SB Nation User Blog: chrischa

A letter to Paul Allen regarding cost cutting measures

chrischa — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:01:42 -0000

Dwight Jaynes has a good reaction to John Canzano's most recent article on the subject of Paul Allen wanting to "break even" and it got me thinking enough to at least draft a fictional letter to our fearless owner...

Dear Mr. Allen,

I understand that you have recently requested that you “break even” financially in regards to my beloved Portland Trail Blazers. As a satisfied customer of your product for over almost 20 years I have no problem with you looking for financial relief, especially given the present condition of the economy. Your willingness to take on massive losses for the sake of providing a winning ball club has been well documented and for the most part, you have been a fantastic owner: not selling to a business man (when it seemed like you were very close to selling) who could have hijacked our team and sent them to Oklahoma City for instance; not holding tax payers hostage and demanding they pay for a new building or renovations, paying guys like Steve Francis to just go away, I could go on and on. But now I’ve heard some of your vulcans may be whispering in your ear that the actual product on the floor should be effected by some of the cost cutting required for you to break even. Although this may be nothing but bad rumors, I would nonetheless like to address it and at the same time bring up a few other points about the Rose Garden, the Trail Blazers, and the “fan experience.”

If you are indeed serious about cutting costs related to the Blazers, here are a few suggestions:

1) Fire that DJ/MC guy who walks around in sweats and a microphone and orchestrates shenanigans like tricycle races for adults. He’s unnecessary and unless he works for free (if you insist on keeping this position I’m sure you could find a blazermaniac who probably WOULD do this crap for free) you shouldn’t be employing this guy to dance around the rose garden trying to hype us up about a 50 year old guy in dress slacks trying to shoot free throws for a gift certificate to Mcdonalds.

2) While we’re on this subject, lets just do away with ALL the side show stuff. Have you done any polling or focus groups on this subject? You’d have a hard time convincing me that people look forward to it, I wouldn’t believe you if you told me people are entertained by it and there’s no way in hell fans come to the game for it. You’re familiar with the term “addition by subtraction,” right? Sure you have, its like when you traded Zbo for Channing and then Channing for, well...nothing. This is like that. This cut would actually add to the fan experience because not only would our senses get a break from all the techno music, we’d be allowed a few moments to talk to the fans around us or even start our own chants/noise organically. Aren’t those the best kind anyway? And I get that sometimes the “cash grab” is sponsored by Wells Fargo and hey, sometimes it IS amusing to watch a couple fatties throw themselves at a pile of 1 dollar bills, but lets consider for a second the idea of having an actual break in the action. A few moments where not much is going on except people socializing/moving around or focusing on the players and coaches in the huddle. Still need to appease the sponsors? “This moment of silence has been brought to you by Standard TV and Appliance!” No? Well I’m sure you could come up with a better way to pimp sponsor X without the blindfolded lady bumping around the court looking for the washing machine. The point is, give the fans a break and save a buck or two in the process.

3) Fire Blaze the freaking Trail Cat so fast his foam head will spin. He/She scares young children and old people, he serves no purpose I can think of (seriously ask a fan next time you’re in the garden if they think he even ADDS to the experience in any way shape or form) and I’ve heard that mascots make something like $70,000/yr. Mr. Allen, I will jump off trampolines and miss dunks for FREE.

4) Kill the non stop migraine inducing “music.” I know I sound like an old man here (I’m 28) but you could save a little more money by doing what virtually all the radio stations have done, by firing your actual DJ and just letting a computer run everything for you. Hell, you could even hire an old lady from the local church to play the organ if you didn’t like that idea. DEFENSE! (Old lady on the organ: Duh Duh) DEFENSE! (Duh Duh). I’m sure she could handle that responsibility and I bet her services would come on the cheap.

5) I know you recycle the confetti when it falls after every victory, but REALLY? We need confetti to fall from the rafters after we just pelted the Memphis Grizzlies at home? I mean, a win is a win and I love celebrating but is that really necessary?

6) We don’t need cheer leaders and/or dancers. I’m not saying this because I care that some women are offended by other attractive women gyrating all over the place in skimpy outfits. I just don’t think its necessary. How much are you paying to cover insurance on those 90lb girls that get thrown into the air on the 300 level by another 75lb girl anyway? And if I wanted to watch a bunch of bald headed guys in sleeveless shirts with bad tattoos throw a couple of girls around I woulda stayed at the bar I was at to watch the game.

