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  • #31
    RapthoseLeafs wrote: View Post
    .
    I think moving Alvin out was a mistake. The fact that he was marginalized by the previous Admin (or so we're told ... ie. a Scout in Philly land), makes me think a good PR move, would be towards making Williams more of the face of the Raptors. A sort of ... "we actually care about those in the organization (who don't impact the team roster), who have a fondness for the only team not in the USA".

    As for jettisoning Steve Fruitman - who somehow put the amazing trade together for Hedo (as the Cap Specialist) - I have wonder, what was the point to this. Have Timothy & Ujiji been watching too much Last Man Standing. Is Timothy ... aka Tim Allen, and Massai ... aka Nancy Travis.

    http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1828327/



    Granted, these are small changes - relatively speaking. All the more reason why they could've kept both guys.

    As to Dougie Smith's rant of late, I think he made a valid point. And a number of other Sport Beat guys made similar comments (regarding Alvin). I may disagree with most things DS, but to completely dismiss everything he says, downplays the concept that even idiots sometimes have good ideas.

    Truth be told, I'm a little worried about Tim Leiweke. Intuition is ringing in my ears, worried that Timothy is a micro-managing type of guy. Hopefully our Messiah Massai, has enough control to chart a new course for the Raptors. Hate to see a suit get too involved - remember that pencil pushing Teachers' Union guy. Leiweke strikes me as more a PR guy with great success in that field, and not enough of a Sports type who can dictate a brighter future for the Leafs, Raptors, et al.

    .
    Considering he was hired and demoted by previous front office and let go by this front office, that does not sound like a ringing endorsement for his contributions to the franchise.

    And so what if he is a micro-manager? (BTW I don't think he is unless you call a guy who is in touch daily with the people running operations below him a bad thing - which I don't - MLSE needs accountability as evidence of the last 5 years with Colangelo). Results are what matters and Leiweke's resume is loaded with results.

    If that is how Leiweke strikes you, you really should do more reading on him.

    Comment


    • #32
      Doug's panties still in a twist:



      Comment


      • #33
        Matt52 wrote: View Post
        Considering he was hired and demoted by previous front office and let go by this front office, that does not sound like a ringing endorsement for his contributions to the franchise.

        And so what if he is a micro-manager? (BTW I don't think he is unless you call a guy who is in touch daily with the people running operations below him a bad thing - which I don't - MLSE needs accountability as evidence of the last 5 years with Colangelo). Results are what matters and Leiweke's resume is loaded with results.

        If that is how Leiweke strikes you, you really should do more reading on him.
        You may be right Matt.

        I did use the term intuition to qualify my comment. Simply put, it's a gut feeling I have.
        And I have read up on Tim, and I did check out some of his interviews (and read the transcripts). I think part of me wondered why he kept BC, then proceeded to belittle him (in a round-about way). Personally, if I felt that way about someone who reported to me, I would've fired such an individual.

        Then there is the matter of Alvin. Was it Tim who fired him? Or was it Tim (via Massai)? I understand the concept of clearing the ship after it runs aground, however that doesn't mean all the ship mates "are not worthy" of migrating to a new ship.

        For me, I have this hope that Massai will call ALL the shots, now and in the future (when it comes to basketball roster & coaches).


        One other point about Tim that I forgot to mention. His previous job stint, saw him bring great success to the operational end of things (ie. TV contracts, attendance etc.). But when one thinks about MLSE, are they not already such a successful operation. Their value sure demonstrates this.

        .

        Comment


        • #34
          RapthoseLeafs wrote: View Post
          You may be right Matt.

          I did use the term intuition to qualify my comment. Simply put, it's a gut feeling I have.
          And I have read up on Tim, and I did check out some of his interviews (and read the transcripts). I think part of me wondered why he kept BC, then proceeded to belittle him (in a round-about way). Personally, if I felt that way about someone who reported to me, I would've fired such an individual.

          Then there is the matter of Alvin. Was it Tim who fired him? Or was it Tim (via Massai)? I understand the concept of clearing the ship after it runs aground, however that doesn't mean all the ship mates "are not worthy" of migrating to a new ship.

          For me, I have this hope that Massai will call ALL the shots, now and in the future (when it comes to basketball roster & coaches).


          One other point about Tim that I forgot to mention. His previous job stint, saw him bring great success to the operational end of things (ie. TV contracts, attendance etc.). But when one thinks about MLSE, are they not already such a successful operation. Their value sure demonstrates this.

          .
          If you've read all the stories, you should realize that the decision to let Alvin go was MU's, not TL's. TL just happened to get in touch with AW first, after MU & AW played phone-tag for a couple days. I think MU did a pretty good job explaining the rationale behind the firing. It sounds to me like AW was a regional scout who was only interested in being a regional scout, didn't really have any significant record of success in any of his front office jobs with the Raptors, and simply didn't fit with the new structure/strategy. So what if he was a well liked ex-player? So what if he really loved the Raptors? That doesn't make him a good fit for an NBA front office.

