"The new owner does not understand and apparently does not like Portland"
American journalist Bill Oram launched a sharp attack on Tom Dundon, a year after he purchased the team: "He does not feel safe bringing his family here. It is not fun for him."
A year after Tom Dundon became the owner of Portland, criticism against him from some of the team's fans and the local media is growing. Bill Oram, a columnist for "The Oregonian", published a sharp column in which he argued that perhaps the best solution for both sides is the sale of the team.
Oram opened the column by referring to the sale of the Los Angeles Lakers by billionaire Mark Walter shortly after he purchased the team, and argued that the move proved that even new owners can choose to exit an investment quickly if things are not progressing as they expected.
"Am I saying that Dundon should do like Walter and sell the Trail Blazers for a quick profit? I am not saying that. Love it or sell it."
The journalist claimed that since Dundon was identified as the team's buyer, almost every day brought a new disappointment. According to him, even the recent developments surrounding the negotiations with the city regarding the future lease agreement for the arena only added tension. But Oram's main criticism was directed at the fit between the new owner and the city he represents.
"Dundon does not understand Portland, and apparently does not like Portland," he wrote. "He certainly does not like doing business here. He would understand the sensitivities of the city council better if its members spoke Klingon."
Oram added that Dundon told people in his circle that he bought an NBA team to enjoy the experience, but according to him, "it just wasn't fun."
"The constant criticism of his cuts was not fun for Dundon, nor was the political war surrounding his demands regarding the arena. He told everyone who was willing to listen that he does not feel safe bringing his family here, given the hostile environment — an environment he is almost entirely responsible for."
According to Oram, Dundon wanted to be part of the NBA owners' club, but did not understand the complexity of the club and the city. "He wanted one of the 30 NBA teams, but did not understand that he was taking on the most demanding part," he wrote. The commentator even claimed that other parties might also regret the deal. "I think he has regrets. I suspect that Jody Allen feels the same way. I believe that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver would also like to have a chance to do it over."
Despite the harsh words, Oram admitted that selling the Trail Blazers is not a simple scenario. According to him, NBA teams are a rare asset that is very difficult to acquire, and the value of the teams continues to rise. However, he argued that if the value of the Lakers rose by 25% in a short time, Dundon and his investors could also find a way to exit the investment at a profit.
