Trail Blazers Owner Paul Allen yesterday posted an open letter to fans on the team's official website, calling this season “one of the most disappointing years I've had in my 24 seasons as owner.” The team missed the playoffs after going 28-38, and dealt with several losses, including G Brandon Roy's retirement prior to the season due to chronic injuries, former No. 1 overall draft pick C Greg Oden's release following a host of injuries and the team's termination of coach Nate McMillan. Allen wrote, “The best thing I can say about this season was at least it was short." He added, "One thing we are not going to do is to spend money like there is no tomorrow, and calls to do so just don't make sense. I've tried that path before -- it doesn't work and is not sustainable. We will follow a judicious and sustainable path going forward. We are also working to appoint a permanent general manager." Allen: "We are now talking with viable candidates and I have already done my first interview. We're moving forward thoughtfully because we must ensure we have the right fit. Ideally, we'd like to have someone in place before the draft and before we decide on a permanent coach, but finding the right executive may take time." Allen wrote, "By talking about the future of the Blazers, I know it will raise questions about my continued ownership of the team. Let me be clear and repeat what I've said before: The team is not for sale. I'm working hard to get this team back on track. No offers have been made to buy the team and none have been solicited." Allen added, "It's very encouraging that season ticket renewals are exceeding our expectations and are just one percent behind where they were at this point last year" (NBA.com, 5/8).
