Back in business

Blazer owner’s young team, arena deal put positive spin on season

By kerry eggers

The Portland Tribune, Oct 23, 2007, Updated Oct 30, 2009 (9 Reader comments)

JONATHAN FERREY / GETTY IMAGES

Blazer owner Paul Allen has high hopes for the future after drafts that netted Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge and Greg Oden. “That was very encouraging and stimulating,” he says.

Paul Allen is back on board.

And using every possible resource to make his beloved Trail Blazers a winner.

“Beloved” didn’t describe Allen’s feelings about the NBA club a couple of years ago. He said the “financial model was broken” at the Rose Garden, and critics were disparaging the team as the “Jail Blazers.”

But after repurchasing the arena and re-energizing through recent changes under General Manager Kevin Pritchard, Allen has basketball jones running through his veins again.

Set to begin his 20th season as Portland’s owner, the Mercer Island, Wash.-based billionaire visited with the Portland Tribune on a number of subjects.

Tribune: When you got the word about Greg Oden’s microfracture surgery, what were your thoughts?

Allen: I got one of those messages from Kevin — “urgent, call me”— that left me with a sinking feeling. Those things happen in sports, but you hate to see it happen with a player like that.

The follow-up news made me feel better. Greg is young, the damage was relatively minor as microfractures go, and the procedure went extremely well. Believe me, I quizzed everybody about the details, and it went pretty much as well as it could have. He’ll be at full strength by next summer and be ready for a great (2008-09) season.

Tribune: Have you had any misgivings about drafting Oden and not Kevin Durant?

Allen: I don’t think you can fault the decision-making process. In an ideal world, a new player comes in and is part of your team and it’s upward and onward. That’s not how it’s been with Greg, but before the draft, we checked out his knees, back, wrist, everything. And particularly his knees — they were perfect.

We concluded that for our team, where we wanted to go, and with Greg’s great upside, he was the right pick. I still feel that way. I saw Greg after the first preseason game and told him, “It must have been killing you not to be out there playing.” He said, “Man, I wish I could have been out there.” He’s such a nice kid, and he’ll be a great player.

Tribune: What are your expectations for this team going into the season?

Allen: We have an interesting mix of young veterans and new draft picks, and I’m excited to see how the change blends in.

The atmosphere around the team is very positive, and the players are very focused. Most of the guys came in early to work out. It seems like we’re ahead of where we usually are, so Nate (McMillan) can teach them the things they need to do to win.

The faster brand of basketball that Nate is going to this year is exciting for me and the fans. For years, I’ve been asking, “Can we run more?” If you can get some easy transition baskets, it improves your chance to succeed. It’s kind of becoming the way to play in the NBA. And it’s fun to watch, too.

Tribune: Do you have a timetable for when this team goes from a potential playoff team to becoming one?

Allen: Our record has been toward the bottom of the league the last few years. What you’d like to see is progress, from 32 wins (last season) to the low 40s, and the next thing you know, you’re in the playoffs.

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