business of the blazers
vs fandom of “just freaking sign our beloved blazers!”
I have to agree with IDea. I was a bit shocked at how all that was handled.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
that was a hilarious article
what? it was supposed to be serious?
Awesomeness (ô'səm-nes)
1. n. Something that inspires awe
2. n. Nicolas Batum
wowzers. A-Woj is A-Woj, but at this point you have to be concerned.
Firmly in favor of making a coaching change at the end of the season.
Free AK1984
I fully agree.
Unlike many of his stories, this one seems logically credible. That scares me.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
Most of the responses from us have been pro-KP almost universally
How long before these negative articles start turning the tide of public opinion against KP. We will start seeing a few trickle in …here and there. Opinions from these blowholes will start to become Bedge Facts in pretty short order. I predict within a week we will start seeing readers/commenters start posting anti-KP fanposts.
Maybe much quicker
Roybot: "Then he said "My girlfriend is from LA." to which I replied "Well then you need to find a new girlfriend."’
fire KP
because according to the article, nate despises him
Awesomeness (ô'səm-nes)
1. n. Something that inspires awe
2. n. Nicolas Batum
by thomasikehara on Mar 22, 2010 9:37 AM PDT up reply actions
Read the comments so far in this very thread
I may have been too conservative
Roybot: "Then he said "My girlfriend is from LA." to which I replied "Well then you need to find a new girlfriend."’
by 92wastheyear on Mar 22, 2010 9:42 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm not anti-KP
I think he’s a great GM and has done wonders for this team.
BUT… if this article is close to true, Paul Allen would be 100% justified in firing KP. You can’t bad-mouth your employer like he supposedly did. Even if the underlying facts of your complaints are valid.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
This is bad
Remember the Championship Window talk 2-3 years ago?? DO YOU REMEMBER??
WHAT HAPPENED??
Ball handling and dribbling are my strongest weaknesses."—David Thompson
nothing
this is all hogwash
Awesomeness (ô'səm-nes)
1. n. Something that inspires awe
2. n. Nicolas Batum
by thomasikehara on Mar 22, 2010 9:37 AM PDT up reply actions
Oden is injured
we are in 8th place. Przybilla is done. Seems like we peaked.
Ball handling and dribbling are my strongest weaknesses."—David Thompson
you think we have peaked?
Awesomeness (ô'səm-nes)
1. n. Something that inspires awe
2. n. Nicolas Batum
by thomasikehara on Mar 22, 2010 9:40 AM PDT up reply actions
were not finished
but there will have to be some serious roster moves if we are to ascend to the top of the Western Conference.
I’ll never stop rooting for this team. I actually enjoy watching them just compete. But I think any dreams of becoming a serious contender have to be pretty far fetched at this point. Personally, I just dont see anything in the immediate future that will vault us to the 60 win territory.
Ball handling and dribbling are my strongest weaknesses."—David Thompson
I see one
a healthy Oden. If we EVER get a productive Oden for 70+ games we will be a 60 win team.
I see another few
Batum living up to his potential and continuing to grow with Aldridge and Roy.
Aldridge finally stepping up and playing to his potential.
Roy continuing to improve and demanding excellence from fellow players.
Point guard question finally being answered.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
Not to mention
Talent shelved overseas to help with trades and to fill holes
by Sound_Automatic on Mar 22, 2010 1:34 PM PDT up reply actions
that would be the "glass overflowing" vision of the team
Lamarcus turning into something completely different than what he is (not likely)
Brandon getting EVEN BETTER than what he already is (possibility)
Batum blossoming into a star (also a possibility)
Turning overseas prospects into a major difference maker (not likely)
Oden staying healthy for 5+ years and maturing into a dominant Center (would love it, but also not very likely)
We would probably need at least 3 of those 4 things to happen to jump Denver (with still young Melo), Utah (probably getting a top 5 pick, maybe even tp 3), Dallas (who will probably fade in the next 3 years), and of course the L*kers (who are actually still young)
I guess the best case scenario is that about 4 years from now Aldridge has matured into at least a 20 & 10 guy, Brandon stays about where he is at or is even better, and Oden has played consecutive years with no problem and is controlling the paint. Under that scenario, I can see the guys we have being a real threat. But that is a very KP-esque / rosie view of things. Could happen though! Go BLAZERS!!
Ball handling and dribbling are my strongest weaknesses."—David Thompson
YOu can always start rooting for the Lakers.
Clarence, It's better to have a gun and not need it, then need a gun and not have it.
How about the Thunder?
That Durant kid seems like a quality guy.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
A Vulcan nerve pinch is mightier than a Pritch-slap
Next home game, let’s see who is sitting on the front row…
Who was at the Washington game?
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
just Miller
no Allen, no KP
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
Eesh...
The part of the AWoj article that scares me the most: Miller making more basketball decisions!
Firing KP is one thing. Replacing him with Miller is another. If Allen wants to win and plans to replace KP he needs to get proven front office folks!
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
You mean Vulcan Nerve Penny Pinc
Please, for the love of all that is holy, please stop using the following: "Book it.", "FTW", "Epic" & "Fail".
...no seriously--stop.
by nima on Mar 22, 2010 11:12 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Agreed, but....
The part of the article that really depressed me, that made total sense, is that Vulcan has loved Nate since his playing days in Seattle… Crap, we may never get rid of this overrated, unimaginative, stifling Sarge…
It is dissappointing when political game playing
trumps actual competence to perform the job at hand.
"You be realistic," Oden said. "I’m going to stay happy. All right?"
I like what Pritch has done with the team,
BUT, we cannot be blind as Blazer fans to what may go on behind the scenes. Outside of two drafts, Pritch’s work has been fairly mediocre. There was the Miles saga, a lack of free agent success, some iffy contract negotiations (for example, we overpaid for LMA), a below average 2009 draft, and some questionable non-moves (RLEC for example). Despite all these issues, I want him to stay as I believe he continues to learn and is good for the franchise long term. The Blazers need stability right now, and it starts with the guy that has put this team together.
umm
it was miller that send the email, and KP got the best FA this offseason
Awesomeness (ô'səm-nes)
1. n. Something that inspires awe
2. n. Nicolas Batum
by thomasikehara on Mar 22, 2010 9:39 AM PDT up reply actions
we fell into the best FA this offseason
Seriously, if we get our #1 choice, a lot of people would be singing a different tune.
he we didn't get hedo
its the results that matter, my number one trade target is lebron, but we will never trade for him
Awesomeness (ô'səm-nes)
1. n. Something that inspires awe
2. n. Nicolas Batum
by thomasikehara on Mar 22, 2010 9:42 AM PDT up reply actions
Seriously, trade for Lebron?
+ you think this is all smoke by columnists who have it out for KP? Your head is in the clouds.
Witty Unpredictable Talent and Natural Game
yes
Canzano and Woj? Could you find any less credible sources for information?
by Billy Hoyle on Mar 22, 2010 12:32 PM PDT up reply actions
Miller was an afterthought and I wasn't referring to the email
but the whole Miles injury financial mess
what exactly did KP do in the miles scenerio that is upsetting
Awesomeness (ô'səm-nes)
1. n. Something that inspires awe
2. n. Nicolas Batum
by thomasikehara on Mar 22, 2010 9:43 AM PDT up reply actions
in hindsight
the medical retirement was risky when a player still insisted on playing regardless of the harm it could do to his body and when he no longer had the skills to compete in the NBA.
There’s a reason why he didn’t last longer than a year.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
it was a leage appointed doctor
if anything, its the league’s fault
Awesomeness (ô'səm-nes)
1. n. Something that inspires awe
2. n. Nicolas Batum
by thomasikehara on Mar 22, 2010 9:48 AM PDT up reply actions
+92 million
This part is often forgotten….Mile doesn’t get medically retired if a league doc doesn’t approve it ……this is a fatal flaw in this provision ….if you are going to have this provision in the CBA regarding injured players the onlt restriction should be for that player returning to his original team…that is all
Roybot: "Then he said "My girlfriend is from LA." to which I replied "Well then you need to find a new girlfriend."’
by 92wastheyear on Mar 22, 2010 9:51 AM PDT up reply actions
Stern should have been crucified
For not standing behind fixing a loophole that allows the medical retirement exception to do the exact opposite of what was intended. Its so Lawyerish to stand behind a terrible rule that harms the people it is supposed to protect.
by Sound_Automatic on Mar 22, 2010 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions
he was no longer an NBA caliber player
a team like Memphis, who was building with young guys, would have been much better off to give that opportunity to a young d leaguer or free agent.
the ONLY reason Miles got that deal was because it hurt our capspace. It was a smart move by a potential rival in the coming years, and there is little doubt their GM was probably highly encouraged in his maneuvers by several other GMs around the league.
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
Come on
There are plenty of guys who are on the books of teams who would never get signed if they were cut, but that doesn’t mean teams should get cap relief for them. All that matters is whether they’re physically able to play in the NBA, and Miles clearly was in Memphis, turning in a couple decent games, so given that he was able to play, we shouldn’t have gotten cap relief, regardless of whether he was good enough to merit a contract.
If the Knicks were to cut Eddy Curry tomorrow, chances are no team would pick him up, but that doesn’t mean NY should get cap relief. He’s still “physically able” to play basketball, just not at a high enough level to overcome his negatives. If Darius were a boy scout who wanted to keep playing basketball instead of an obvious cancer, he’d probably still be on a roster somewhere.
It may have been a little shady the way things were handled, and I think the rule regarding medical retirements should be adjusted, but, given the facts of the situation, Darius should have remained on our books, sad to say.
#52
"I think the rule regarding medical retirements should be adjusted"
You think?
Roybot: "Then he said "My girlfriend is from LA." to which I replied "Well then you need to find a new girlfriend."’
by 92wastheyear on Mar 22, 2010 10:38 AM PDT up reply actions
i never said anything about the cap relief
i said he was signed by Memphis almost solely to hurt our cap. that’s a smart move by them.
that said, the rules about how that all works should be changed.
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
Doctor said no
We said “okay”.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
And the system worked how it was supposed to
Doctor recommended that he never play again. Darius proved him wrong by proving he could play with Memphis, Darius went back on the books.
The ends don’t really justify the means for me in this case, though. As has been pointed out, there are a perverse incentives for other teams here, with regards to signing the player, I just think something needs to be done to mitigate those concerns.
I wouldn’t even mind if the mechanism were kept identical, but if teams only received tax relief for medically retired players, i.e. Darius would still have counted against our cap space, but we wouldn’t have to pay any luxury tax on his salary once he was medically retired. I don’t think any owner out there would cynically try to harm another’s finances like that, it was only when we got a significant competitive advantage from retiring him that teams really had a strong incentive to sign him for no reason than to put him back on our books.
#52
For one, I remember he was on the radio
campaigning to waive him because the doctor said something to the affect that he would not let his own child play with Miles’ condition. He should not be revealing patient/doctor relations to the media for the sake of justifying personnel moves. I know it seems petty, but it also shows that he was part of the decision making process.
Let me emphasize I like Pritch, but I can at least acknowledge he has made numerous mistakes. I was also a Durant guy, but cannot fault him for the Oden pick.
by BlazerDavid on Mar 22, 2010 10:24 AM PDT up reply actions
Yeah I remember that too.