I’m sure I’m forgetting a few things but this post has gotten WAY too long as it is. Basically, a decrease in frivolous spending can be made without taking away from the product on the court. Or at least what SUPPOSED to be on the court. I trust you will do whats right for this organization.

Chicago wants Bayless if they are going to lose Kirk

chrischa — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:13:10 -0000

Chicago wants Bayless if they are going to lose Kirk

One source close to the process on Friday identified two main obstacles to the aforementioned three-way deal. Concerned about the quality of its backcourt rotation if it has to surrender Hinrich with Thomas after losing Ben Gordon in free agency, Chicago would insist that the Blazers surrender young guard Jerryd Bayless, which Portland is reluctant to do. If it can't get Bayless, Chicago might still be willing to substitute Tim Thomas for Tyrus Thomas in the deal, but sources say Utah would likely balk if Tyrus Thomas is not included.

Really? Chicago wants Boozer (who will solve all the problems they've had for the past 5 years) AND Bayless? Thats getting just a little bit greedy...

KP mildly surprises Blazersedge by haggling over the length of a maximum contract offer to Brandon Roy (as reported by Jason Quick)

chrischa — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 04:51:22 -0000

From Jason Quick at Olive:

That Roy is unsigned is particularly alarming and a signal that negotiations have snagged. Word is that Roy wants to sign for the maximum allowed five years, but the Blazers only want to commit to four years. A five-year deal would cost Portland about $82 million, although it won't be determined until the 2010-11 salary cap is set.

That a player of Roy's talent and character wants to lock in his future with your club should be embraced and lauded. Instead, the team is nickel-and-diming him with the amount of years. It's bad form.

If there was ever a no-brainer in extensions, it's that of Roy. You give him the maximum contract allowed. No hesitation. No questions asked. No nothing, other than showing him the courtesy of signing him the minute the signing moratorium ended Tuesday night.

I can't think of any good excuse for doing this. can you?

Brandon Bass: 25 million dollar man

chrischa — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 23:28:19 -0000

Brandon Bass: 25 million dollar man

Reported by Charlotte Observer. thats actually a pretty reasonable deal. 5 years is kind of long but better than 50 mil for David Lee!

KP, please be the guy who has made this offer...

We're one step ahead of KP now

chrischa — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 17:21:59 -0000

KP is renowned for being one step ahead of the fans, the media, and often times other GM's. He has an outstanding team of professional scouts and experts who chart and graph just about every feasible scenario in preparation for the upcoming draft. He brags of running through 3 blackberry batteries a day and is known for making calls to other GM's just to bounce ideas off of them. How could we, the fans on blazersedge, possibly predict the unpredictable? How could we ever know what KP is going to do before he does it? KP could go in a thousand different directions and his staff are experts of the highest caliber who are fluent in league rules and salary cap issues. He is privy to the most heavily guarded information and I believe the saying goes, once a rumor is reported by the media its already dead right?

On the other hand, Blazersedge has thousands of fans who do nothing but throw out trade and draft scenarios. Every day. Realistic or not, KP or anyone for that matter, would be hard pressed to come up with a scenario that hasn't already been proposed, discussed, and probably been shot down for 5 different reasons. These proposals are so popular amongst fans, Dave had to pass a measure to effectively ban or restrict fanposts that discussed trade ideas at one point. And even the most ridiculous, unrealistic or downright impossible trade offers or draft targets are usually met with intelligent discourse here.

We have members who understand the ins and outs of the salary cap and use this forum to inform those who don't. We access websites that give us measurements, statistics, game film and opinions from independent experts and those who know the players best. We are infatuated (not all to the same degree of course) with the team and what June 25th will bring us, so we obsess over the options. And what comes from that obsession? A never ending supply of ideas, thoughts, and scenarios that at some point will have to become reality even though its akin to swinging a bat in the dark...you're bound to hit something.

So is it possible for KP to still pull a rabbit out of his hat in this age of information? He has in the past, true. But Blazersedge has evolved, the media has evolved; we feel challenged to predict things before they happen for whatever reason. And maybe thats what will make it so much more exiciting--the unexpected happening--but at this point no matter which direction KP decides to go I think its safe to say its already been covered in one way or another. To me, that doesn't detract from what he does. If anything, it makes me feel more connected to the team as a fan. And I'm sure those of us who accurately predict what is going to happen on June 25th will let the rest of us know about it shortly thereafter.

