Media

The most recent news that may have a negative affect on business in Portland isn’t related to instability in the housing market or the price of crude. It’s news about instability in another – more local – institution: Blazer’s basketball.

If you haven’t yet heard the news, Rich Cho was fired as Portland Trailblazer General Manager. After only ten months on the job (and having just moved his family to Portland), Cho appears to have joined the ranks of Oregonians who are unemployed.

During the press conference to announce Cho’s termination, Blazer President Larry Miller described a lack of chemistry between Cho and owner Paul Allen – despite that Cho was widely praised by fans for his acquisition of Gerald Wallace in what was seen around the NBA as a lopsided deal in Portland’s favor. Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time a General Manager’s departure has been tied to disagreements with Allen. In fact, some are saying that Allen is developing a reputation for being impossible to please. For example, Kevin Pritchard -- Cho’s predecessor -- was also a fan favorite in Rip City, based largely on his seemingly one-sided trades (loving referred to as a “Pritch slap”). But then, that was all before Pritchard was fired.

Whatever the reason for the departure of Cho (or any other Blazer management), the real problem is the organization’s perceived instability. The Portland Trailblazers are one of the city’s most prominent businesses. Signs of instability at the top have a trickle down affect – both inside and outside the organization. The trend of instability -- as marked by Cho’s departure – will not only make the season ticket holders nervous, it may also rattle the organization’s substantial sponsors and business partners around the city.

Businesses tend to reflect their leadership – and “here today, gone tomorrow” leadership leads to volatility. For the sake of the team and the fans – and the City’s economy – let’s hope the Blazers can forge a comeback and turn this trend around.