Rubbed me the wrong way
That's an excellent point
it’s a mistake a young person makes. Thinking back, KP has been too free and open. He also seems to have learned and is more guarded now in what he expresses to the public.
In that same light, if KP is being Politically incorrect then address it. Don’t toss away talent when you can grow it.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
But Ratty
KP hasn’t came out in public and made a statement ….that proves he is getting fired…how do you explain this???
Roybot: "Then he said "My girlfriend is from LA." to which I replied "Well then you need to find a new girlfriend."’
by 92wastheyear on Mar 22, 2010 10:49 AM PDT up reply actions
Gotcha
retiring the guy due to a bad knee when he could still technically play even though it might cause damage… allowing other, less ethical people pick him up and play him for a a bit to screw the blazers.
Getting rid of miles was still a good thing.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
As General Manager, KP has to accept responsibility
for personnel moves both good and bad. I don’t miss Miles at all, but the strange way he was released and the subsequent events after his release are partly KPs blame.
Fair enough
it was definitely handled poorly by whoever handled it. Just start to finish.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
that said, i'm fine with the outcome although I see why others wouldn't be
after all… i thought he miles needed to go away, and it’s not my money.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
Yeah, I have no problem with cutting Miles
at all, there was no place for him here anymore. I think the only real issue was the front office triumphalism around our plans to get tons of cap space with him off the books which led to the pretty obvious leaguewide conclusion that we had other motives in that move than just doing what was best for Darius.
#52
Miles Saga=Paul Allen
Free agent success = NOTHING OUT THERE. We got the best
Agreed about LMA. Pay was based on potential not current reality.
2009 draft… we didn’t have cards to play and the guys we picked up are contributing. What more do you want? Blair… right… okay, fair there but KP still did pretty darn well. I would not say it was below average.
Trades: We got camby and got rid of a logjam.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
We haven't had things go bad
except for injuries.
Free agency… what free agent was better than Miller? I’d bemoan turkeyglue loudly if we’d gotten him and he didn’t work out… Miller has just been better over the others.
The Miles situation sucked and in hindsight we could have protected ourselves more, but Miles was a cancer and dumping him prevented infection of other players.
so what is bad?
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
the fact that KP targeted Hedo #1 and was going to pay him every cent we could
is a huge mark against him in my book. one of the very few so far.
this assumes of course that Hedo was KPs guy, and he wasn’t pursuing him at the direction of others.
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
Yeah
i DO agree I did NOT want Hedo… however other secondary moves were hinted at so I’d have needed to see where the dust finally settled.
I also think Hedo would have fit better in our system than where he landed.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
Exactly what has gone bad?
Clarence, It's better to have a gun and not need it, then need a gun and not have it.
good post
I think sticking your head in the sand and saying “this is all just AWoj making up stuff” is just ignoring things you don’t want to hear at this point. There is far too much smoke coming out – Woj, Vescey, Dwight, others for there not to be some fire somewhere.
Regardless of how good KP has been on the draft/talent evaluation side (very good), if he (or his agent) are running around asking other people what they make, constantly whining for a new contract, undermining others withing the club, that is grounds for termination. IF that stuff is true, dumping him is the right long term move, even if it hurts a bit in the short term.
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
They could
just all be repeating the same rumors…
It happens. Gossip is picked up and explodes out of proportion and then becomes a self fulfilling prophecy.
Bottom line is we really don’t know, but an agent has motives and Woj hates KP.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
there's too much smoke out there for this all to be made up
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
A-Woj and Clownzano
just rolled a smoke bomb into the middle of a vacant lot …no fire …but a lot of smoke of there own making
Roybot: "Then he said "My girlfriend is from LA." to which I replied "Well then you need to find a new girlfriend."’
by 92wastheyear on Mar 22, 2010 9:56 AM PDT up reply actions
feel free to continue to stick your head in the sand...
SOMETHING is going on. Saying it’s all just people trying to sell papers is ridiculously naive. I don’t want to hear it any more than you do, but you have to look at iogically.
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
Logically??
No named sources ….the author’s history of animosity toward the subject of the article …..no official release of any of the supposed facts from Blazers HQ….The only word coming out of headquarters is that KP wasn’t involved at all (Larry Miller)
I guess I will stick with my naivety
Roybot: "Then he said "My girlfriend is from LA." to which I replied "Well then you need to find a new girlfriend."’
by 92wastheyear on Mar 22, 2010 10:11 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Exactly!
How is being suspicious of unsubstantiated rumors “sticking your head in the sand”? All I’ve read and seen is nothing more than speculation at this point. Give us something slightly solid, then maybe we’ll have something worth discussing.
that's just not how it works
People can’t go on the record, it’s just the way these things worked. Sources are often leaking information they aren’t supposed to, or at the very least (other teams’ executives) don’t want to get directly pulled into the situation. Doesn’t mean the information is bad. Generally, reporters use unnamed sources all the time – and they get multiple sources to corroborate each other before reporting their information. If you are waiting until you see direct sourced quotes, you are going to be a waiting a LONG time. That just never happens.
I think there is a lot more than speculation out there, and some stuff that is about as solid as can be at this stage of the game. From Woj’s article:
Pritchard would go around the NBA, and surprise peers with questions that included, "How much do you make?" before launching into diatribes about how he couldn’t understand why he was so poorly compensated in Portland, especially in comparison to McMillan.
"They left him the public face, but essentially he was neutered," a league source with direct knowledge of the talks said.
Privately, Vulcan executives wish they had gone further and fired him, sources say.
Since Penn’s firing, LeGarie has encouraged Pritchard to resign, sources say
After several days of scorched earth by his agent, sources say Pritchard is desperate to find a way to save his job.
"Pritch has figured out that all those jobs that Warren promised him aren’t there," one GM said
"The transition away from this regime has already started," one source with knowledge of ownership’s plans said.
Pritchard wanted to talk with them (Minnesota), a source close to him says, but Allen refused to grant permission.
Once Penn leveraged Minnesota for an offer to take back to Portland, league sources say the three of them – LeGarie, Pritchard and Penn – exaggerated the package and control offered Penn as GM.
"Kevin was in a constant battle to position himself to get credit away from Nate for whatever success they were eventually going to have there," one NBA executive friendly with both said. "If Kevin just kept his mouth shut, cut out all the arrogance and insecurity, I think he probably would’ve had his extension a long time ago."
Nothing solid there? Really?!?!?
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
No a single name here
Roybot: "Then he said "My girlfriend is from LA." to which I replied "Well then you need to find a new girlfriend."’
by 92wastheyear on Mar 22, 2010 11:54 AM PDT up reply actions
a lot of direct quotes
none of them are going to put their names on it. That’s just how these things works – in basketball, in politics, in almost anything.
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
If there names are not quoted
they are not quotes. This is the part that people are not getting. There is plenty of nefarious reason an opposing GM would do that ….most GMs lie twenty times before lunch …every day. Agents do it 40 times. Sorry if I don’t put a lot of credence to that
Roybot: "Then he said "My girlfriend is from LA." to which I replied "Well then you need to find a new girlfriend."’
by 92wastheyear on Mar 22, 2010 12:04 PM PDT up reply actions
You might want to look "quote" up in the dictionary.
Just because the specific people aren’t cited as authority for the quote doesn’t mean it’s not a quote. Sources are cited, they’re just unnamed. That weakens their evidentiary weight, but it doesn’t mean they’re not quotes or that they have no meaning, just as quote from a liar may be correct even if he typically bends the truth.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
for all we know
it’s not a quote.
There’s nothing to back it up one way or another.
There’s likely some fire here, but who’s quoting and why? Serious agenda going on.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
The default position of everyone here
should be that someone did say each of those things, even though whoever said them may have an agenda. Criticizing a reporter for citing anonymous sources is a legitimate complaint, but there is no real violation of journalistic integrity there. Poor practice, maybe, but it’s not an ethical violation to cite anonymous sources.
Actually making up quotes, though? That’s a serious violation of journalistic ethics and integrity. The difference between criticizing him for using anonymous sources and claiming that he’s making up quotes is essentially the same difference between criticizing Nate’s rotations and claiming that Nate is throwing games.
So the sources may not be completely sincere, but I’d bet a fat wad of cash that they actually exist and did say whatever has been directly quoted.
#52
you aren't ever going to get names
on an article like that.
Come on you gotta listen unto me,
lay off that whiskey and let that cocaine be. ~Johnny Cash
by HurraKane212 on Mar 22, 2010 12:38 PM PDT up reply actions
I am surprised you believe all these quotes
I don’t see much more in this than a GM that wants the Blazers GM job trying to cause trouble.
+92
Roybot: "Then he said "My girlfriend is from LA." to which I replied "Well then you need to find a new girlfriend."’
by 92wastheyear on Mar 22, 2010 12:19 PM PDT up reply actions
did I say I believed them?
No. But I’m not going to just blindly write them off as garbage either. We have at least 4 or 5 different people, all well-connected with the team and/or league, all reporting similar information.
It’s not nothing.
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
Which 4 or 5 people?
Roybot: "Then he said "My girlfriend is from LA." to which I replied "Well then you need to find a new girlfriend."’
by 92wastheyear on Mar 22, 2010 12:24 PM PDT up reply actions
the janitor!
although I doubt it… it would be nice.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
Really?
We have at least 4 or 5 different people, all well-connected with the team and/or league, all reporting similar information
Vance, canzano, Vescey, Woj
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
I don't consider each of those stories to be similar at all.
A-Woj is of a completely different tone than the others.
Sure, there is some conflict between people within the Blazers organization, but the extent of it is unclear.
Not one of those people are what I would call credible
Roybot: "Then he said "My girlfriend is from LA." to which I replied "Well then you need to find a new girlfriend."’
by 92wastheyear on Mar 22, 2010 12:31 PM PDT up reply actions
like them or not, they are all well connected
are their CONCLUSIONS often incorrect and sensational? absolutely. But the underlying information they get is usually rock solid.
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
Sports agents and GMs are rock solid info?
"I'm at the thingamajig talking the yakety-yak" - Kenny Smith
"underlying information" is worthless without the "conclusions"
which you admit are often “incorrect and sensational”
Roybot: "Then he said "My girlfriend is from LA." to which I replied "Well then you need to find a new girlfriend."’
by 92wastheyear on Mar 22, 2010 12:34 PM PDT up reply actions
Really?!?
I thought underlying information was the very reason to read articles. I don’t have the inside sources necessary to find out what is going on in Blazerland, so I read articles to get “underlying information.” I’m smart enough to know when Canzano/Vecsey/Jaynes/AWoj are making sensational conclusions. That doesn’t mean the underlying information is of no value and can’t be trusted.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
exactly
this is not a black and white situation. at this point, with all the information out there, you can take 3 possible conclusions:
1) it’s all just made up BS
2) everything all these people say is true
3) Something is going on, and it’s not good, but we don’t know how bad it really is.
I’m arguing that #3 is the only conclusion that is supported by the information available. #1 is the most unlikely of all.
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
Bottom line to both of you
I am disinclined to believe these unnamed sources. I don’t trust the people telling me about them. Consequently I am not going to make any conclusions about them. Not even a “where there is smoke…there fire” type
Roybot: "Then he said "My girlfriend is from LA." to which I replied "Well then you need to find a new girlfriend."’
by 92wastheyear on Mar 22, 2010 12:47 PM PDT up reply actions
How about #4 ...
