Join us for a trip down uncanny valley, where Kobe Bryant could realistically become the next owner of the Portland Trail Blazers.
Alright, calm down. I know, accepting the reality where a long-time franchise rival and controversial figurehead Kobe Bryant could logically become the best choice to assume ownership of the Portland Trail Blazers is a tough pill to swallow. Even so, we’re here to shine a light on why that may not be such a bad thing after all.
Since Microsoft co-founder and former Blazers’ owner Paul Allen passed in October of 2018, the Portland Trail Blazers have been suspended in a state of purgatory. While Paul’s sister Jody has done a commendable job thus far managing the situation and honoring her late brother’s legacy, this is not likely a venture we can expect her to want to be preoccupied with forever.
That’s where Kobe comes in to play. In a recent interview with NBC Sports, Bryant and business partner Jeff Stibel teased the possibility of taking the dive and potentially purchasing an NBA franchise.
"Stibel: “For us, we’re fiscally disciplined. We’re looking for great businesses, great companies and great teams. If that happens to be on the sports side, of course, we’re going to look there. There are great sports franchises…”Bryant: “… Of course like Jeff said, it’s just important to make smart decisions. We’re not limiting ourselves in anyway whatsoever. But we will look at opportunities as they present themselves and go from there.”"
Back in February of 2019, the Portland Trail Blazers were valued at $1.6 billion by Forbes. They have an impressive level of front office continuity (Neil Olshey is the ninth longest tenured general manager in the NBA) and positive locker room reputation known league-wide. The Blazers are also top five in the NBA for most wins over the course of the last decade.
When it comes to great business, companies and team status, Portland checks all of the boxes.
Ironically enough, Kobe’s first ever playoff series took place against the Trail Blazers. Why not get his ownership career get started in Rip City as well? Admittedly, there might be some residual bad blood left over after losing to Bryant and co. on five separate occasions in the postseason.
However, the marketing opportunities and potential financial growth could be too much for Kobe to pass up in Portland. He already has superstar appeal and doesn’t need to be in LA or New York to attract attention. Being just minutes away from Nike headquarters in Beaverton could also play a big factor in this hypothetical decision.
It’s not every day that NBA teams are put up for sale. But if Kobe wishes to take the plunge and invest in a franchise, he would be hard pressed to find an opportunity greater than the Portland Trail Blazers.