44 Comments

Could not agree more John!

Expand full comment

Amen!

Expand full comment

100%, something has to change with the team and this would “right the ship”. Get’er done!!

Expand full comment

This would be a slam dunk success. Imagine free agency.

Expand full comment

Please gods of basketball, let this happen....

Expand full comment

As a lifelong blazers fan, I’m expecting to be disappointed soon.

I’m happy to buy a goat to sacrifice if we must, but this HAS to happen!!

Expand full comment

I would love to see Uncle Phil own the Trailblazers. It would be fitting.

Expand full comment

This has got to happen! Great article John!

Expand full comment

Perfect match

Expand full comment

I know he no longer has an official role at Nike, but doesn't it seem that as the founder, largest shareholder, and still face of the company, that there would be a conflict of interest in Phil owning an NBA franchise? Still, I'm all for it as long as the league has no hangups over it.

I would assume Smolinsky would end up having the first option to purchase Phil's share of the team upon his passing?

Expand full comment

I'm certain some of the conversation with Adam Silver was on that front. I'm told they met twice.

Expand full comment

Agree on most of this. Contrary to the photo you've posted (taken sometime before the Obama administration? Before GWB?), Phil's decline over the last few years is very real. How do we know we're not going to be back here in 24 months?

Dodgers ownership have been very good stewards of one of baseball's crown jewels. I think they would do right by Portland, the franchise, and the league. That said, I'd like to know their plans for the next decade.

Expand full comment

Knight appears interested in legacy. I think he'd plan for that.

Expand full comment

I think you're right. I'll be interested to see how he's deployed.

Expand full comment

Really, he seems to be in amazing condition both physically and mentally... I wouldn't worry about how this guy would set up for the long term. Shoe Dog is smarter than the average bear and has surrounded himself with talented, loyal people.

Expand full comment

You must not have been on the Nike call I was on last year. The decline is evident.

Expand full comment

Probably was not on that call. Which call are you referring to?

Expand full comment

🤞🏽I hope this sell happens quickly Jody just sign on the correct line. 👏🏽

Expand full comment

It’s meant to be; everything makes sense about this scenario.

Expand full comment

I fully agree. A Knight Blazer ownership would perfect .

Expand full comment

Lot of questions here about what happens after Phil Knight. His son already controls the trust that manages Phil's NIKE shares. I'm certain hus son is in on the deal. https://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/threads_and_laces/2016/05/travis-knight-gets-control-of-2-billion-nike-stock.html

Expand full comment

I'm hoping Phil Knight gets the Is opportunity to purchase the trailblazers

Expand full comment

I have always wanted Uncle Phil to step in and buy the Blazers. My fingers and toes are crossed (even in the face of doom and gloom Jason Quick's opinion piece in The Athletic).

Expand full comment

Yep! Yep! And Yep!!!!

Expand full comment