So whats your prediction? try to keep it short and sweet, you don't need to explain your reasoning but try to stay away from the more common Kidd, Nash, Hedo, Curry, Blair and Hansboro stuff. I think KP could be a lot more creative than that :)

Draft a POWER forward, please.

chrischa — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:50:00 -0000

At this point of the offseason, I think you can either write about draft strategy according to what you WANT to happen or what you THINK will happen. I guess I'm just gonna try to write what makes sense.

Bayless seems to have a lot of support from the team right now and it appears the organization is invested in him. It wouldn't be a stretch to assume that he will be the backup pg (not that he will be awarded the position, he still has to earn it this summer) next season behind Blake, regardless of where Sergio is playing basketball. Speaking of Blake, KP didn't think twice about picking up the team's option on his contract and given that KP admitted to literally crying the first time he traded Blake to Milwaukie I would be absolutely shocked if he gets traded this offseason. He's limited for sure, but his numbers are solid and his contract is appropriate. Sometimes I think the need for a super PG gets overblown anyway. The bottom line is, you need really good players. Doesn't matter what position they play. If your SF or PF (randomly selected positions) are superstars, you can win championships surrounding them with role players. Its about the player, not the position.

Anyway, you could trade assets to move up in the draft for a guy like Stephen Curry (a jumpshooting tweener guard) or I suppose you could go after that mythical "veteran PG." I mentioned Stephen Curry because there has been some rumored interest but it could be any number of rookie PG's. The point is, it doesn't look like the team is going to trade Bayless. Or Blake. Drafting a rookie PG for Nate to NOT play doesn't make much sense right now. Now I could maybe see them shipping out one of those guys for an all star caliber PG (maybe on the tail end of his career) but I just don't see another team making that type of deal. What would be realistic would be going after a player like Rafer Alston who is playing in an NBA Finals right now. His numbers won't jump out at you but he's an experienced guard who will be AVAILABLE at the end of the season (given Jameer Nelson's return). So picking up a player of his caliber sounds reasonable but is it realistic given our current PG situation?

I'm not going to spend a whole lot of time talking about the 2, 3, and 5 spots. I'll just say this, we have 3 serviceable SF's right now. We don't know what Martell is going to give us coming off that serious an injury, we don't know how much growth Batum is going to have from year 1 to 2, and we don't know if Travis will ever decide to show up to camp in shape, learn to rebound, and play TEAM defense. But the bottom line is, the SF is not a position of weakness. Between all 3 of those question marks, I'd be surprised if none of them panned out. and I'm not gonna bother talking about depth on a 2 headed center monster and a SG who plays 40+ minutes a game.

We're down to the PF position. LA seems to be right on track as far as player development and he's already a borderline allstar who is playing 30+ minutes a night. I don't think there are too many people in Portland who think Channing is going to be around next year and as much as I would like Shav to have a shot at some of those leftover minutes, I just don't think its in the cards. So you can either draft a back up or you can go find one. You look at KP's record and tell me what you think he's going to do given those 2 choices? This is a draft stocked with quality PG prospects but very light on big men. It may take some assets to move up but Sergio, Travis, cash and future first rounders are all easily expendable at this point and should be enough to move up in a relatively weak draft to get the player KP has surely targeted since 1995. I'm not sure who to draft, just what to draft. I think if you look at what we need (rebounding, mental and physical toughness, smart defender, ability to score in the low post) you can identify a few prospects.

Poll

Whats your strategy?

Draft a PF

48 votes

Draft a PG

8 votes

Trade for or free agent sign a PG

27 votes

Trade for or free agent sign a PF

36 votes

Draft the best player available

30 votes

Trade for or free agent sign the best player available

22 votes

171 votes | Poll has closed

DVR is the way

chrischa — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 04:33:58 -0000

Now I may get bashed for this but I don't really care, its for my own health. and because tonight's first experiment was such a wild success, I'll probably continue to do this regardless of the comments I get. My buddies couldn't understand my reasoning until we talked right after the game ended. Then they understood, in fact, I think some of them are getting on board with me.

Let me explain. my fandom really started ramping up during our 20 win season (I've been a fan for longer, I guess the whole "rebuilding plan" just got me more invested in the team) so I've been through a lot. Unfortunately, I feel like I've gotten too emotionally invested as of late. Bad losses shouldn't affect my psyche. I can't let my frustrations with Channing Frye (seriously, his play makes me so angry it makes me NOT want to recycle when I watch his commerical) affect my personal life. I shouldn't yell at my dog when Travis Outlaw pulls a Travis Outlaw. Its not poor peanut's fault.

