Bill Simmons: "Say something to the fans of Portland.....

[crandc]

I guess there must be something really wrong with me, because I had not the slightest intention of jumping off a ledge (although here in the Bay Area it would be a bridge).

 

[OddEnormous]

You can lead a horse to water...

 

[Idog1976]

Hm. I reserve the right to wait and see. I don't think Ford or Simmons really know what happened here. This whole situation is deeper and more complex than what meets the eye. I wouldn't expect the national media to know jack shit about it. In fact, my perception of them is that they're a few days/weeks behind what we've discussed/unearthed right here.

KP and his agent made the right move. They struck first when the iron was hot. First impressions make a HUGE impact. Without telling the details Vulcan and Allen (mind you I despise Vulcan) are fighting with one hand behind their back. They need to tell the real story and to ESPN pronto. I wouldn't care, but it might impact our GM hunt and FA's etc.

 

[maxiep]

Chad Ford likes KP; he always has. I think Bill Simmons respects him. They don't have inside knowledge of what goes on in Seattle or Larry Miller's office. As such, they comment on what they know. And from that angle, it looks like three months of humiliating Pritchard then the coup de grace on the GM's biggest day of the year. Regardless of who gets the credit for building us up from 2005-06, the personnel team of the Blazers appeared to be successful. So the act of neutering and then publicly executing Pritchard seems from the outside to be an unnecessary and self-inflicted wound.

 

[OddEnormous]

Chad Ford likes KP; he always has. I think Bill Simmons respects him. They don't have inside knowledge of what goes on in Seattle or Larry Miller's office. As such, they comment on what they know. And from that angle, it looks like three months of humiliating Pritchard then the coup de grace on the GM's biggest day of the year. Regardless of who gets the credit for building us up from 2005-06, the personnel team of the Blazers appeared to be successful. So the act of neutering and then publicly executing Pritchard seems from the outside to be an unnecessary and self-inflicted wound.

Fantastic post.

WREPPED

 

[e_blazer]

Chad Ford likes KP; he always has. I think Bill Simmons respects him. They don't have inside knowledge of what goes on in Seattle or Larry Miller's office. As such, they comment on what they know. And from that angle, it looks like three months of humiliating Pritchard then the coup de grace on the GM's biggest day of the year. Regardless of who gets the credit for building us up from 2005-06, the personnel team of the Blazers appeared to be successful. So the act of neutering and then publicly executing Pritchard seems from the outside to be an unnecessary and self-inflicted wound.

I think this is exactly right. But given how crazy this looks from the outside, I have to wonder why Ford, who I respect as a sports journalist (Simmons, not so much), isn't at least curious enough to want to dig a bit deeper before letting loose on Paul Allen with both barrels. While I liked KP, I'm beginning to wonder if my perceptions of him really squared with reality. How much credit did he personally deserve for the good moves that were made? How many opportunities did he miss out on? What were the in-house intrigues and personality conflicts that may have doomed him? While those questions are intriguing, the fact is it's doubtful we're ever going to know what instigated KP's fall from grace. About all we can do is move on with the hope that a new GM will be brought in who can continue to build on the good foundation that's been laid. I don't intend to spend any time worrying about what Chad Ford, Bill Simmons or others like them have to say until somebody can produce something more substantive than an outsider's ruminations on KP's dismissal.

 

[RamblinRod]

By all accounts Miller's story is true. It seems to jive with what others have been saying and has not been disputed. Patterson's story also appears to be mostly accurate, and nobody within the Blazers organization or KP's camp has disputed anything. Brian Berger's theory of KP's demise also appears to hold up. The pieces of the puzzle are coming together here, it's plain as day. Simmons and Ford have NO IDEA WHAT THEY'RE TALKING ABOUT! They're just talking out of their ass. Who's their source? Were they actually there? Who are these yahoos? Are they even in Portland? I think it's real interesting that nobody from KP's camp has disputed any of the claims against him. Of course, this is just because he's such an outstanding person who's simply taking the high road, right?