… there are some issues between Pritchard and the organization and certain people are trying to make hay while the harvesting is good.
Clarence, It's better to have a gun and not need it, then need a gun and not have it.
sounds like #3 to me
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
i'd love it to be this
but I suspect it’s not… sadly.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
lol
you just listed 3 of the largest spin artists ever
by Billy Hoyle on Mar 22, 2010 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions
no no
republicans have that market covered.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
Don't forget Abbott and Jaynes.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
thank you, forget them
that makes 6. 6 different people who all have underlying well documented information that says SOMETHING is going on inside Blazer HQ.
Saying “ahh, it’s all just made up” is the LEAST likely conclusion at this point.
SOMETHING is wrong inside Blazer land. What it is, and how bad, we don’t yet know.
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
wow
just wow. Dwight was basically the voice of reason, and yet you are citing him for what in this matter again? Just the fact that he weighed in on the subject. Last I checked he primarily follows the Blazers, so I would hope he would have something to say. Same goes for truehoop
the same way im citing all the others
SOMETHING is going on inside the Blazers. That’s the only thing I’m certain of at this point. it isn’t nothing.
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
right
Tom Penn was fired for reasons that can’t be disclosed publicly. Some people are so bent out of shape that they can’t know every detail of every situation that they have gone so far as to start making things up. At this point everything else is heresy
i'll go with you on the something
I’ve now read all the articles and ugh…
A lot of it smells like BS, but there’s something out there for so much BS to be flying.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
In other words ...
rumor mongerers.
Clarence, It's better to have a gun and not need it, then need a gun and not have it.
Which 4 or 5 people?
Clarence, It's better to have a gun and not need it, then need a gun and not have it.
My fav in those "quotes"
The Vulcans want to fire him,but don’t and at the same time the owner refuses to let him talk to Minn. So here’s a guy they are thinking of firing,alledgedly asking to talk to another team-which gives the Blazers a graceful out and saves paying the 2 yrs on his contract if he’s fired-and they say no. Suuure.
When Penn was fired there were the leaks about what a terrible person he was,a ladder climber,faking job offers,etc and now we’re hearing the same sort of bs about KP.(Re Penn,David Aldrdge on Penn…“Penn — who, in the interest of full disclosure, has involved me in the last year in a few endeavors for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Memphis-based facility that provides care for kids battling cancer and other diseases, regardless of their families’ ability to pay…”)
rumors can act like echo chambers
I’m not saying there’s fire. There could be, but with people reporting more and more rumors with more gossip and ALL having an agenda…
It’s not pretty.
I would love for a league source to step up and say “guys… this isn’t true”
That would likely be the best way to defuse.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
I don't think "whinning for a new contract" is grounds for termination.
Besides, it is a at will employment state. You don’t need grounds to terminate an employee.
Clarence, It's better to have a gun and not need it, then need a gun and not have it.
No grounds needed, but...
grumbling to other teams about being underpaid vis-a-vis Nate and the rest of the league IS a good reason to fire KP.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
I completely agree
There’s way too much smoke for this all to be an attempt by AWoj and co. to eviscerate KP.
As much as a I hate to say it, the AWoj article makes a LOT of sense. Unlike many of his bogus articles, this one fits the actual facts we can observe. Not only does it provide the most logical explanation of this whole Penn saga, but it also fits with KP’s personality (he seems like a great guy, but it’s clear he LOVES the limelight to a fault (e.g., getting fined over announcing trades too early; getting all hyped about the Turkeyglue deal before it was final, etc.)), explains why Nate has always seemed reticent to commit to the team long-term, AND explains some of the rather strange goings-on with the front office from the end of the summer on (the Roy and LA deals, the Patty Mills fiasco, and to a lesser degree, the trade deadline this year).
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
According to AWoj, Miller ran the LA contract negotiation.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
So why do we need Pritch?
If he isn’t running negotiations and isn’t able to draw free agents and doesn’t handle anything outside drafts, how is he really a “GM”? I don’t understand this hierarchy at all but something strange is going on. Perhaps it is a case of “too many chiefs”.
by BlazerDavid on Mar 22, 2010 10:10 AM PDT up reply actions
Well, according to the article, he's still considered a great talent evaluator.
I’m sure the idea heading into the season was to let Miller do more of the contract stuff (which he might be somewhat qualified for at least) and keep KP as a talent evaluator.
Of course, that’s presuming AWoj is correct.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
But he was a talent evaluator before
becoming GM. GMs should be overseeing all personnel matters, not just used as draft gurus. So Larry is “contract guy”, Penn was “cap guy”, Pritch is “draft guy”, and Vulcan is “big brother”. Maybe we don’t need a GM.
by BlazerDavid on Mar 22, 2010 10:14 AM PDT up reply actions
if we fire KP
the window is closed
Awesomeness (ô'səm-nes)
1. n. Something that inspires awe
2. n. Nicolas Batum
the window depends a lot more on Greg Oden and Brandon Roy than on Kevin Pritchard.
Firmly in favor of making a coaching change at the end of the season.
Free AK1984
agree
completely….and who our coach is…
Portland Trail Blazers - where injuries and people come together"
Yep .. let's not forget about throwing the coach under the bus ...
… while we all trash Kevin Pritchard.
Clarence, It's better to have a gun and not need it, then need a gun and not have it.
maybe we should
rip into Roy next.
I always knew he was up to no good.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
Sacre Bleu!
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
gotta agree with jksnake
KP leaving is not going to close our window. our window is tied to GO at this point. Whatever GM comes in after KP will merely have to put the finishing touches on role players.
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
It may re-open it...
Injuries aside, I think you have to admit that it’s stalled a bit of late. That’s not to say that KP should be fired, but we haven’t seen the progress in the consolidation of the roster, the team’s roles, or the game’s of LA and some of our other guys that we probably expected two or three years ago.
KP has been fantastic. I think there’s no question about that. BUT, a new GM might not be a bad thing. Some guys are no doubt better suited to deal with young teams by evaluating young talent and stock piling lots of assets, while others are better suited at taking a young team over the hump. KP might be great at both, but we only know that he is great at the former. Someone else might be better at the latter.
At this point, we don’t know what’s what. But I think we should all have some faith in Paul Allen’s ability to make sound decisions. If he can’t, things are going to end poorly no matter what.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
I agree that it may not be a bad thing to make a change...
I think that KP and Nate may be a lot alike… Good character franchise rebuilding guys, able to bring in good character guys, decent evaluators of talent, can improve a team from terrible to playoff contender…
But I wonder if either have what it takes to build a champion. I mean, neither has done it before, and the lack of roster consolidation is a big problem.
A new GM wouldn’t look at guys like Martell as “their guys”, and instead might take a more level-headed talent evaluation, and realize that we have no superstar, (although Oden and Roy could reach that level after a decade of relatively injury free, championship runs) and a BUNCH of “B level” guys… (Rudy, Dre, LMA, Batum, Martell — all good, guys you need on the team, but none of those guys will put a team on their back and bring home a title)….
As much as I’ve appreciated KP’s moves to rebuild the franchise, and I think he’s done a great job to this point, a GM who is experienced at taking a playoff contender to a title contender may not be a bad move… Having Miller as the GM would be a disaster, tho… absolutely zero experience to show he has any eye for talent…
I also think that the rumors about KP pissing off rival GM’s (Pritchslap) has also hurt Portland’s ability to make any significant trades. (Not dealing RLEC was our first clue that all was not right in Blazer land…)
a GM who is experienced at taking a playoff contender to a title contender
seems like a very short list…
Spurs, Celtics, Lakers, Heat, Detroit, bulls…
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
I'm not referring to the just the email,
but the whole Miles injury saga, which KP was part of.
you mean getting a league appointed doctor to look at him?
Awesomeness (ô'səm-nes)
1. n. Something that inspires awe
2. n. Nicolas Batum
by thomasikehara on Mar 22, 2010 9:41 AM PDT up reply actions
It was still their decision, just like it was their decision to trim everything towards having cap space in 2009. The track record is not flawless. BUT, that in my opinion doesn’t warrant firing KP and his team now/making him so uncomfortable that he resigns. And paying him in the bottom 3-5 of all GMs.
But IF AWoj is correct...
And KP really has gone around complaining to folks outside of the organization, don’t you think that’s a valid reason to fire him?
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
That’s the job of his agent, going outside and checking the market. Incidentally LeGarie represents about half of the market, so he doesn’t even have to search far to know what other coaches and GMs make. Getting a raise by pointing out what others make and what you could make elsewhere? Happens every day.
I still hope he convinces the Vulcans to let him operate in peace one more year before they tighten the grips around him.
Yes, but blabbing to outsiders about how underpaid you are and complaining about how much Nates is paid is a problem.
That’s not about negotiating. Negotiating and citing what others make is fine. Bad-mouthing your owner is not.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
That’s Woj’s claim, not substantiated by anyone else. What seems to be the case is that KP indeed makes a lot less than Nate. Like five million in fixed salary.
Yes, but IF it's true, it would be grounds to fire KP in my mind.
That’s all I’m saying.
I’m not arguing that it is true.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
Do you own a business?
It is not unusual for employees to think they are not being paid enough. It is also pretty much expected they will complain about it, often to others. That alone is not a reason to fire someone.
If they start to extend their complaints to the point of bad mouthing the company, then you may have to consider termination, if you feel like it is hurting your business.
Clarence, It's better to have a gun and not need it, then need a gun and not have it.
Executives are held to a lot higher standard than employees generally...
KP is smart enough not to go mouthing off about Allen.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
Agreed
I’d also point out that if KP did that, it may have been singular… it may have been done VERY differently “still working on my contract… what’s up with them not signing? Is this normal? About what is the going rate anyway?” to another peer over the normal course of a conversation during three hours of doing something or other together..
There’s many ways this could have happened VERY differently than the way Awoj would like everyone to think.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
That's certainly true.
I wouldn’t be shocked if it were some sort of middle ground. I really doubt KP is dumb enough to go blabbing to other random execs around the league. But I wouldn’t be shocked if he said something stupid to a couple of “friends” who ratted him out, creating fairly widespread rumors that he was unhappy about his contract. And those rumors could get back to Vulcan and sound like KP was directly crying to everyone. Or perhaps LeGarie went and complained to other teams as part of a pitch to sign KP, something like, “Look, KP is criminally underpaid. Heck, Nate McMillian makes about five times more than he does. He’s fed up. Trust me, he’s available for the right price. He likes Portland and he’s attached to what he’s built, but you could have if you pay him what he’s worth.” If LeGarie has been going around saying that, and KP has made a few unwise comments of much less significance, the combination could be enough for Allen to feel betrayed.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
very near the mark
In the Vecsey article, Peter mentioned that Kiki (who is also represented by LaGarie) was let go from Denver just because of a rumor (probably advanced by his agent) that Vandeweghe was considering interviewing for the Cav’s job
So NBA owners giving their executives the boot based on hearsay is not confined to Paul Allen and the Vulcans
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
I've never been a huge fan of A-Woj, but...
the guy is usually pretty plugged into the best of “league sources”.. I think where there’s smoke there’s fire. The bottom line is that the team cannot let this thing fester and something has to give soon for the better of the team.
