Lesson #3 – Small markets can win it all
This may be one of the best example’s in recent memory of a small market winning it all.
If the Blazers needed a giddy-up to see that a small market team can win it all, and can keep max guys in town to do so, then the Bucks have provided this example.
The Blazers have been a consistent team the last few years, but have plugged away like a small market team, never really threatening the big dogs of the NBA.
The notion that big-name free agents won’t sign or stay in small markets has been thrown out by the Bucks. They kept a two-time MVP and Defensive Player of the year in Giannis. They re-signed one of the league’s best shooters, in Middleton. And then they traded for and also extended elite defender Jrue Holiday.
This win by the Bucks may not swing the needle back towards small markets, but the Bucks have provided a template for the rest of the small market teams to operate with.
Maybe this win is tough for Blazer fans to stomach, as they see small-market star Giannis lift the Finals MVP trophy, and imagine that Dame was doing the same. But, Neil Olshey has the power to improve this team if he chooses to do so.
Maybe it will be the Blazers turn next season.