 

[maxiep]

By all accounts Miller's story is true. It seems to jive with what others have been saying and has not been disputed. Patterson's story also appears to be mostly accurate, and nobody within the Blazers organization or KP's camp has disputed anything. Brian Berger's theory of KP's demise also appears to hold up. The pieces of the puzzle are coming together here, it's plain as day. Simmons and Ford have NO IDEA WHAT THEY'RE TALKING ABOUT! They're just talking out of their ass. Who's their source? Were they actually there? Who are these yahoos? Are they even in Portland? I think it's real interesting that nobody from KP's camp has disputed any of the claims against him. Of course, this is just because he's such an outstanding person who's simply taking the high road, right?

If Miller's version of the story is true, then he should be fired immediately. Forrest Gump had more knowledge of the operations of Bubba Gump Shrimp than did Larry Miller of the Blazers. Strolling in on draft at at lunch time and then finding out his GM was fired from a security guard?

 

[The_Lillard_King]

I found Brian Smith's interview on the fan very insightful. He said what many here are suspecting, there is no black and white on this issue (with regards to who was in the wrong). This was one big grey issue that developed not over months but a over a year. he explained that things changed ever since Penn was brought in. The way Penn was fired and the slow demise of KP seems to fit Smith's position.

 

[BGrantFan]

They're just talking out of their ass. Who's their source?

They are their own source. They are relaying their own personal interactions with Pritchard. Do you have a problem with first-hand accounts? Do you think that they are lying?

Chad Ford: I was close to Kevin over the last few years. I never once heard him try to taunt his record, taunt another team. He never pushed that. He was always actually very complimentary. I knew who his scouts were. There are a lot of GMs who have never, ever mentioned to me a name of anybody else who works in their organization. He constantly mentioned these guys. Talked about them. Talked about Nate McMillan."

Who are these yahoos?

Simmons is a columnist. Ford is someone with deep connections in the NBA.

Are they even in Portland?

Are Paul Allen or the Vulcans even in Portland?

 

[OddEnormous]

By all accounts Miller's story is true. It seems to jive with what others have been saying and has not been disputed. Patterson's story also appears to be mostly accurate, and nobody within the Blazers organization or KP's camp has disputed anything. Brian Berger's theory of KP's demise also appears to hold up. The pieces of the puzzle are coming together here, it's plain as day. Simmons and Ford have NO IDEA WHAT THEY'RE TALKING ABOUT! They're just talking out of their ass. Who's their source? Were they actually there? Who are these yahoos? Are they even in Portland? I think it's real interesting that nobody from KP's camp has disputed any of the claims against him. Of course, this is just because he's such an outstanding person who's simply taking the high road, right?

Jesus christ

I think you might make a PERFECT first captain.

WELCOME ABOARD THE TITANIC!!!!!

 

[RamblinRod]

Oh, Ford is boys with KP and that's what makes him so credible? Sounds like re-tread of what was "speculated" when this first happened. If everyone else is so wrong, why can't KP set the record straight himself? Or is Chad Ford just speaking on his behalf for everything. Why should Miller be fired? Because KP's douche bag agent leaked a lie to the media? But that's right, Miller is evil because Quick and Canzano tell us he's evil.

 

[OddEnormous]

Oh, Ford is boys with KP and that's what makes him so credible? Sounds like re-tread of what was "speculated" when this first happened. If everyone else is so wrong, why can't KP set the record straight himself? Or is Chad Ford just speaking on his behalf for everything. Why should Miller be fired? Because KP's douche bag agent leaked a lie to the media? But that's right, Miller is evil because Quick and Canzano tell us he's evil.

Calm down Larry Miller

 

[BrianFromWA]

If Miller's version of the story is true, then he should be fired immediately. Bubba had more knowledge of the operations of Bubba Gump Shrimp than did Larry Miller of the Blazers. Strolling in on draft at at lunch time and then finding out his GM was fired from a security guard?

