E-Blazer has always opposed change in the 16 years I've read his posts, and he sure won't change this summer. To silence the commotion, he invents an invisible secret Olshey plan.
It looks pretty stupid to wait for years for a mythical “plan” to materialize when there obviously isn’t one too so... who’s the idiot now?
I'm not sure why you're both wanting to take shots at me, personally, but that's your choice. But, since you both bring up the issue of a "mythical" or nonexistent plan, let's review:
1. At the end of the playoffs, after the Blazers had been ingloriously swept by the Pelicans, Olshey said that that series had revealed things about the state of the team that needed to be addressed. He said that the team needed more veterans and it needed better shooters. He said that since the Blazers don't have any cap space, they would be looking to use the Crabbe and Vonleh TPEs aggressively to try to resolve those needs. He also indicated that the team would not be averse to using the 24th pick as a sweetener to get those objectives done. That is "THE PLAN", or at least as much of it as has been made public. It's not mythical and it's not hidden. It's right out there in the open for everyone to see.
2. The draft came and went without a deal getting done. Olshey took flyers on two young guys who may or may not be worthwhile, but they certainly aren't addressing the things that were identified as needs, so they don't fit "THE PLAN". Strike one.
3. The Blazers didn't tender QOs to Napier or Connaughton because they don't fit "THE PLAN" and what they do offer can be had for cheaper in today's market.
4. Yesterday at 9:00 pm PDT it became July 1st on the east coast and the free agency negotiations period opened up. The league also went into a one-week moratorium while the bean-counters figure out the salary cap for the coming year. Free agent signings can be announced, but not consummated until July 6th. Trades can't happen until then either.
5. Teams with cap space or exceptions that allowed for free agent signings began to make tentative deals immediately after the opening of the FA negotiation window. The Blazers, not having any cap space only did one signing for the vet's minimum. They let Ed walk, presumably because he doesn't fit with "THE PLAN". The Blazers held off on using their MLE, most likely because they want to use the TPEs first.
6. RipCity2 goes ape-shit with calls for Olshey's head because he hasn't executed "THE PLAN"
BEFORE IT CAN POSSIBLY BE EXECUTED.
If Olshey whiffs on improving the team this summer, you can add me to the list of people looking for a replacement GM, but I'm at least going to wait until it's actually possible for the Blazers to do something before getting my knickers all in a bunch.
