Brian Wheeler will not return for 2019-2020 season

[VanillaGorilla]

https://www.nba.com/blazers/story/2019/7/12/brian-wheeler

 

[VanillaGorilla]

Didn't see this posted.. of course the rare time I start a thread I have a typo in the title.

 

[KeepOnRollin]

Doesn't mention if it was his decision or someone else's but I know what my guess is.

 

[e_blazer]

Well crap! Doesn’t say it was Wheels’ decision to retire.

 

[e_blazer]

Glad he was able to call this play this season:

 

[Reep]

Too bad. I listened to him quite a bit League Pass.

 

[Propagandist]

https://www.nba.com/blazers/story/2019/7/12/brian-wheeler

Whoa. The phrasing certainly makes it sound like he was canned. That ain't right.

 

[B-Roy]

Whoa. The phrasing certainly makes it sound like he was canned. That ain't right.

He couldn't work a lot in the last few years because of health. It sucks but I don't really blame the org.

 

[hoopsjock]

What the fuck?

Why does the title make it seem like he just won't be back for next season but the article implies he's been let go permanently?

 

[Hoopguru]

Sorry to here he is leaving. As a career retired traveling guy I know it can be very difficult and take its toll and burn you out. Especially if you are dealing with medical issues.
I wish him well and enjoy life!

 

[illmatic99]

Glad he was able to call this play this season:

Pretty nuts if that's his last call.

 

[hoopsjock]

He couldn't work a lot in the last few years because of health. It sucks but I don't really blame the org.

The organization that released a statement saying that he had an enlarged scrotum? They probably shouldn't have been that specific.

 

[Pinwheel1]

It seems unwise for him to return. Being on the road that often does not sound like the best health option for him.

 

[hoopsjock]

It seems unwise for him to return. Being on the road that often does not sound like the best health option for him.

If it was for health reasons the article sure doesn't seem to indicate that was the reason.

 

[BlazerBeav]

Hate to lose him, but if his health continues to keep him out for prolonged periods, they really didn't have an option.

 

[GhostOfPGA]

I hope he is okay. I would love if they brought him on to be a pre or post game guy for home games.

 

[Scalma]

If it was for health reasons the article sure doesn't seem to indicate that was the reason.

Do teams usually list the reason they fire people?

 

[RipCityWarrior]

Wow, this one stings! His voice was a great way to experience Tail blazers basketball and his replacement will probably feel as he did when he took over for the Schonz! Hope the team brings him back in some other role in the future.

 

[SlyPokerCat]

Annnnnddddd i'm back to being annoyed with the organization.

Finally was getting over the anger of them letting go of mike and mike. The playoff run certainly helped. Now this. Fuck them.

 

[noknobs]

That sucks, he is a great play-by-play announcer. You could tell how much he loved the team and I felt the ups and downs through his voice. Wish him the best.

 

[Wizard Mentor]

He had BIG SHOES to fill when he was hired since everyone, Everyone, EVERYONE loved the Shonz - and he did. Loved his super-softball questions to rookies or those not good at interviewing. Gonna miss him. So sorry about his health issues. Hope he gets to do the specialized work for the Blazers in some capacity.

 

[Propagandist]

Annnnnddddd i'm back to being annoyed with the organization.

Finally was getting over the anger of them letting go of mike and mike. The playoff run certainly helped. Now this. Fuck them.

It's McGowan. That guy is a uptalking sociopath.

 

[Hoopguru]

Annnnnddddd i'm back to being annoyed with the organization.

Finally was getting over the anger of them letting go of mike and mike. The playoff run certainly helped. Now this. Fuck them.

It could have been detrimental to his health?

 

[Hoopguru]

Do teams usually list the reason they fire people?

Most companies won't .Its usually, decided to pursue other interest or retire. They most likely never say for a certain medical condition.

 

[hoopsjock]

Do teams usually list the reason they fire people?

No, especially not the Blazers, but my question is did they let him go or did he leave or was it a mutual decision based on him not being able to commit to how many games he can call?

 

[AldoTrapani]

Whoa. The phrasing certainly makes it sound like he was canned. That ain't right.

I doubt he was canned. Dude just couldn’t stay healthy and let himself go over the last few years. I’m sure they mutually decided he just wasn’t fit health wise for the grind of the season

I hope he gets well

 

[Scalma]

No, especially not the Blazers, but my question is did they let him go or did he leave or was it a mutual decision based on him not being able to commit to how many games he can call?

At this point these are all guesses but if he couldn’t carry a full seasons load it was probably in everyone’s best interest to move on.

 

[chris_in_pdx]

Annnnnddddd i'm back to being annoyed with the organization.

Finally was getting over the anger of them letting go of mike and mike. The playoff run certainly helped. Now this. Fuck them.

If he has long-term health issues that preclude him from doing his job, what do you expect the organization to do? I love Wheels, almost as much as I loved Prime Schonley, but they need a PBP guy who can be there, especially on those long road trips. Now, should they have retired him from radio call duties, but kept him on in a voice-over role, or even an Ambassador position like Schonz, probably, but maybe Brian didn't want to be relegated to those roles.

Best to move on, bring in someone new, fresh, and passionate. I'll miss Wheels as much as I missed Schonz, but time moves on.

 

[SlyPokerCat]

I sure hope my employer doesn't want to can me if I have some legitimate health issues i'm dealing with.

What the fuck? Wheeler is a legend. If he wanted to stay, they should accompany him in this time of need. Has dude not gave it his all the last 20+ years? Wheels was one of the best. Such a nice, down to earth dude too. Met him at many meet and greets and he always acted like he was one of us.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

Wheels has been wonderful to this forum over the years, I'll contact him tonight and tell him to come look at all of your warm wishes and thoughts for him. Because of that any posts that are insulting or make fun of it any of his medical conditions I'm going to go ahead and delete.