Fixed.

 

[BGrantFan]

Oh, Ford is boys with KP and that's what makes him so credible? Sounds like re-tread of what was "speculated" when this first happened. If everyone else is so wrong, why can't KP set the record straight himself? Or is Chad Ford just speaking on his behalf for everything. Why should Miller be fired? Because KP's douche bag agent leaked a lie to the media? But that's right, Miller is evil because Quick and Canzano tell us he's evil.

Chad Ford is relaying his own personal experiences with Pritchard. Since you asked, that is his source. What is your source on Brian Berger being correct? At best, that is second-hand information, at worst, it's PR spin for a client.

What I find odd is not a single national media member has come forward to claim the Pritchard tried to take all of the credit when interacting with him, and that he viewed himself as some sort of boy genius.

I'm not saying Larry Miller is evil, and I don't see anybody else claiming that. Do I think Miller is aloof and a bit goofy? Yes. Do I question his motives? Yes.

 

[Pinwheel1]

If Miller's version of the story is true, then he should be fired immediately. Forrest Gump had more knowledge of the operations of Bubba Gump Shrimp than did Larry Miller of the Blazers. Strolling in on draft at at lunch time and then finding out his GM was fired from a security guard?

That's not what Miller said. He said he found out the story LEAKED from the security guard.

 

[barfo]

He said he found out the story LEAKED from the security guard.

That must have been a pisser, to have it dribble out like that.

barfo

 

[Ed O]

If Miller's version of the story is true, then he should be fired immediately. Forrest Gump had more knowledge of the operations of Bubba Gump Shrimp than did Larry Miller of the Blazers. Strolling in on draft at at lunch time and then finding out his GM was fired from a security guard?

That's not what he said happened. He said he talked to KP, and then he talked to Allen, and then he talked to a security guard who had already heard of the dismissal because of the leak...

Ed O.

 

[maxiep]

Oh, Ford is boys with KP and that's what makes him so credible? Sounds like re-tread of what was "speculated" when this first happened. If everyone else is so wrong, why can't KP set the record straight himself? Or is Chad Ford just speaking on his behalf for everything. Why should Miller be fired? Because KP's douche bag agent leaked a lie to the media? But that's right, Miller is evil because Quick and Canzano tell us he's evil.

Allow me to spitball for just a tick. If I'm looking for a job in the same field where I was just fired, would it make sense for me to publicly badmouth the President, Owner and his henchmen while interviewing with other teams?

 

[maxiep]

That's not what he said happened. He said he talked to KP, and then he talked to Allen, and then he talked to a security guard who had already heard of the dismissal because of the leak...

Ed O.

I know, I was just commenting more on how Miller discussed his role so passively. For the record, I think Miller is flat out lying or at least engaging in some disingenuous wordsmithing. Everyone knew the score. Miller should stop treating the fans like we're stupid.

 

[oldmangrouch]

remind me of some of the wisdom of Chad Ford. I've read his stuff for years and it seems to me to be the regular run of the mill agent fueled rumors and passed along media speculation that rarely turns out... usually Portland considering trading their best talent to NY for a boatload of bad contracts sort of stuff.

In the exchange with Simmons at the beginning of this thread he's trying to be outrageous/entertaining. KP was fired an hour before the draft. If he (Ford) was in KP's shoes, he would have traded Roy for a late 2nd rounder. PA = Donald Sterling. I'm supposed to respect that sort of silly crap because he's talked to GMs around the league?

STOMP

No, you're supposed to be able to tell the showbiz sizzle from the steak.

Ford has something nobody here does - first hand experience with many different GMs around the league. That gives him a different yardstick for measuring KP.

BTW, when did you become a KP hater? In the past, you've gotten on me for being too critical of the guy...and now you are getting on me for defending him? I'm so confused.