There’s clearly something going on, and its not good.
Firmly in favor of making a coaching change at the end of the season.
Free AK1984
I agree, somthing is going on, and it is not dull.
Not sure if it is good or not. KP’s agent represents him till he is fired. If KP does not agree with what he is saying, he needs to be steppin’ up pronto. It is a hazzard of success to take it for granted and forget that you are quite fortunate to have a job like KP does with an organization like Portland.
I did like how KP handled the Nate/Andre “crisis”. He is capable, if fallible. Not always clear who is calling the shots (Allen?).
"You be realistic," Oden said. "I’m going to stay happy. All right?"
my guess is something will happen after he meets with the Vulcans.
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
Any chance the team's abysmal play of late is tied to the drama?
I know they says it’s of no concern to them, but how do you explain two straight games where we shoot 30-some % against terrible to mediocre defenses with plenty of rest this late in the year? I can’t help but think there might be some correlation.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
Any fixable explanation is appreciated.
"You be realistic," Oden said. "I’m going to stay happy. All right?"
Abysmal?
I believe they were something like 10 – 2 going into the Suns game.
Clarence, It's better to have a gun and not need it, then need a gun and not have it.
well...
the last two games have been stinkers.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
Yes, abysmal:
32.1% & 36.4% from the field in the last two games, respectively. And I believe those happen to be the only games we’ve played since Penn got fired.
I agree, we were playing fine before that, albeit against generally suspect competition.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
poor reporting
I am tired of all of these journalists using “sources say” or “a source close to (fill in the blank)” to outline their argument. Whether it is politics or sports, this blatant mis-use of rumors and heresy is unacceptable. I am not discounting that there is a kernel of truth in this story, but how do we really know? How do we know that Adrian Wojnarowski “source close to the Blazers” was not John Canzano…who we all know continuously distorts rumors to make headlines?
this is how journalism works.
it’s not rumors if you hear it direct from the source. oftentimes, that involves a promise not to print their name. It’s standard operating procedure. If you want the inside info, you have to provide anonymity to the sources. Otherwise, you won’t get any info.
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
That is not true journalism
These are not military secrets. I would be willing to bet that John Canzano was the source.
come on man, get real
Woj is not going to talk to Canzano then report that as his sources within the team (and other teams). He might talk to JC and get some general information, but you can be darn sure he is going to go and corroborate it with other sources before reporting it.
I dont’ like the guy either, but at this point you can’t just stick your head in the sand and say “this is all just made up” because that is what you WANT to be true. Look at it objectively – something is going on.
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
You seem to have decided to believe it
without any real evidence either ….so what is you justification? No one…..not one person…has gone on record about what has gone on (except the agent of a fired guy) …and you have bought hook, line and sinker
Roybot: "Then he said "My girlfriend is from LA." to which I replied "Well then you need to find a new girlfriend."’
by 92wastheyear on Mar 22, 2010 9:59 AM PDT up reply actions
That is the only fact out there.....the only one
and we still haven’t heard why he was even fired….a bunch of people will tell you they know….but they don’t …they are only guessing
Roybot: "Then he said "My girlfriend is from LA." to which I replied "Well then you need to find a new girlfriend."’
by 92wastheyear on Mar 22, 2010 10:05 AM PDT up reply actions
FACTS
1. Penn was fired 10 months after a big promotion and raise in the middle of the season.
2. We don’t know why.
3. KP has gone MIA ever since.
4. KP & Penn’s agent, LeGarie, has pretty strongly attacked the Blazers’ organization.
5. LeGarie is a sketchy character with a long history of bad decisions that hurt his clients by creating apparent conflicts of interest to try to improve their bargaining positions.
6. Nate has steadfastly refused to sign a long-term contract extension or talk as if his future in Portland is guaranteed well into the future.
7. Pritchard is paid very little relative to other GMs and very very little relative to Nate.
8. There have been a TON of articles talking about deep seeded problems in the Portland front-office.
Those are a lot facts.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
And to be fair, 5 may not be one, but there are a lot of corroborating stories supporting it.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
1 ...this is the fact
2. This is what I was saying
3. Yes …he hasn’t said anything …we don’t know why
4. A fired guy’s agent is attacked the people who fired him
5. Maybe …but even that is know known to be a fact for sure
6. What does this have to do with anything?
7. We don’t even know if this is true
8. This is the biggest non-fact of all ….articles are NOT facts…especially the ones we have seen
Roybot: "Then he said "My girlfriend is from LA." to which I replied "Well then you need to find a new girlfriend."’
by 92wastheyear on Mar 22, 2010 10:44 AM PDT up reply actions
6. Nate’s unwillingness to sign a long deal shoes there is SOME issue he’s concerned about preventing him from committing. AWoj provides a very credible explanation.
8. The publication of many articles is a FACT. That’s not to say what they say is a fact. But it does show that there is a story… we just don’t know what it is. Your argument that nothing is up is belied by the simple fact that so many articles have been written saying that something is rotten in Blazerland.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
That last statement is one the most spurious arguments I have ever heard
The publication of many articles is a FACT. That’s not to say what they say is a fact. But it does show that there is a story
Let me paraphrase ….the fact that there is a story proves that there is a story??
Roybot: "Then he said "My girlfriend is from LA." to which I replied "Well then you need to find a new girlfriend."’
by 92wastheyear on Mar 22, 2010 10:53 AM PDT up reply actions
next and 11
Paul Allen is going to die… stay tuned.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
not cool
Come on you gotta listen unto me,
lay off that whiskey and let that cocaine be. ~Johnny Cash
by HurraKane212 on Mar 22, 2010 11:07 AM PDT up reply actions
Excuse my lax use of the word "story."
The fact that many articles have been published indicates that there really is something nasty going on behind the scenes. Even if all the details reported in the published stories aren’t accurate, we can safely bet that the general notion that that there is a dispute taking place behind the scenes between KP and ownership/Miller has some merit. And that is strongly corroborated by KP’s absence from the team and public silence, along with his agent’s incendiary comments.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
"And that is strongly corroborated by KP’s absence from the team and public silence, along with his agent’s incendiary comments."
Silence corroborates nothing…silence is nothing ….silence has no intrinsic meaning
Roybot: "Then he said "My girlfriend is from LA." to which I replied "Well then you need to find a new girlfriend."’
by 92wastheyear on Mar 22, 2010 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions
so, in your mind, this is all just NOTHING intended to sell papers or something?
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
We have no confirmed quotes from anyone
with the exception of Penn’s agent …with an acknowledged ax to grind. All the rest is just speculation from a pot stirrer (canzano) columnist and a reported with observed bad blood with the target of the article. So yeah….I have decided that I will wait till something actually happens before either changing my opinion of KP or even the Vulcans
Roybot: "Then he said "My girlfriend is from LA." to which I replied "Well then you need to find a new girlfriend."’
by 92wastheyear on Mar 22, 2010 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions
when there a massive amount of smoke, we can at least assume that something is going on.
KP’s agent represents him. If this is unauthorized, he needs to fire LeGarie immediately.
by Cablinasian on Mar 22, 2010 11:38 AM PDT up reply actions
This is the part that I can't get behind
when there a massive amount of smoke, we can at least assume that something is going on.
Sorry but smoke is not fire …..and I have personally had issues with this in my real life ….being bad mouthed by people who had been fired for cause
Roybot: "Then he said "My girlfriend is from LA." to which I replied "Well then you need to find a new girlfriend."’
by 92wastheyear on Mar 22, 2010 11:45 AM PDT up reply actions
They have a clear incentive to lie.
There’s no clear incentive for all of these reporters and the league sources to be making stuff up. They may not have all of the facts straight, but if all of this stuff is simply smoke, I would be utterly shocked and it would be a case of extremely unprofessional behavior on the part of a number of reputable (and less reputable) reporters.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
no clear incentive?
Other than the most obvious clear incentive….selling their stories. What happens to these reporters if all or most of this turns out to be BS?? Not a damn thing. Look Vescey has been working for years without being right ….but he makes a fine living doing it
Roybot: "Then he said "My girlfriend is from LA." to which I replied "Well then you need to find a new girlfriend."’
by 92wastheyear on Mar 22, 2010 11:57 AM PDT up reply actions
No way...
Being wrong is one thing. Writing the kinds of stories they’re writing about a very powerful owner and front office executives in the league isn’t a good career move for folks who make their living off of being trustworthy reporters for confidential inside sources.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
that
is a valid point…
unless you manage to get one you have an agenda against fired that you hate with the power of a thousand suns.
you’re likely right… but… awoj is an a-o. I suspect he’d trot the edge more closely than most in an effort to get KP fired.
Canzano loves drama. He mucks it up and it’s wonderful for him.
hopefully i’ts all cleared up at 2pm today.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
Yea, it would be great if the presser at 2pm contains real info.
Do we know what AWoj’s beef with KP is?
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
confirmed quotes?!?!
When have you EVER seen confirmed quotes about something like this, even when it comes to be true later? Never, that’s when. That’s just not how this stuff works. People don’t go on the record because they can’t. Doesn’t mean the information isn’t good.
I’m not saying it definately IS solid information, but you can’t simply dismiss it because the sources aren’t quoted either. Documented sourced quotes NEVER happen prior to moves, always after (if at all).
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
So what?
When have you EVER seen confirmed quotes about something like this, even when it comes to be true later?
If you don’t know who is saying what ….you cannot give make an intelligent assessment of whether it is a truth ..half truth..or out right lie. In that case you can only go on the reporter’s reputation …in this case A-Woj and Canzano. Well, guess what? I happen to think both of those guys can be trusted about as far as i can throw them
Roybot: "Then he said "My girlfriend is from LA." to which I replied "Well then you need to find a new girlfriend."’
by 92wastheyear on Mar 22, 2010 11:50 AM PDT up reply actions
you are letting your dislike of them cloud your judgement.
We certainly don’t know the extent of what’s going on in Blazerland, but at this point saying all is fine and dandy is just naive beyond belief.
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
That is the type of argument that I hate
why you ask? Because if this turns out to be nothing more than what we know right now…you will still come out and say you were right …even if all that happened was Tom Penn was fired and he has a loudmouthed agent.
Roybot: "Then he said "My girlfriend is from LA." to which I replied "Well then you need to find a new girlfriend."’
by 92wastheyear on Mar 22, 2010 12:00 PM PDT up reply actions
reported=reporter
I referring to A-Woj
Roybot: "Then he said "My girlfriend is from LA." to which I replied "Well then you need to find a new girlfriend."’
by 92wastheyear on Mar 22, 2010 11:36 AM PDT up reply actions
Except when when typically speaks out in these sorts of situations.
Every time the Blazers hit a bump, KP comes out to calm everyone down. He’s conspicuously absent this time around.
Whether silence has a meaning or not, a change in behavior can be very telling.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
Ben seems to strongly agree...
But the most troubling bit in all of this, to me, has been Pritchard’s silence over the past week.
