New Portland Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon has drawn criticism for skipping commemorative T-shirts at the team's first home playoff game since 2021. The decision comes amid reports of broader cost-cutting measures by the franchise. Game 3 against the San Antonio Spurs tips off Friday night with the series tied 1-1.
Portland will host Game 3 of its first-round playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs on Friday, marking the Trail Blazers' first home postseason game since 2021. The series stands at 1-1 after Portland's victory in Game 2 on the road. Fans, however, will not find T-shirts draped over their seats, a traditional giveaway for playoff games, as the team opted for an alternative due to cost considerations, according to the alternate governor's statement on social media. Dundon, who purchased the franchise for a reported $4.25 billion in late March, also owns the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes and has a reputation for frugality. He once remarked, 'Do you know what I do when I see a penny on the ground? I pick it up.' Reports indicate further savings: two-way players, the team photographer, and digital reporter stayed behind for Games 1 and 2 in San Antonio, per The Rose Garden Report and The Oregonian. During a play-in game in Phoenix against the Suns, staff checked out of hotel rooms early to avoid late fees, as noted by Sports Illustrated, leaving the team masseuse without space and stressing interim head coach Tiago Splitter, according to The Athletic. Splitter took over after Chauncey Billups' arrest in a federal gambling probe and guided the team to a 42-40 record. Dundon reportedly seeks a head coach salary cap at $1.5 million, though he has denied this and contacted numerous candidates. The moves contrast sharply with the late owner Paul Allen's lavish style. Concerns linger over retaining stars like All-Star Deni Avdija, on a team-friendly deal ending in 2028, amid the new ownership's approach.