 

[OddEnormous]

No, you're supposed to be able to tell the showbiz sizzle from the steak.

Supposed to be able to. This thread hasn't given me much hope.

 

[oldmangrouch]

........ I think it's real interesting that nobody from KP's camp has disputed any of the claims against him. Of course, this is just because he's such an outstanding person who's simply taking the high road, right?

And what "claims" would those be? So far, all I have heard from Berger et al is a bunch of blather about his personality - nothing about his actual job performance that would explain/justify his firing.

 

[hasoos]

It seems to me this is more of just another opportunity for national press to bash on Blazer fans. Simmons loves to bash on Blazer fans. Ford loves to bash the Blazers, and they since the JailBlazer days there hasn't been a lot to write about. Now they have something to beat on the Blazer fans with, and are loving it. Fuck them. This bullshit got old a decade ago.

 

[boatsandstars]

I know, I was just commenting more on how Miller discussed his role so passively. For the record, I think Miller is flat out lying or at least engaging in some disingenuous wordsmithing. Everyone knew the score. Miller should stop treating the fans like we're stupid.

but most of the fans ARE stupid, just take a trip to the OT board.

 

[STOMP]

No, you're supposed to be able to tell the showbiz sizzle from the steak.

Ford has something nobody here does - first hand experience with many different GMs around the league. That gives him a different yardstick for measuring KP.

he's not using this yardstick, he's trying to match Bill Simmons's schtick

BTW, when did you become a KP hater? In the past, you've gotten on me for being too critical of the guy...and now you are getting on me for defending him? I'm so confused.

I try to see both sides of the coin and don't see KP (or anyone really) as either perfect or the devil incarnate. I've a heavy science/math background and generally find it laughable what weak sauce we (collectively) base our conclusions on. I find it fully possible that while mostly good things were accomplished for the club under KP's GMing, that real issues might have been going on under the surface and/or that a line of trust may have been crossed. Much like a marriage of friends of mine going south, I don't view it as my right to be privy all the details as to why... these things do happen. Airing out the dirty laundry might be embarrassing/damaging to both sides so I respect their privacy if both sides are staying mum because I respect that both want to carry on. Those who act like we have a right to know or they're going to believe the Canzanos of the world need to get a life

STOMP

 

[BGrantFan]

I try to see both sides of the coin and don't see KP (or anyone really) as either perfect or the devil incarnate. I've a heavy science/math background and generally find it laughable what weak sauce we (collectively) base our conclusions on. I find it fully possible that while mostly good things were accomplished for the club under KP's GMing, that real issues might have been going on under the surface and/or that a line of trust may have been crossed. Much like a marriage of friends of mine going south, I don't view it as my right to be privy all the details as to why... these things do happen. Airing out the dirty laundry might be embarrassing/damaging to both sides so I respect their privacy if both sides are staying mum because I respect that both want to carry on. Those who act like we have a right to know or they're going to believe the Canzanos of the world need to get a life

STOMP

What does any of this have to do with Chad Ford relaying his impressions of Pritchard after having first-hand conversations with him over the years?

 

[e_blazer]

What I find fascinating is that some of the very same people on this board who spent a lot of time bashing KP the past two years for not making trades and not using RLEC now seem to be in full support of the KP is a martyr and PA and the Vulcans are the devil incarnate movement. Seems rather odd to me. Enormously so.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Seems rather odd to me. Enormously so.

Subtle.

 

[OddEnormous]

Enormously so.

If thats a crack on me. I'd love to see some links.

I have deffo questioned pritchard in the past but if your framing me as one of the anti kp lunatics your full of shit. Never once have I wanted him fired.

Questioning his trade timing a handful of times has nothing to do with the overall track record of clown town and the way the handle their circus of fail.

Pritchard is in a sense a martyr in that wd once again get front row seats to the never ending paul allen Fail fest. Pritchard is just the latest chapter.