ABM

Geez, -->Jaynes always seems to paint such "rosey" pictures of the Blazers. ...

However, I think he's correct in the prediction that the Blazers will let Sabonis, Pippen, and Daniels walk as payroll-reduction measures.

Doing the same to Wallace would be a long stretch, though. And, really hard to imagine happening.

Trader Ed

I noticed he mentions the $43.8 mill salary cap, and not the $58.6 mill estimate tax threashold (by SCBF)... hopefully remembering it right.

does he know the $ for $ tax starts after that point...?


but his thoughts are pretty solid. I would hate to see all those guys just walk off, but it might be just what they are planning. I sure wish they would let the seasonm ticket holders know though, if they are going to do that... seems only fair

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"The whole is greater than the sum of its parts..."

Heart, desire and hustle! Its the fire within that makes a champion.

barfo

His conclusion here just doesn't make any sense. He's desperate to blame things on Trader Bob and Paul, but if they hadn't spent the money on Pippen, Sheed, etc. how would we be better off? It will be a challenge to win in the future while spending very little regardless of how much was spent in the past.

And it isn't a unique challenge at all. Every other team in the league, with the possible exception of Dallas, faces the same challenge.

barfo

Public Defender

True. It's not up to Jaynes to offer up what could have worked better and more cheaply.

What ought to be admitted at this point, and basically has been by Paul Allen's actions, is that the Blazers' desperate run for the brass ring has failed, and now it's on to more reasonable "business" model decision-making. The "championship - whatever the cost!" philosophy has been formally replaced by "cut costs - whatever it means!". Where are the thanks for Paul Allen, who tried with all his money and Bob Whitsitt, who tried with all his trade-making mettle, to bring a championship to Portland?

One thing's for sure - the Blazers' chances at a championship are significantly smaller now than they were two years ago, and appear to be getting smaller. Two years ago, it wasn't for lack of trying... but nowadays, it is from lack of trying.

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Next year...