Most of the reactions to the Blazers' new owner Tom Dundon amounts to "he doesn't seem that bad," which I guess is about as good as it gets with news like this. His Carolina Hurricanes are doing very well on his watch, but with a single data point, it's hard to know where the credit goes.
I've heard some reports about him being more hands-on with the Hurricanes, which could mean trouble? It's, of course, way, way too early to accurately guess how it's going to go with the Trail Blazers.
To be honest, I feel so uncomfortable speculating! The only thing I know is that the Blazers won't be boring the next few years.
He’s not hands-on. Only people who will tell you that are salty Montreal Canadiens fans who are mad that he messed with them as a publicity stunt. The fact that he’s not hands-on and lets the GM cook is why the canes are good
This isn’t entirely true. And I’m uncertain why it’s a criticism, or something Canes fans occasionally get sensitive about. He, Rod, and Tulsky have been very open about Dundon’s involvement in the “brain trust” dynamic where the top decision-makers in the org all weigh in on every major decision.
It isn’t a bad thing. His role appears to primarily be asking a lot of questions and making sure that other members of leadership aren’t getting tunnel vision on their specific perspective. It’s been successful, and there’s nothing wrong with it. It isn’t like “Jerry Jones” levels of hands-on.
He was "hands on" early when he bought the team. Many would say he muddled. Now that he's learned the biz of hockey, he's less involved. He's a double edged sword for me. But also harmless. Thing everyone in Portland should remember, he's a business man. Money always first & he'll spend it too.
The NBA is less of a niche, good ole boys club. Agents and other teams bash him because he isn’t conventional and marches the beat of his own drum. That reflects in hockey media and has gained him a reputation. He’s made some decisions I didn’t love at times but overall he’s been a good owner.
Don’t know where you heard that. My understanding from GM, Coach, and owner are all in it together. Rod and Eric talk, Eric and Tom talk, Tom and Rod talk. They put a plan together and go after it. I think as the owner he wants to win and allows input from the hockey people about how to do it.
He’s cheap on management/scouting but pays players. And the management seems to do a good job anyhow. Helps having a great HC/franchise icon.