Greg Jayne of The Columbian writes that Portland Trail Blazers GM Neil Olshey's praise of interim coach Kaleb Canales was merely a "ploy" to increase excitement in the team. --------------------------------- Olshey's performance — he's a former soap opera actor, after all — was quietly brilliant. By saying, "Kaleb has set the bar high for anybody who would like to compete for the coaching job," Olshey was setting the bar for the organization. If the Blazers hire somebody else, then Olshey is implying that Canales' replacement is an extraordinary find for the Blazers. If Canales somehow ends up with the job, then Olshey already has told fans that the club is extremely lucky to have him. I don't think fans will buy it, but it's a brilliant ploy. --------------------------------- -- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter