Report: Blazers owner Tom Dundon unfazed by criticism of approach

Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon is cutting costs, and apparently, he’s waving his hands in the air like he just don’t care.

More specifically, according to The Athletic’s Jason Quick, Dundon is unfazed by criticism directed his way for some of his eyebrow-raising moves to cut costs in the playoffs.

Yes, the Blazers are back in the playoffs. But the bigger story right now may be how they are operating behind the scenes.

“I don’t think he gives a rat’s ass what is said about him,” a league source told Quick.

That attitude has shown up in real situations.

Ahead of a play-in game in Phoenix, interim coach Tiago Splitter found himself dealing with an unusual issue, Quick reported. By team directive, members of the travel party who were not players or coaches were required to check out of the hotel early to avoid late fees.

That created complications for staff, including the team’s masseuse, who needed space to work with players before the game.

“I told (Splitter) he can’t be focused on this while he is about to coach his most important game,” a confidant told Quick. “And he was like, ‘But what if the masseuse decides that she doesn’t want to do a good job because she’s angry … then it affects me, too.’”

Portland won that night. The moment still stood out.

Quick reports that the Blazers have taken a different approach in several areas, trimming travel groups and rethinking standard practices around the organization. The philosophy is straightforward.

“The directive was ‘Why are we wasting money? Let’s think about this prudently,'” a team source told Quick.

Not everyone is on board.

“The amount of disrespect (toward Splitter) that’s going on is beyond description,” one league source told Quick.

At the same time, there is context. Dundon has operated this way before. As Quick notes, he implemented similar cost-conscious moves after purchasing the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, with successful results over time.

Inside the organization, there is an understanding of what is driving it.

“He is unapologetic,” a team source said. “All he cares about is what is good for the team and what makes the team win.”

That includes a willingness to spend where it matters most. According to Quick, Dundon is prepared to invest in the roster, even if it means entering the luxury tax to land a key player. Everything else is being evaluated.

The result is a shift, and a noticeable one. Around the NBA, opinions are forming quickly.

“He’s already established that he’s very cheap,” another league source told Quick.

Perhaps. But, clearly, Dundon does not appear interested in pushing back on that perception.