          Comment


          • #35
            RapthoseLeafs wrote: View Post
            .
            I think moving Alvin out was a mistake. The fact that he was marginalized by the previous Admin (or so we're told ... ie. a Scout in Philly land), makes me think a good PR move, would be towards making Williams more of the face of the Raptors. A sort of ... "we actually care about those in the organization (who don't impact the team roster), who have a fondness for the only team not in the USA".

            As for jettisoning Steve Fruitman - who somehow put the amazing trade together for Hedo (as the Cap Specialist) - I have wonder, what was the point to this. Have Timothy & Ujiji been watching too much Last Man Standing. Is Timothy ... aka Tim Allen, and Massai ... aka Nancy Travis.

            http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1828327/



            Granted, these are small changes - relatively speaking. All the more reason why they could've kept both guys.

            As to Dougie Smith's rant of late, I think he made a valid point. And a number of other Sport Beat guys made similar comments (regarding Alvin). I may disagree with most things DS, but to completely dismiss everything he says, downplays the concept that even idiots sometimes have good ideas.

            Truth be told, I'm a little worried about Tim Leiweke. Intuition is ringing in my ears, worried that Timothy is a micro-managing type of guy. Hopefully our Messiah Massai, has enough control to chart a new course for the Raptors. Hate to see a suit get too involved - remember that pencil pushing Teachers' Union guy. Leiweke strikes me as more a PR guy with great success in that field, and not enough of a Sports type who can dictate a brighter future for the Leafs, Raptors, et al.

            .
            Could be that he was the guy who suggested the Landry Fields deal. That alone's reason enough to get rid of him.
            "Stop eating your sushi."
            "I do actually have a pair of Uggs."
            "I've had three cups of green tea tonight. I'm wired. I'm absolutely wired."
            - Jack Armstrong

            Comment


            • #36
              RapthoseLeafs wrote: View Post
              You may be right Matt.

              I did use the term intuition to qualify my comment. Simply put, it's a gut feeling I have.
              And I have read up on Tim, and I did check out some of his interviews (and read the transcripts). I think part of me wondered why he kept BC, then proceeded to belittle him (in a round-about way). Personally, if I felt that way about someone who reported to me, I would've fired such an individual.

              Then there is the matter of Alvin. Was it Tim who fired him? Or was it Tim (via Massai)? I understand the concept of clearing the ship after it runs aground, however that doesn't mean all the ship mates "are not worthy" of migrating to a new ship.

              For me, I have this hope that Massai will call ALL the shots, now and in the future (when it comes to basketball roster & coaches).


              One other point about Tim that I forgot to mention. His previous job stint, saw him bring great success to the operational end of things (ie. TV contracts, attendance etc.). But when one thinks about MLSE, are they not already such a successful operation. Their value sure demonstrates this.

              .
              Good point on intuition. I should have shown more respect to an opinion rather than a statement of fact. Apologies.


              I get the feeling an arrangement with Colangelo might have already been made before Tim took over - just my feeling. I think it is clear that Tim does not want him around.


              Personally, I think they knew the fallout of not renewing the contract of a guy like AW. Tim probably took that one on the chin. I find it interesting how Alvin says Ujiri had called him but they never actually spoke.


              I wouldn't minimize what Leiweke did at AEG. It was not a stint at AEG. The man basically built it in to an empire. Also, Leiweke got his start in professional sports with the Denver Nuggets.

              Timothy Leiweke is the outgoing President and CEO of Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), which owns the Los Angeles Kings, the Los Angeles Galaxy, part of the Los Angeles Lakers, the L.A. Live entertainment complex, as well as multiple sporting and entertainment venues around the world, such as the Home Depot Center and the O2 Arena in London, which it manages
              AEG is the world's largest owner of sports teams and sports events, the owner of the world’s most profitable sports and entertainment venues, and under AEG Live, the world's second largest presenter of live music and entertainment events.

              Tim Leiweke, who helped improve Los Angeles' sporting fortunes and revive the city's once-woebegone downtown during his 17-year leadership of sports and entertainment giant AEG, on Friday was named president and chief executive of Toronto-based Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment.

              http://articles.latimes.com/2013/apr...iweke-20130427


              The longtime CEO of AEG led just about every part of the live entertainment business. He took a hands-on approach with the Los Angeles Kings hockey franchise and guided Major League Soccer through a decade of expansion, with his own Los Angeles Galaxy winning back to back championships this year and last. He built a real estate empire around the world with iconic arenas in London, Shanghai, and Sydney and pioneered the transformation of downtown Los Angeles with the formation of the country’s most dynamic mixed-use development, L.A. Live. He helped building the thriving touring division AEG Live, launched a massive ticketing company and dipped his hand in the television business with Mark Cuban and Ryan Seacrest to create AXS TV.

