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kaydow · 01-30-2006, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kiss_My_Darius

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Portland Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen says fans need to be patient with the team's rebuilding process. And he needs to be steadfast, too.

"We had extensive discussions during the summer about the direction we wanted to take leading up to the draft, and we all looked at each other and said, 'This is the direction we are going to take.' It's a multiyear process, and the fans and I are going to have to be patient with it," Allen told The Oregonian.

You honestly believe that's how he feels? What else could Allen Say? I think the last part of that quote where he says "the fans AND I have to be patient" speaks volumes. It's like he's trying to sell this idea to himself! Honestly, if this rebuilding process takes 3-5 years (as many project), I would be mildly suprised if Allen still owns the team. When I say "rebuilding", I'm not just talking about wins vs. losses. Media & fan perceptions about the character of the team, attendence, & financial position of the franchise included. I think it's draining him (in more ways than 1) and it may not be fun for him anymore. I think he's the kind of guy that could walk away . . . at least from the Blazers. I don't mean this as a dig, but I could see him buying another team w/o hesitation. It probably doesn't help that many fans and members of the local media put a fair amount of the blame on Allen for the past ("Jail Blazers") and current (losses!!) issues the franchise has, and continues to endure.

**Dan** · 01-30-2006, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaydow

You honestly believe that's how he feels? What else could Allen Say? I think the last part of that quote where he says "the fans AND I have to be patient" speaks volumes. It's like he's trying to sell this idea to himself! Honestly, if this rebuilding process takes 3-5 years (as many project), I would be mildly suprised if Allen still owns the team. When I say "rebuilding", I'm not just talking about wins vs. losses. Media & fan perceptions about the character of the team, attendence, & financial position of the franchise included. I think it's draining him (in more ways than 1) and it may not be fun for him anymore. I think he's the kind of guy that could walk away . . . at least from the Blazers. I don't mean this as a dig, but I could see him buying another team w/o hesitation. It probably doesn't help that many fans and members of the local media put a fair amount of the blame on Allen for the past ("Jail Blazers") and current (losses!!) issues the franchise has, and continues to endure.

why would paul allen buy a team keeping it from moving, go through a bit of a downtime popularity wise in the sea-hawks, and not wait it out in Portland?

kaydow · 01-30-2006, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hap

why would paul allen buy a team keeping it from moving, go through a bit of a downtime popularity wise in the sea-hawks, and not wait it out in Portland?

I don't think that's a fair comparison. First of all, the Seahawks have been competative for a long time. 8-8, 9-7, 7-9 . . . consistantly average. They haven't been an embarrasment on or off the field. They are making money--he payed $200 million for a team now worth probably 4 times that. They've had a solid (if not great) coach and some very good players in Alexander, Watters, Galloway, etc. And then there's the new stadium deal that was approved before Allen bought the team, that even in the early Kingdome years he knew was coming. All in all, "waiting it out" as a Seahawk owner was probably easier to swallow than what he's facing now with the Blazers.

Stepping Razor · 01-30-2006, 07:47 PM

Here's a thought:

I don't think Allen *could* sell the team, even if he decided he wanted to. I don't think anyone in his right mind would buy them. Why? Mainly because of the bizarre sale of the Rose Garden, which has resulted in the Blazers having an unbreakable lease that would make profitability almost impossible. (The Blazers now have no access to the revenue streams propping up most franchises -- luxury boxes, courtside seats, club level, stadium advertising, naming rights, etc.) Compound this with a still-costly team salary structure and a certain level of entrenched hostility to the franchise among Portlanders (to say nothing of certain unmentionable journalists) and I don't think it would be very easy to find a buyer.

I have a feeling that the Blazers have two alternatives: keep Paul as owner, or fold up shop.

I'm pretty sure Paul will be here for a long time.

Stepping Razor

**Dan** · 01-30-2006, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaydow

I don't think that's a fair comparison. First of all, the Seahawks have been competative for a long time. 8-8, 9-7, 7-9 . . . consistantly average.

but they almost left the city. I think that trumps anything that the Blazers have done.

Quote:

They haven't been an embarrasment on or off the field. They are making money--he payed $200 million for a team now worth probably 4 times that. They've had a solid (if not great) coach and some very good players in Alexander, Watters, Galloway, etc. And then there's the new stadium deal that was approved before Allen bought the team, that even in the early Kingdome years he knew was coming. All in all, "waiting it out" as a Seahawk owner was probably easier to swallow than what he's facing now with the Blazers.

wasn't the stadium built basically when he was "buying" the team, and done because of Paul Allen?

Also, you're comparing different times for him. The team was just about to leave Seattle, and had soiled it's relationship with the fans. He came in and it WAS a struggle to become competitive. They had 4 straight years of 8-8, 7-9, 8-8. 8-8 records, which was preceeded by a 6-10, 6-10 and a 2-14 seasons. So when he bought the team/showed interest, the team was coming off of 14 wins in 3 seasons.

There was a reason why their former was trying to move the team to LA (besides the fact he was a dipwad).

MARIS61 · 01-30-2006, 10:22 PM

Pretty clear the team is available if the price is right.

If he's lost interest it's probably for the best.

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