Time and again over the last three years Pritchard has been out front when bad news breaks, spinning so forcefully and so effortlessly that both media and fans were able, almost, to predict his cheery statements before he said them. Worse than anything mentioned in Abbott’s piece or Wojnarowski’s piece is the fact that Pritchard has uttered virtually nothing in response to Penn’s firing and actively avoided taking the opportunity to address the rumors concerning his own future last week.
Instead, he’s left the talking to Larry Miller, who has stumbled through it with vagaries and double-talking cliches. And, of course, his agent Warren LeGarie — who apparently needs his Adderall dosage scaled back — has escalated things gracelessly. Pritchard, master of owning the story, has abandoned the bookstore.
By remaining silent, an organization that Pritchard has defended so many times has taken hit after hit after hit without a response. To me, that’s not a good sign.
This also supports my fears about the potential onset of the Larry Miller era. Whatever his faults may be, KP has done many fantastic things for this organization. Drafting and talent evaluation are only half the story. His ability to create a positive culture and expectation of future success in the aftermath of the Jail Blazer era was a real asset we often overlook. KP at least appeared to pull the team, the front office, the fans, and media together to hope in a brighter future and end the acidic environment of distrust that once pervaded all things Blazer related. I sure hope those days don’t return.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
Orrrrr.....
Tom Penn was fired for cause….and no one is allowed to talk about it for legal reasons
Roybot: "Then he said "My girlfriend is from LA." to which I replied "Well then you need to find a new girlfriend."’
by 92wastheyear on Mar 22, 2010 12:26 PM PDT up reply actions
KP would normally come out and say something about how the team is fine.
He doesn’t have to say anything about why Penn was fired.
KP ALWAYS comes out to paint a rosy picture, even when he can’t offer details.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
Very true. The Blazers could open themselves
up to all kinds of legal ramifications if anyone in the organization says ANYTHING about the reasons for the firing. That’s true in any company. In the large company I used to work for, if a possible employer just called for references about anyone they were only told that, yes, so and so worked here. Nothing else. It didn’t matter how good or bad the previous employee’s work record had been. They didn’t want to be sued.
#52
I too used to work for a large company
that is exactly true.
Roybot: "Then he said "My girlfriend is from LA." to which I replied "Well then you need to find a new girlfriend."’
by 92wastheyear on Mar 22, 2010 12:49 PM PDT up reply actions
#3 is irrelevant
most GMs aren’t making public statements on a daily basis, they are generally working behind the scenes. I mean, yeah, they put on their face for certain things, but saying he’s gone “MIA” after a week of rumor-mongering is a bit presumptuous I would say
by Billy Hoyle on Mar 22, 2010 12:43 PM PDT up reply actions
Except KP isn't most GMs
He’s VERY good at controlling public perceptions and the pulse of the fan base. That’s one of his amazing talents. This of all times is a time you would expect him to have said something by now. It would be normal to issue a public statement when your right-hand man gets fired.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
i didn't say i believed it all
but i do believe something is going down. a dispassionate observation of all available evidence points to the obvious conclusion that there is SOMETHING going on inside BlazerHQ. This isn’t just made up junk by a few reporters/columnists.
People NEVER go on record about this kind of stuff until well after the hammer drops. That’s just standard operating procedure.
I haven’t bought anything. I’ve looked at the available information and come to the conclusion that no matter what I WISH was true, there is just to much here for me to stick my head in the sand and say “oh, it’s just those guys making stuff up again”.
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
A-Woj was totally right on the Miles thing too
We all hated it, but it was true
Believing AWoj and arguing that Canzano is his source are two VERY DIFFERENT things
Do you honestly think AWoj has so little credibility and is so unprofessional as to call Canzano an inside source and refer to him as a league executive and reprint Canzano’s paranoid speculation without even citing him?
AWoj clearly has some real sources, and they’re not LeGarie (he doesn’t exactly speak well of LeGarie). Are AWoj’s sources correct? Who knows. They’re probably not 100% incorrect.
AWoj’s article stands up to the sniff test. I think the odds are that some of it is correct. How much is an open question.
The real question is what happens next?
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
douglast
“…you can’t just stick your head in the sand and say "this is all just made up" because that is what you WANT to be true.”
Please do not make assumptions about me, especially over a blog.
An excerpt from my first post, "I am not discounting that there is a kernel of truth in this story, but how do we really know? "
If you know the truth, please tell me.
i was using "you" in the general sense, not meant to be pointed at YOU specifically.
I apologize if that was unclear.
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
The final source is listed as an NBA executive.
Unless AWoj is lying, which I highly doubt given that it would be grounds for his termination, that source isn’t Canzano or any other reporter.
AWoj might take quotes out of context. He might exaggerate. He might reprint info from less-than-credible sources, but I don’t think he’ll lie. And those final quotes are very specific. I doubt they’re exaggerated or taken out of context, and I would be shocked if another league executive made that stuff up.
I’m not fan of AWoj. Canzano’s article clearly contained a lot of speculation—it just didn’t stand up to logic. Vescey’s made more sense, but was a bit sparse on real detail re: the Blazers. But this AWoj article really seems pretty credible to me, as much as I hate to say it. I hope he’s wrong. But I’m beginning to think he’s at least partially correct.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
Why would Penn attack KP and say he should have kept his mouth shut?
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
Here is something that doesn't make a lot of sense.
So Wojnarowski is talking to NBA exec’s and accurately reporting what they are saying to him. But what is it that makes us believe these exec’s either know what they are talking about or are perhaps making it up?
Exactly how do these exec’s and ront office people in other organizations get insider information about the Blazer front office? That’s the part that should give us all good reason to be wary of what is being written.
Clarence, It's better to have a gun and not need it, then need a gun and not have it.
have you every worked in a small circle industry?
I have. People talk to people in other companies – all the time. People leave company A for company B, etc, etc. but those personal conenctions remain, and people talk and share information. The NBA is no different – it’s a very closed circle community in which people jump from “company” to “company” all the time.
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
so where
are all of the credible sports writers on this topic? Like for example anyone at ESPN, who would have infinitely more reliable contacts than Woj or Vecsey
like him or not
Woj has probably the best sources in the league. He breaks about half the stories in the league.
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
You mean like Henry Abbott?
He reported that KP could be in trouble too.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
And he's not a KP hater.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
Abbott
just weighed in on the situation. He didn’t really add any new or relevant information, he just talked about what was already put out there. He didn’t even validate anything, so your point fails
I do work in a rather closed circle industry.
And yes, I do hear about stuff going on. But most often it is after the fact. You hear about someone leaving or getting fired and maybe – but certainly not always – you hear about some of the reasons.
As for how much “jumping” occurs in the NBA, I have to take your word on that. We hear about coaches and even GM’s getting recycled and I am sure it is safe to assume they have a tendency to bring along people they like to work with. But I have no idea how extensive that is. And from the somewhat limited experience I have, the higher up you get in management, the more tight lipped you usually become.
Clarence, It's better to have a gun and not need it, then need a gun and not have it.
John Strong shared the story, yesterday
he and Vance (and other Portland media members) were talking to a NBA exec down in Vegas who told them that the Vulcans were now (as of last July) second-guessing the Blazer’s decision to draft Oden vs Durant
Now, we have no way of telling how this exec got this info, but Strong and Vance said their jaws hit the floor and they didn’t talk about this much (even off the air) until the Penn firing brought these allegations to light and the rumors started flying
So there’s an example of “insider info” that was shared at a relatively public place between more than 2 people. We can only assume it’s a normal part of doing NBA business for those who are “connected” (And if a writer/radio host divulges his sources, he won’t remain “connected” for very long…word gets around)
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
The only thing that causes me concern is that we haven't heard from Pritchard
He has been conspicous by his absence.
#52
He may have been told by Miller that if he says something he will be fired !!!
See…I can make up stuff too….maybe I should be a reporter
Roybot: "Then he said "My girlfriend is from LA." to which I replied "Well then you need to find a new girlfriend."’
by 92wastheyear on Mar 22, 2010 9:47 AM PDT up reply actions
I thought about that. But don't you think Canzano, Quick, Smith, Ben, whomever
Would have been trying to get ahold of him on his Blackberry? He isn’t talking for whatever reason. And I won’t even begin to speculate on why.
#52
by blazermaniac32 on Mar 22, 2010 11:03 AM PDT up reply actions
Sometimes
reacting can cause more issues than it resolves.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
but basically LeGarie is reacting on behalf of KP. Until KP fires him, I think we have to see it that way. So it’s not like KP is letting cooler heads prevail—even though he’s not blasting the Blazer’s organization the guy he’s paying is. It’s fair to attribute LeGarie’s comments to KP until we hear otherwise.
I agree here.
It’s spinning out of control if this was simply supposed to be leverage.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
according to Canzano
KP is going to make a statement soon.
Ben II Blazersedge.com || New to Blazers' Edge?
Permission to panic??
KP is the single biggest reason we are an annual playoff contender instead of the Jail Blazers. What POSSIBLE justification is there for his firing? He made no obvious mistake and even if he did I would think his track record makes it so that he has earned a strike or two.
you have to look internally
basketball-wise, he firing would be completely unjustified. But IF some of these reported events are true, then you really have to fire him. You can’t have your GM going around undermining your coach, or the President, or trying to pull fast ones on ownerships, or running around the league asking about pay and whining about not getting a new contract.
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
There likely is a kernel of truth to his behavior
but context is important. Like statistics it can be easy to spin things to your side of the story if you only include the tidbits that justify your sentiment or present them in a context that represents your view.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
Context is important
But I’m having a hard time envisioning a context in which those accusations are really defensible. Also, we don’t know whether KP will be fired. Even AWoj doesn’t say it’s a done deal.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
batum>KP>all GMs>thomasikehara>bavasi
Awesomeness (ô'səm-nes)
1. n. Something that inspires awe
2. n. Nicolas Batum
Canzano is a clown.
I love this line:
It wouldn’t be long until LeGarie became combative with Portland ownership, and all hell broke loose in the past week when the agent went public with columnist John Canzano of The Oregonian.
Meaning, Canzano’s doomsday article that Pritchard was in hot water with the organization was at least partially self-fulfilling, because he gave LeGarie a platform that has only fueled ownership’s (well deserved, it would seem) ire.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
he gave LeGarie a platform that has only fueled ownership’s (well deserved, it would seem) ire.
but it’s not like Canzano is the only one who would have published LeGarie’s nastiness. It’s LeGarie’s responsibility to rep for KP and Penn, so he would have found a way to get that story broad distribution.
Sure, but Canzano gave him the perfect platform.
He didn’t point out the obvious fact that LeGarie’s motives are questionable at best and wrote a giant speculative shock piece based one one quote. Some reporter would have given LeGarie a platform, just not one so high.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
You think?
Canzano is a muckraker not a reporter.
Naturally
but LeGarie knew exactly what he was doing. There’s a reason he went to Canzano—he wanted a Canzano type piece published. Canzano is terrible, but ultimately it comes back to KP, LeGarie and Penn.
Sure, I agree.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
If any of what Wajnarowski says is true .....
…. (and I take everything he says about Pritchard with a grain of salt), then KP is probably done. His best hope in my opinion is to sit down with management, acknowledge that he’s acted immaturely, explain how much he loves his job and wants to stay.
There are things Pritchard has brought, at least it appears that way to us, that have made this team both relevant and a favorite of fans. The conviction on character being important is one of the biggest in my eyes. If Paul Allen recognizes those things and KP straighten outs his act, he could save his job.
