HANG TIME WEST – That whole deep-pockets, big-spender rep… and now this.
OK, so maybe Paul Allen having money is more than image. Mr. 53rd Richest Man in the World. Mr. I Co-Founded a Little Operation Called Microsoft, Mr. Owner of a 414-Foot Yacht. The guy who looks after two on-board submarines knows it goes beyond reputation. Maybe also whoever runs the smaller family liner, the 303-foot dinghy. But just look at what Allen’s Trail Blazers have done in the offseason with the ultimate in fiscal responsibility.
Without trading a player from the rotation, without dealing a future first-round pick, without reaching too far into the boss’ Grand Canyon pockets, there was another reminder Wednesday how the front office of general manager Neil Olshey has addressed the pressing need and built a bench on tough decisions and opportunism. Olshey has, more to the point, moved Portland from 33-49 last season into the heart of the playoff conversation.
The Trail Blazers probably would have been part of the postseason chase pack anyway, waiting to see which Western Conference clubs fall off the pace, but this settles it...................
