Portland Trail Blazers Owner Tom Dundon Faces Criticism Over Strained City Relations

Bill Oram, sports commentator for Oregon Live, sharply criticized Tom Dundon, owner of the Portland Trail Blazers, in a recent column reflecting on Dundon's first year in charge. Oram argued that Dundon's relationship with Portland is far from successful, highlighting concerns that Dundon might relocate the team. He questioned whether it is time for the billionaire to sell the franchise, similar to the recent sale of the Los Angeles Lakers. Oram wrote that Dundon appears to be struggling since acquiring the team, which features Israeli player Deni Avdija, and suggested Dundon neither understands nor likes Portland. He noted Dundon's repeated statements that owning the NBA team was supposed to be enjoyable, but it has not been so.

Regarding a potential sale, Oram pointed out that if NBA team values continue to rise rapidly, as seen with the Lakers' 25% increase despite losing LeBron James, Dundon and his partners could recoup their investment with a modest profit. However, Oram acknowledged that an immediate sale is unlikely. He concluded that Dundon probably does not want to do business with Portland any more than the city wants him as owner. Oram suggested that if Dundon accepts this mutual mismatch and sells the team, it could benefit everyone without damaging the proud American city or tarnishing Dundon's legacy as owner.