Tom Dundon’s first major experiment in professional sports ended with the Carolina Hurricanes lifting the Stanley Cup. Now the entrepreneur is testing the same budget-minded philosophy with the Portland Trail Blazers, the NBA franchise he recently acquired.
Dundon drew sharp criticism when he bought the Hurricanes. He trimmed travel parties, reevaluated front-office positions and repeatedly asked why long-standing expenses were necessary. Many observers labeled him “cheap.”
The backlash faded when Carolina emerged as one of the National Hockey League’s model organizations and captured this season’s championship. Success, Dundon argues, validated his insistence on funding only what he believes contributes directly to wins.
“I just don’t want to waste money. I want to invest it,” he said recently, responding to fresh skepticism surrounding his stewardship of the Blazers.
Since taking over in Portland, Dundon has again reduced costs and reshuffled departments, prompting familiar complaints from fans and some team employees. Detractors question whether the strategy translates to basketball, but Dundon remains convinced results will override resentment.
If the Blazers start winning, he contends, few will remember who flew on road trips or how many staffers occupied the business office—just as happened in Raleigh.
Critics remain doubtful, yet they were equally unconvinced before the Hurricanes’ title run. Dundon now gets his chance to repeat the formula in the NBA.
Source: Hoops Wire
