The Portland Trail Blazers have become an easy target for trolls as the playoffs get underway. It is not just because they opened their first-round series against the San Antonio Spurs with a loss, but also because of the surprising cost-cutting decisions made by new owner Tom Dundon.
It has been less than a month since Dundon and his investment group took over the franchise, and some of his decisions are already raising eyebrows. A lot of the criticism online is focused on efforts to cut expenses in ways that feel unusual for an NBA team.
Reports say Dundon wants to hire a head coach but keep the salary under $1.5 million, which is far below what most teams pay. Fans were also caught off guard when playoff T-shirts were not handed out at the Moda Center. On top of that, staff members were reportedly asked to leave hotel rooms early to avoid late checkout fees, and two-way players were not sent on playoff road trips to save money.
None of this has directly affected how the team plays on the court, but it has definitely changed how fans are seeing the organization. Many now view the ownership as overly frugal.
“Tom Dundon has owned that team for less than a year and already running it into the ground like he does everything else,” @ssjcedd wrote.
“Mind boggling how do you finally become the owner and have three separate situations being cheap already ❓,” @rjkball said.
“Should have let Phil knight buy them cuz what is this? 🤣,” @ThePettiestLA wrote.
“He is a billionaire but can’t afford to give out tshirts for 2 games where he will make a massive profit,” @Octuple_Double said.
“No playoff shirts is just a middle finger to the fans and I thought the Magic where cheap,” @GeneralKenobi54 wrote.
“I feel terrible for Portland fans,” @CanyonDriver said.
The Portland Trail Blazers looked uninspired to begin their first playoff series in five years. Deni Avdija was one of the only positives, putting up 30 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. The rest of the starting group struggled to find rhythm, combining for just 39 points on inefficient 15-40 shooting, resulting in the 111-98 blowout loss.
Blazers witness two players finish as finalists for end-of-season awards
The Portland Trail Blazers may have opened their playoff run with a loss, but fans still had something to feel good about.
Just before the matchup against the Spurs, Deni Avdija was announced as a finalist for the Most Improved Player award. Avdija, who also earned his first All-Star selection this season, has taken a big step forward offensively. He is averaging 24.2 points and 6.7 assists, showing clear growth compared to last year.
His recognition comes only a few days after Jrue Holiday was nominated for the NBA Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year award.
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