Clarence, It's better to have a gun and not need it, then need a gun and not have it.
If AWoj is correct, then the Blazers obviously value KP
Otherwise they would have fired him last summer. And even AWoj says they think he’s a great talent evaluator.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
our depth has saved us this season
and KP brought that depth in
Awesomeness (ô'səm-nes)
1. n. Something that inspires awe
2. n. Nicolas Batum
Roy and Aldridge helped change this team from the Jail Blazers to the Trail Blazers
KP spun the #4 pick in the draft to the #2 and #6 to draft those two guys.
Don't forget Ainge's generosity!
Without his willingness to give us #7 for Bassey, we wouldn’t have Roy!
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
the vulcons should worry about how badly the seahawks are getting screwed over by their new GM
Awesomeness (ô'səm-nes)
1. n. Something that inspires awe
2. n. Nicolas Batum
A week ago if you told me KP was on the verge of being fired
I would punch you in the face and call you a liar. How has this changed so quickly?
famouse people lying
Awesomeness (ô'səm-nes)
1. n. Something that inspires awe
2. n. Nicolas Batum
by thomasikehara on Mar 22, 2010 9:55 AM PDT up reply actions
As with most things the truth is likely in the middle
KP, in my opinion, simply doesnt have the experience to build a championship team. He has show the ability to acquire pieces through the draft, but a lot of his success there was due to Paul Allen being willing to throw a couple million to get a deal done.
KP’s unwillingness to part with his players selected in the draft while they still have value due to their potential, see Sergio, is another mark against him. And Greg Oden will always be his pick
Was that KP
or Paul Allen?
Allen is hte one who wanted Sergio in the first place.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
Whatever the case was
Sergio should have been traded. And KP has said many times he has trouble parting with his players
Hmmmm....Sergio was traded
in case you missed it
Roybot: "Then he said "My girlfriend is from LA." to which I replied "Well then you need to find a new girlfriend."’
by 92wastheyear on Mar 22, 2010 10:00 AM PDT up reply actions
2 years too late
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
How would we know he was not going to develop at all? The reason we kept him is the same reason his value was so high—everybody thought he would grow into a starting caliber PG. Nobody thought he was likely to start 2010-2011 playing for Barcelona.
But the result was he never developed
Paul Allen spent a couple million to buy the pick and eventually Sergio was traded to move up in the second round
Yeah, but those are the breaks of the game. KP’s overall record in spotting and developing talent is fabulous. Batum, Bayless, LA, Roy, Fernandez. I don’t think KP has missed on a single lottery pick (Oden will come good), and he’s found Cunningham, Fernandez and Batum outside the lottery. If you think someone is going to do better than that, well I don’t know what to say.
No its true
But they bought the picks for Rudy and Batum. You cant be certain about Oden.
He was playing the draft game with loaded dice in a way.
He has parted with them though
now… whether the decision to part or not part was made by KP or others… that is definitely an area of concern if KP wasn’t behind the moves.
KP has parted though and if he was behind the parts, he’s done a decent job.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
It's been due to
spotting talent, figuring out HOW to go after what you want, and then doing what it takes to get it.
Paul Allen spent a couple million here and there but planning has a lot more to do with things over simply writing a check.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
oh, and those millions...
were mostly spent on PA pet projects.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
good post
i won’t hold GO against KP. but the ownership could (rationally or not). On the other points you are exactly right. Outlaw could have netted us Devin Harris in the kid deal, but we didn’t want to do it. We then could have gotten a 1st rounder for him the next summer. again, we say no. Think we ended up turning another deal down for him as well.
Sergio’s value was sky high after his rookie year, then we just sat on him and watched it plummet to the point where we had to pay to get rid of him. Frye wasted away on our bench and is now a very serviceable player for Phoenix.
That’s the price of this vaunted depth – wasted assets. short term, it helps with injuries, but longer term, you just wasted opportunities to improve your team. you can only play 5 guys at a time. trading 2 or 3 players for 1 that is a few notches up on the talent scale is almost always a good idea.
KP’s biggest faults, basketball-wise, thus far, have been being overly risk-averse. it’s almost as though his fear of making the wrong move has paralyzed him from making any move.
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
by douglast on Mar 22, 2010 10:00 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
maybe
KP’s biggest faults, basketball-wise, thus far, have been being overly risk-averse.
But maybe not. The big movers and shakers over the last year have done very poorly—overpaying for assets and harming long term prospects. Hedo, Richard Jefferson, Gordon and Villanueva and Vince Carter were all pretty poor acquisitions. So I think in many ways KP has been right to not move unless it’s a slam dunk.
He has young valuable talent
so… yeah.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
He hasn't needed to rush to move
I would be disappointed if we didn’t go after Harris and it was REALLY only Outlaw needed, but we, as fans, don’t know what the truth is there. Most rumors are bunk and due to agendas of other teams. (they’re offering this, counter…)
Frye wasted away because we had better talent.
Sergio… I agree but I suspect PA there.
A first rounder for Travis, I’d say no to that too depending on the team. Some teams I might say yes, but they’d need to be a miserable team.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
remember when "league sources"
said that we would absolutley trade miller?
Awesomeness (ô'səm-nes)
1. n. Something that inspires awe
2. n. Nicolas Batum
they could have been right
maybe we got no offers that we liked. maybe we realized once Przy went down that we would need Blake to trade for a center before the deadline, which effectively cancelled the idea of trading Andre. we just dont know
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
Roy's injury also inhibited our ability to trade Miller
And really helped Miller pick up his game. Two unexpected factors that greatly shifted our direction after those reports came out.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
KP needs to fire his agent.
after reading about this for the past week LeGarie hasn’t helped his client at all. KP getting Camby has shown that he can make a move during the season and that he’s not just good on draft day. If KP survives the meeting with the Vulcans and hopefully fires his agent we should give him a big fat raise.
by HighSchoolQuarterback on Mar 22, 2010 9:57 AM PDT reply actions
it is paul allen that refuses to let go of rudy
Awesomeness (ô'səm-nes)
1. n. Something that inspires awe
2. n. Nicolas Batum
Considering sergio
I’d believe that. I think Rudy should be traded because he simply doesn’t fit here. LOVE him, but doesn’t fit.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
Where is his value now though?
Last year it seemed sky high. Now he seems like such a one-dimensional player
I'd have been accepting of trading him last year too
players like him are simply a bad fit here. Love him, but if he doesn’t if he won’t do well.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
like LaMarcus, I just think he's flashy. But he's more fun to watch than
LaMarcus.
Treat people well because Karma can hit you at any second.
what exactly are you arguing here?
and what relevance does it have when I agree that Rudy should have been traded and should be traded?
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
It is hard to trade popular players
Flashy=popularity
not a good business decision to trade him... Rudy provides more added exposure
to Blazer Basketball than any other player on this team – and at a very good price. Spain shows Blazers games. People from Spanish communities from all over the country go Blazer road games wearing Blazer gear and rooting for Portland because of him.
Treat people well because Karma can hit you at any second.
That is an excellent point
and definitely something to consider from a business perspective. however, if he doesn’t do well, why are people going to tune in?
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
i see your point rat.
i guess i dunno if Rudy as a backup makes that big of difference in team performance one way or another. but he is somewhat entertaining to watch.
Treat people well because Karma can hit you at any second.
He really is and has a flair to entertain
so far, though, he just hasn’t looked like he fitted. I love what he brings, but our system or the players playing, just haven’t seemed able to harness it.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
Bingo!
Rudy is a hugely undervalued asset. Nate isn’t using him to his potential. Rudy should absolutely be the 6th man of the year for the next decade…
I entirely agree with this.
I think Rudy and LA both would do a lot better with a new coach. I think Brandon would take more time to adjust but the whole team would be much better if these two were used to their full potential.
#10 & #52
Woj makes us like Canzano at his worst
Woj is simply an adherent of his own position regardless of contrary information. He is not a journalist. He is a columnist of the yellow journalism variety. Anyone buying Woj’s portrayal, or even takes it serious, needs to pop open a cold one and chill.
KP's agent
is a stupid head. Regardless of all else here, I think KP needs a new more professional agent.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
Agreed
even is this crap is true there are professional and unprofessional ways of dealing/getting the message out.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
this paragraph has so much hate in it
Vulcan, the Blazers’ parent company, had watched Pritchard embark upon several selfish and destructive bents, and strong sentiment existed to fire him. Owner Paul Allen and the Vulcan executives no longer trusted him to put the franchise before his own ambitions. The list of transgressions that troubled Vulcan always came back to similar themes: Pritchard’s thirst for public adulation, money and power.
Awesomeness (ô'səm-nes)
1. n. Something that inspires awe
2. n. Nicolas Batum
hmmm
Power: The ability to get work done. I don’t know about you, but I like to accomplish things.
Money: he’s making 800k and is bottom three in the NBA… yeah I’d want my pay day too.
Adulation: Frankly, I’d want to keep my fan base happy was well. Word that how you like.
KP was the face of the organization when there was NOTHING else to cheer about. Roy and Aldridge were still unknowns. Cancers still thrived (zach/miles) in the locker rooms.
Those thirsts are made to sound so horrible and sinister… are there actually blazer fans out there who’d knock KP for any of those?
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
Pritchard’s thirst for public adulation, money and power.
. hahaha! who doesn’t?
Treat people well because Karma can hit you at any second.
well a lot of GM's for one
How many could you pick out of a lineup?
The best GMs get serious adulation from NBA folks. RC and Kupchak are sort of the royalty, with Morey, Presti and possibly KP as the up and comers. It’s not like those guys don’t get credit.
Also
as i mentioned above… KP became a great PR person that signaled change. It would be DUMB to NOT have played on that.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
Kupchak doesn’t believe in statistical analysis. He’ll fall by the wayside when Kobe is old and broken. Look at some of the contracts they’ve handed out.
by Cablinasian on Mar 22, 2010 10:28 AM PDT up reply actions
just saying he has a good rep. Largely arising from being in LA and the Gasol trade. The fact that they still have Derek Fischer playing significant minutes is a big minus for me though.
The Lakers still can't function without him.
That is my point. My brother the Laker fan was drooling over getting Hinirch and many of the purple and gold supporters that pay any attention realize that this team will not function correctly if they cannot find Fish’s replacement.
#10 & #52
I just don't see Farmar, Vujacic, or Brown.
As ever being starting PGs for a Phil Jackson team. He’d probably try and convert Luke Walton or Lamar Odom before that happened.
#10 & #52
I thought D. Howard
was the worst?
I read that in a post somewhere.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
I dunno, the article doesn't really set off my crap detector.
I think KP is probably toast. As much as he’s done for the organization, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that only he can do those things. It’s not so. And if the article is right, Allen would be nuts to keep him.
I think we should probably just figure out how we’re moving on.
keep in mind
you’re reading a story by someone with an agenda.
The spin of that story reflects this strongly.
“I was walkign down the street the other day and saw a dollar so i picked it up”
“He was walking down the street looking sinister, then reached out and TOOK something that wasn’t his. Sources have told me how that this is a habit of his and how he was never apologetic about it.”