Now lets look at tonight's game before tipoff. Dick Bavetta is reffing? The blazers are almost FAMOUS at this point for falling behind early and not showing up for big road games against quality opponents? Why on earth would I want to subject myself to the torture or watching my beloved blazers lose a HUGE game 3? Oh yeah, because I'm a fan and no matter what the odds, they have a shot at winning, right? Well, now I can have it both ways. Get the highs of every blazer victory AND avoid the downs of every blazer loss.

DVR

I honestly don't know how I lived before this glorious invention. I put it right between sliced bread and the wheel. But best of all, it not only allows me to watch blazer games I would normally miss, I can enjoy the euphoria of blazer wins AND skip the stress and anguish of every disappointing loss! I simply check the final score and see if its worth watching. Am I disappointed after tonight's loss? sure, but I'm not as frustrated as I would have been had I watched that (apparent) crap fest. I plan on doing the same thing for game 4 and encourage anyone diagnosed with blazer emotional disorder to do the same!

For everyone who's been giving Brandon crap for his behavior toward the refs...

chrischa — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 06:14:52 -0000

you were treated to a whining clinic tonight, courtesy of the San Antonio Spurs. I'm so glad TD showed up and gave us the VINTAGE bug eyes. Pop (not the menstral bahu guy, the coach) decided to chip in by arguing a call after his team was down by 30 so you know, the call was a real game changer. Bruce Bown committed at least 3rd degree assault on Brandon and he even had something to say. The one time I really noticed Broy get upset over a missed call and was slow to get back on D, he eventually just jogged down and promptly got a steal. So yeah, Brandon yells whether he gets foulded or not when he drives the lane, and yeah he's been politickin' with the refs a little more lately, but remember: it could be worse. He could be a spur.

I hate you KG

chrischa — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 03:54:59 -0000

I hate you KG

props to Chris Broussard for writing this

Who made Brandon into a whiner?

chrischa — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 06:36:19 -0000

the refs.

I don't understand it, but for some reason, NBA refs love to get screamed at, berated and generally insulted. You know how I know this? Because I look at their response to players who do this on a regular basis. Brandon tried to be nice, he tried to never say anything to the refs, and where did it get him? no respect. swallowed whistles. You could argue that he still isn't getting the famous "all star treatment" but its a heck of a lot better than it used to be.

I'm sure plenty of you have also noticed that Brandon has also started to let out a loud yell or HEYYYYYY! whenever he takes it to the hole or feels contact. my girlfriend was asking me about this the other day and I explained it by relating it to Pavlov's Bell. Pavlov would ring a bell whenever he would bring out food for a dog which would then begin to drool. the dog would associate the ringing of the bell with food and soon enough, the ringing of the bell alone would be enough to invoke drooling (yes, thats way simplified but look it up if you want the full story). Brandon yells when he's fouled, the refs blow the whistle. Brandon yells (even when he's not fouled), the refs blow the whistle. yes, refs can be trained like dogs.

ok, now that I think about it, whiner is a bit strong but I couldn't come up with another word that describes an NBA player who complains to the refs after "missed" calls. personally, brandon's new antics towards the refs don't really bother me...unless his man is streaking down the court while he's doing it. but I've read some comments questioning why he does this and so I thought I'd address it. but before you judge, here are a few examples of whiners. now ask yourself how refs respond to these guys...

the san antonio spurs: the premier whiners of the league, and it starts at the top with coach pop. my god those guys complain. timmy does the buggy eyes, manu does the euro "hands to the sky" thing that you'll recognize when rudy does it. tony parker actually puts his arm around the refs' waists sometimes and even bruce bowen gets in on the act, like he didn't INTENTIONALLY just knee that guy in the balls...true story.

kobe freaking bryant: a co worker of mine brought this up the other day. its like, kobe is essentially the most dangerous offensive threat in the league right now. he can score from anywhere, in any way at any time. theres not a move he hasn't perfected, his shooting form is flawless and theres almost no single defender that can stop him on his own. so really, of every player in the league that needs any help from the refs, kobe needs it the least. yet he's treated as a god. but whats even crazier than all of that is, he's a total dick to the refs! if a questionable call goes your way against kobe and he complains loud and long enough, you better believe he's gettin the next call. don't try to fight it. you can't complain louder than he can.

bottom line is, the refs generally don't reward good behavior with preferential treatment. however, they DO reward bad behavior with preferential treatment. I don't blame brandon for figuring this out in his 3rd year.