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
Yes, I get all that, all I'm telling you is that I negotiate contracts worth over a hundred million dollars for a living
(which I do NOT get a cut of, alas) and I’ve gotten pretty good at reading between the lines. And while I don’t think the article is necessarily gospel, it’s not a pack of lies either. And if only part of it is true, if I were KP’s boss, I’d be pissed.
Fair enough
I’d definitely be pissed too and want a conversation ASAP.
Awoj LIKES to go after KP though. The man has a serious agenda for whatever reason. I just wanted to point out how easy it is to spin something in a sinister light when it may be true, but completely NOT what really happened.
I also agree the fact that KP hasn’t fired his agent signals an issue.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
I completely agree
This isn’t all hot air, like it or not.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
Not to mention KP is a bit of a neophyte
Its not like he had a ton of experience. I wonder if he doesnt understand the politics of being a GM.
This
VERY likely, i’d suspect he’s stepped on landmines without intention.
This happens with young people tossed into the world of business early. You’re ideal, you hope to get things done, you’re open and trusting and not guarded to the legalities (miles and his knee is a good example).
All that being the case, it makes sense to fire Penn. Penn may have helped feed that, and Blazer Management decided to keep KP, while reigning him in.
In the end… this whole things sucks.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
Canzano just tweeted:
Lots of rumblings regarding Kevin Pritchards future w the Blazers today. He’s expected to make an announcement in the next 24 hours or so.
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
he'll do what i said he should have done the day they fired Penn - resign.
If you can’t trust the people above you, why give them the chance to fire you? Leave on your own terms.
He’ll resign, live on his savings, have his agent put feelers out there, and have a new GM job by the end of Summer.
In the future, Warren LeGarie and Vulcan will never do business again. Regardless of how tantalizing the client is.
Treat people well because Karma can hit you at any second.
Kevin Durant?!!?
Oh wait…
Woj is a tool
If we win a title, I promise not to hate on anyone associated with the Blazers for 1 full season - jksnake99
by fajunga on Mar 22, 2010 10:30 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
i find this picture highly offensive
that man has his hand down the front of his trousers.
Treat people well because Karma can hit you at any second.
I'm fine with this.
The draft is pretty much behind us and so far KP has proved to be a one trick pony of sorts. A really terrific one trick pony, but still…
by Nick Van Excellent on Mar 22, 2010 10:44 AM PDT reply actions
Clippers trades don't count on the resume.
That’s like telling a kid to look at a spot on their palm and then make them hit themselves while calling yourself clever.
Yes! Yes! In the face!
thats what i tried to point out
in a fanpost a couple of days ago… i got flamed for saying KP might not be as good as we believe him to be.
He's been amazing so far.
But most of that took place in the draft. He hasn’t been very good so far at making trades or free agent acquisitions in general.
by Nick Van Excellent on Mar 22, 2010 11:12 AM PDT up reply actions
Camby
miller…
If those weren’t KP, then I agree. If KP was involved, I disagree.
Turkeyglue would have been a negative, but it’s hinted there were other moves to follow, so we really don’t know.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
If you don't believe there is some truth to these articles
just keep in mind that ever since the Penn firing, KP’s been MIA in public… we haven’t heard one single statement from him.
Nor have we gotten a serious statement about KP’s status as a GM… im sure the Blazers organization is fully aware of these articles, and if there wasn’t any truth to them, someone would have made a public statement and denied these allegations.
Again, with so many reporters pointing out that KP’s job is at stake, you gotta believe that everything is not all fine and dandy in Blazerland.
Miller denied them.
For what it’s worth of course. He came out and did an interview with the Columbian, I believe, saying KP was still the GM.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
but that wasnt really that formal of a statement
plus i dont think even Miller is fully aware of the situation… this runs deeper than him
I really want to know what Quick's take on all of this is
I’m assuming he has a pretty good idea of what’s going on. If only he’d spill the beans.
but... then he'd tick off blazer fans.
and likely blazer management.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
what a bad Monday
first we get this debacle of a health insurance reform bill that doesn’t address the real problems, then this.
can i get a do over?
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
i know!
I can’t wait until i see how much my rates will be going up!
Treat people well because Karma can hit you at any second.
I'll just be dropping my coverage...
Oh wait, they’ll fine me!
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
I like good ones
politics is an awesome way to find solution to issues without going to war over it.
The problem is that many politicians don’t care about issues… they care about appearance and soundbites. this results in lack of guts and a ton of misinformation.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
You can't blame that bill on Monday.
This shadow of a reform bill has been obvious for months.
#10 & #52
oh I know
but it’s finally come to pass this day.
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
And I guess that if any of these rumblings and rumors have weight.
They are also not brand new for this Monday.
#10 & #52
How many players (and who) do you guys see being with the franchise 5 years from now?
I’ll guess 2. Roy and Nic the Quick.
Treat people well because Karma can hit you at any second.
None.
The team will implode when KP leaves. They’re all going to voluntarily hang up their kicks out of protest. PA will move the franchise to Seattle and rename them then Sonics. OKC will hit some bumps, fall on hard times financially, and look for a bigger market. The recently vacated Rose Garden will welcome them with open arms and we’ll officially get a do-over for the ‘07 draft, welcoming Durant and KP’s fave from ’08, Westbrook, into Portland to reestablish the Trail Blazers franchise. Roy and Batum will come back from their brief retirement, along with a fully healed Oden, to fill the Thunder/Blazers gaps and give us 10 straight championships.
We can dream, right?
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
I have a feeling that even though most Blazer fans will hate to admit it....much of this article makes sense in context with what we've seen lately
Ben has stated numerous times that Pritchard hasn’t been himself for almost the entire season and been notably absent from the public appearances lately. It would also shed more light on why Mcmillan has not signed an extension yet.
yep
and if KP is fired, or even resigns when he speaks early this week, then we can likely expect stories to start coming out that will be intended to placate members of the fanbase angry with the firing. It’s all about spin at that point.
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
The whole article is muddled.
It weaves Pritchard with the actions and words of LeGarie, then asserts KP was in cohoots with Penn and LeGarie to leverage Penn’s offer from the Timberwolves.
The rest of the article was hearsay about KP whining about his contract to his mother, dog, or maybe his pastor.
I’m not going to speculate too much about the internal politics. These types of things are never transparent nor retain a factual interpretation.
"I'm at the thingamajig talking the yakety-yak" - Kenny Smith
Inconsistent article
When negotiations became contentious with star Brandon Roy, Pritchard didn’t stand firm with the limits of ownership’s offer. What’s more, Pritchard tried to cozy up to Roy by selling the notion that it was the two of them together trying to get the contracts they deserved from owner Paul Allen.
Miller has increased his influence on the basketball side over the past year, including taking a prominent role not only in the Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge talks, but he also has become involved in much smaller matters, like ironing out a deal for second-round draft pick Patty Mills.
First of all, I’m entirely skeptical of this article due to the fact it’s from Woj. He has a deep and utter hatred for Kevin Pritchard for which no one knows why.
Should we blame Miller for the over-sized Aldridge contract? The management was upset with KP for not staying within “limits” on Roy’s contract yet Miller goes and gives a massive contract to Aldridge?
The management didn’t want to give a max contract to Roy after last year’s brilliant performance? There’s so much inconsistency in the article. I just about not believe a word of it.
There’s definitely some type of politics going on behind the scenes. But I wouldn’t trust Woj to handle it with truth.
"I'm at the thingamajig talking the yakety-yak" - Kenny Smith
well, one thing is for sure
LMA doesn’t have anywhere near the injury history of Roy. If ownerships was concerned about Roy breaking down, and thus wanted to keep the total years on the contract down, you can understand that. Overpaid or not, years were not likely a concern on the Aldridge deal. Outside his heart issue his rookie year, he has missed no substantial time due to injury, and has no history of it. Roy’s injury history is longer than Oden’s, though not as serious.
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
That's speculation Doug.
In the end, management did give Roy a max contract. If the management didn’t adhere to their “limit”, then they didn’t really intend to follow through on their self-imposed contractual limit.
In fact, they went up and beyond to sign Aldridge to a comparable contract.
"I'm at the thingamajig talking the yakety-yak" - Kenny Smith
Right, you it’s not right blame KP for being spendthrift when you give him permission. That doesn’t mean the Vulcan’s can’t do it.
what is speculation?
LMA’s injury history versus Roy’s is documented fact, so I assume you must be talking about the contract stuff.
the part about management not wanting to give Roy as many years as he got? I didn’t speculate that, I’m repeating it from the articles being discussed. If KP really did undermine that wish, they may have had no choice but to agree to it, other than letting Roy walk. If all that’s true, in their mind KP weakened the team’s position at the negotiating table. Just because they went along in the end doesn’t mean they were happy about it. Again, none of this is my speculation, just extending the reported complaint to it’s logical place.
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
Is this not speculation?
If KP really did undermine that wish, they may have had no choice but to agree to it, other than letting Roy walk. I
There also goes to the point that Roy said he keeps his hands out of negotiations.
The question comes to why would KP talk to Roy personally about contract negotiations? From the article, it sounds like KP was directly negotiating with the star player. Trying to cozy up with Roy?
The inconsistency of the article makes me question Woj’s motive and credibility on the topic.
"I'm at the thingamajig talking the yakety-yak" - Kenny Smith
i did say IF
im just using the information at hand to present the plausible scenarios
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
I have another plausible scenario
Woj is overreaching and exaggerating with his interpretation. His sources are misinterpreting events.
Nothing in Woj’s column history regarding Pritchard leads to believe otherwise.
"I'm at the thingamajig talking the yakety-yak" - Kenny Smith
yep
that’s possible as well. i guess we’ll see
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
and adding in what was said on 95.5 now
granted, it was a caller who claimed to have well placed sources, but he had a lot of pretty specific intormation.
his take was that KP riled up Roy’s camp so much in negotiations, that Roy’s agent went over his head to Miller/Vulcans to get the deal done.
IF true, maybe this points to KP’s relative inexperience in this area of being a GM?
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
Doesn't that contradict Woj's assertion that KP didn't stay within the owner's limt?
The only way to rile up Roy’s camp would be to play hardball in negotiations.
"I'm at the thingamajig talking the yakety-yak" - Kenny Smith
it seems to yes
but both are possible explanations, as is yours.
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
They could both fit...
Ownership tells KP not to give Roy more than 3 full years guaranteed.
KP tries to be tough with Roy and ticks him off.
Roy goes to ownership.
Ownership tells KP not to screw things up.
KP feels like he’s being squeezed and tries to turn the tables, as Woj claims, by telling Roy they’re on the same side against Allen, and undermines ownership’s direction not to give Roy a long deal.
Miller takes over and finishes the deal but has to give Roy 5 years because KP already promised it.
I’m not saying that happened, but it’s possible both accounts are accurate.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
Lol
Convoluted
Roybot: "Then he said "My girlfriend is from LA." to which I replied "Well then you need to find a new girlfriend."’
by 92wastheyear on Mar 22, 2010 12:27 PM PDT up reply actions
I heard KP made a passing on Roy's wife.
Riled up the camp. Miller bought some flowers and everything was smooth’d out.
"I'm at the thingamajig talking the yakety-yak" - Kenny Smith
That's probably about length of contract, not $$$s
According to the Vescey article (http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/nets/secretive_agent_man_r72hcvP878nbCES72MvHDM/1), the deal was that Miller wasn’t in favor of giving Roy a fourth guaranteed year given his knee problems. There’s a big difference between not being willing to pay Roy max money and not giving him a long guaranteed contract.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
Well, if Miller played a prominent role in Roy's contract negotiations.
Then he certainly did a poor job for the Vulcans. I’m saying the article is inconsistent in it’s portrayal of Pritchard not staying firm within the limits for Roy’s contract. In the end, the article asserts Miller was the one responsible for Roy’s max extension. What happened to the “limit”?
"I'm at the thingamajig talking the yakety-yak" - Kenny Smith
reading betwween the lines
the Vulcans set a limit
KP threw them under the bus in trying to cozy up to Roy
this severely hurt the team’s leverage
forcing them to go beyond what they initially wanted.
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
This is about Woj's credibility on reporting on Pritchard.
You’re taking everything he is putting out there as truth.
"I'm at the thingamajig talking the yakety-yak" - Kenny Smith
i should be clear
im not saying all this stuff is gospel. im presenting the narrative that IF these things are true, how they tie together and point to the conclusion.
you asked why KP would be blamed if Miller signed the deal. I’m presenting one plausible scenario how both of those things could be true.
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
Except Roy
wasn’t in contact with anyone. It was his agent doing the talking and Roy was getting stressed in Seattle. I remember that because I was thinking “man, this is getting ugly… someone should reach out to Roy and give him a hug.”
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
in the end
Roy deserved that contract. This wasnt a case of talent vs. production. Roy is the real deal, you gotta throw him a bone when he asks for it
My skepticism goes beyond this Yahoo commentator's obvious vitriol for one person
He practices suspect methodology by basing his smear campaign on unnamed sources at best and slipping his own comments in other people’s mouth at worst (who’s his source on what McMillan thinks again?)
This commentator is counting on us to trust hi
that only the sensational nature of his story is keeping him from naming sources. The number of people willing to go along with him astonishes me. But what deeply saddens me is that he continues to be cited on an otherwise impecchable website despite blatant subjectivity and an equally blatant and condemnable smear agenda.
I call for this website to consider boycotting main page reference to this commentator until he names his sources. Otherwise his articles amount to personal attacks that have at many times been restricted here.
Honor Alaa Abdelnaby.
First in the NBA. At least alphabetically
by OhOhOden on Mar 22, 2010 11:39 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
hi article is indeed a personal attack in the manner it's writen
interesting interp of the rules and I’m torn between agreeing and disagreeing.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
I also stumbled over that part (aside from his obvious disdain for Pritchard): Roy got a max deal, and Aldridge got overpaid
How is that a sign Miller is better at these negotiations than the KP and Penn combo who made the Martell deal?
zz
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
Agents are slimy/stupid, this is news?
by Theghostofsomeonefamous on Mar 22, 2010 11:30 AM PDT reply actions
the KP stuff is interesting though, if true
how true it is, I hesitate to guess
by Theghostofsomeonefamous on Mar 22, 2010 11:41 AM PDT up reply actions
An open letter
Dear NBA,
Can we not have long breaks in the middle of the season other than the all-star break? Bad things tend to happen during them.
Sincerely,
Blazer fans
"Good evening Blazer fans, wherever you may be!"-Bill Schonely
If they're coming out together
I would guess its nothing. Its going to be a “STOP PANICKING YOU IDIOTS” thing.
"Good evening Blazer fans, wherever you may be!"-Bill Schonely
this is where my money is
KP will resign, Miller will announce taking over the job on an interim basis until a new GM can be found.
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
i retract
apparently they are not making statements, just taking questions.
so, my new money is on them saying “everything is fine, KP is the GM, blah blah”, but NOT making any commitments long term. KP will then resign this summer.
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
Maybe KP will work things out with Allen.
I think it’s clear Allen and co. think KP has his values, even if he shouldn’t have a blank check to run the team. They were obviously willing to keep him when they saw problems with him. Maybe he will get a new agent and agree to handle talent evaluation and the media front man while Miller controls the money and contract negotiations.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
Resign or Resign?
"Batum must be french for:
being at the right place at the right time"
- StudMuffin15 @ Rufus On Fire
"I don't always read blogs regarding the Trail Blazers
...but when I do... I read Blazers Edge."
- resurrect_ha28
" I would trade our entire team for Brandon Roy"
- by Slick4President @ Indy Cornrows
by FiveOhThree-RipCity!! on Mar 22, 2010 1:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Nope ...this is good
at least we will hear from the horse’s mouths
no I am not calling them horses…dead or otherwise
Roybot: "Then he said "My girlfriend is from LA." to which I replied "Well then you need to find a new girlfriend."’
by 92wastheyear on Mar 22, 2010 11:51 AM PDT up reply actions
because it's not Oden's presser?
Come on you gotta listen unto me,
lay off that whiskey and let that cocaine be. ~Johnny Cash
by HurraKane212 on Mar 22, 2010 12:54 PM PDT up reply actions
if even half of that article is true.....
He should have been out the door awhile ago. They should pack up his office over the weekend and have it boxed up in the receptionist area before they fire him. With what’s going on with Pryzbilla and Oden we really don’t need this. Actually, no one really needs this drama, ever. His behavior should not be tolerated.
Kevin Pritchard and Larry Miller will be making themselves available to
the press at 2pm this afternoon per 95.5 The Game.
#52
I fully expect them to be united at the front.
I think Woj is blowing smoke again.
"I'm at the thingamajig talking the yakety-yak" - Kenny Smith
they will be for now
to calm the waters, but it will be noncommital past this season
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
lol
so if both Miller and KP go ON RECORD to renounce the egregious claims made by Woj and Canzano (based completely based off of the anonymous-source-fairy) you still think they are lying and that there is more to the story. I guess your mind is already made up regardless.
by Billy Hoyle on Mar 22, 2010 12:54 PM PDT up reply actions
what im saying is we won't know
unless they come out and announce KP signed a new contract, all this is going to tell us is that we are going to have to wait until summer to see what happens.
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
A united front doesn't mean Woj is blowing smoke.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
lol
man… there’s just no winning here! Unfortunately I agree with you…
I think it’ll depend on how they do it whether it’s believable and then just plain who you trust more for honesty.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
Kenny Vance
reporting that Camby’s agent was looking to negotiate an extension, but it became clear that KP did not have the power to do so. In the meantime, Camby is now no longer interested in working on an extension since our situation is so cloudy heading into the summer.
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
and Vance followed up
Camby has NOT ruled out re-signing here, but whereas previously he was willing to do it now, he is now inclined to wait and see how this all shakes out. Additionally, he doesn’t know who to negotiate with, since KP clearly doesn’t have the power.
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
Yikes - this is not good...
Free AK1984.
"The two women were of a certain age and were clearly drunk... The only thing that I can get out of this is Why, since all these things happen to me, they couldn’t be two young girls and pretty? :-)" - Rudy Fernandez
by blazeraddict on Mar 22, 2010 12:28 PM PDT up reply actions
Where are these Vance articles?
Or is this on air?
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
on air
i was paraphrasing as he was saying it
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
Man, I miss living in PDX and being able to listen to Blazer radio while enduring long commutes.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
I don't think so...but don't know for sure
Roybot: "Then he said "My girlfriend is from LA." to which I replied "Well then you need to find a new girlfriend."’
by 92wastheyear on Mar 22, 2010 12:23 PM PDT up reply actions
yes we can
extension can be signed up through June 30
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
There are two types of people in this world
If they hear a story that completely contradicts everything that they have held to be true for the previous 3 years…type 1 says “What a load of bullcrap!!!” and type 2 says “I knew it all along!!!”
Roybot: "Then he said "My girlfriend is from LA." to which I replied "Well then you need to find a new girlfriend."’
and type 3 says
“maybe we didn’t know everythng we think we did, we should keep an open mind and examine all the information as it comes out”
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
"we should keep an open mind"
Yes we should…..which is what I have been saying all morning and yet…. you have been arguing against it
Roybot: "Then he said "My girlfriend is from LA." to which I replied "Well then you need to find a new girlfriend."’
by 92wastheyear on Mar 22, 2010 12:29 PM PDT up reply actions
from my point of view, it's been the opposite.
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
I'd say your both right
but leaning on different sides of the spectrum because it really is a sliding scale.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
But that's just it...
This story doesn’t completely contradict everything we’ve believed to be true. It explains some glaring inconsistencies that have long been visible.
"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave
Is this even about basketball?
So, now KP and Penn have built a decent team that is selling out the RG, and increased ticket prices (likely each year from now on) built in. And now the business and basketball sides are not working together? Is it about growing the team (go over the limit, spend to get and keep a 7 or 8 deep team, compete for championships) or just building a team good enough to maximize cash flow for the longest period possible?
Do PA’s advisor’s even care about winning an NBA title? Big deal. . . how much will that increase his (and relatively soon) their wealth and power? If that cash flow and good will from Portland can be leveraged into the Rose Quarter development, there would be more long-term cash and benefits.
Basic philosophical differences.
"Better, not good, but better." - Herb Brooks
Paul Allen wants to win a championship
breaking even is what his sister and the Vulcans are commited to, they don’t want to let Paul overspend again like he did in the late ’90s
If KP is catching heat from Paul, it’s not about the bottom line, it’s about how the team is making progress towards winning a title. You or I can say “KP has done a great job” and that he should be extended, but if he’s run afoul of the owner or the Vulcans, then it really doesn’t matter what we all think…he’s a short-timer
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
unexpected sense?
I read the article not expecting it to make sense but instead I found that a lot of it does make sense. I like KP and hope he doesn’t leave. I like the fact that he makes character such an important quality in making personal decisions. It’d be hard for me to root for another “Jail-Blazer” team. But he’s not without his flaws. He does seem like he craves attention and external validation from fans to much.
This part especially makes sense "Nate knows enough not to flap his gums and pound his chest – especially when your team hasn’t even won a playoff series yet. He’s secure in himself, in a way that Pritchard never knew how to be." Nate seems far more comfortable in his own skin and seems to worry less about external validation than KP.
My hope is that a humbled KP will stay on as GM and will continue to maintain an organization with good character.
JRogero
I thought we all agreed to not read anything this idiot post about
DONT READ WOJNAROWSKI (obviously a Communist name!)
yes, let's all stick are head in the sand and think the world is all perfect in Blazerland
that will make it all better, won’t it?
"I want to be traded to a contender" is almost always code-speak for "I'm a loser."
-Dave, 2/5/2010: http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/2/5/1297509/no-amore-for-amare
God really? 500 some comments
I guess you guys gotta have something to whine about
by Theghostofsomeonefamous on Mar 22, 2010 11:16 PM PDT reply actions
A-Woj, is that you?
Woj was on the radio yesterday and said he couldn’t believe how much twitter chatter that he saw from Blazer fans about “Travis Deiner – right or wrong choice for the 15th man?” We Blazer fans tend to obsess the minutia; Woj said that fans of other teams wouldn’t even know who (the equvalent of) Tom Penn is, for their favorite franchise
But since you don’t watch the ballgames, why bother reviewing Blazer blogs (except to troll)?
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
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