              Sports. Mega-real estate. Music. Television. Technology. The list of industries Tim Leiweke brought into the AEG fold as part of his synergistic vision for live entertainment goes well beyond the periphery of most firms. On top of it all, he led a process to bring the National Football League to Los Angeles, and while the vision for Farmers Field has yet to be realized, Leiweke achieved a historical accomplishment when the Los Angeles City Council approved the project in September 2012.

              http://www.venuestoday.com/news/deta...im-leiweke0320

              LOS ANGELES (January 25, 2013) – Championships in the National Hockey League and in Major League Soccer made for a pretty good year for AEG President and CEO Tim Leiweke, as the AEG-owned Los Angeles Kings and LA Galaxy won the Stanley Cup and MLS Cup in 2012.

              In recognition for an exceptional year, which also includes operating such facilities as STAPLES Center and The Home Depot Center and for guiding the development of Farmers Field, Leiweke will be honored as the 2012 Sports Executive of the Year during the 8th Annual LA Sports Awards, to be held on Sunday, March 3 at The Beverly Hilton.

              The LA Sports Awards are presented annually by the L.A. Sports Council to celebrate the greatest moments of the year in sports in the Los Angeles/Orange County area.

              Leiweke also received the Sports Executive award in 2010.

              http://www.lagalaxy.com/news/2013/01...executive-year

              Comment


              • #37
                Hope this makes sense to Doug Smith as to why the scout who lives and works out of Philly was let go.

                JS: You’ve also made sweeping changes to your scouting staff. Coming from a scouting background yourself, what needs to change in terms of how this franchise evaluates and scouts at the professional, collegiate and international levels?

                MU: One of the things I do is that I don’t restrict people to regional scouting and so it cuts my staff down. Some teams do it where they’d hire regional guys and guys in different areas and I’m a little bit different. I want whoever I have seeing everything. So when we go into a room and we have a discussion, everyone is very honest and has a strong opinion because you’ve seen the player or seen the prospect.

                So the staff is going to shrink a little bit in those situations… It’s unfortunate that there has to be changes and fewer opportunities in terms of scouting positions, but a smaller staff is how I want to go.
                Now can he shut the hell up with his condecending tweets....BUHUUHUHUHUH i'm losing my contacts, i'll have to go out and work like everyone else instead of picking up the phone.

                Comment


                • #38
                  Interesting:

                  "...The longtime CEO of AEG led just about every part of the live entertainment business. He took a hands-on approach with the Los Angeles Kings hockey franchise and guided Major League Soccer through a decade of expansion..."

                  Comment


                  • #39
                    I think he let's his management do their job. He simply makes sure they're right on track.

                    Empower management but establish accountability ... Is the motto
                    “I don’t create controversies. They’re there long before I open my mouth. I just bring them to your attention.”

                    -- Charles Barkley

                    Comment


                    • #40
                      Matt52 wrote: View Post
                      Good point on intuition. I should have shown more respect to an opinion rather than a statement of fact. Apologies.


                      I get the feeling an arrangement with Colangelo might have already been made before Tim took over - just my feeling. I think it is clear that Tim does not want him around.


                      Personally, I think they knew the fallout of not renewing the contract of a guy like AW. Tim probably took that one on the chin. I find it interesting how Alvin says Ujiri had called him but they never actually spoke.


                      I wouldn't minimize what Leiweke did at AEG. It was not a stint at AEG. The man basically built it in to an empire. Also, Leiweke got his start in professional sports with the Denver Nuggets.

                      I think Tanenbaum had something to do with BC hanging around, prior to Tim jumping on board. And I'd agree Lieweke doesn't really care to have Brian on board.

                      What bothered me, is how Tim handled things. To me, any new Chief should recognize that when given that position, he's in charge. And as such, have no need to demonstrate or prove the existence of that power. The ultimate decision is his, and that's all that really matters.

                      If in the future, Massai is given a equal level of power, I would imagine he'd handle a similar awkwardness in a more professional manner.

                      .

                      From a marketing perspective, past reality doesn't help the cause. The Raptor team of 2012-13 did not make the play-offs. They had a fan base that was toxic to a mishandled, overly amplified draft pick. They had a fan base that had lost faith in the overall operation. Last thing they need, is a f*@ked up management dynamic, that is front and centre in the news. If anything, Tim's reputation and yes, "long" stint (17 years), suggest he'd be more likely to avoid "piling on" more negativity to the Toronto Raptor situation. Any lack of bad news, is really good news when it comes to this basketball team.

                      Was it simply to show fans who was in charge?
                      Wasn't that evident?
                      If it was to show fans, does that mean he's susceptible to partial fan influence. When Lieweke achieved all that he did at AEG, I have to believe it was his pure Management sales skills that made things happen.

                      With that in mind, initiating a p!ssing match really serves no purpose.

                      .

                      Comment


                      • #41
                        RapthoseLeafs wrote: View Post
                        I think Tanenbaum had something to do with BC hanging around, prior to Tim jumping on board. And I'd agree Lieweke doesn't really care to have Brian on board.

                        What bothered me, is how Tim handled things. To me, any new Chief should recognize that when given that position, he's in charge. And as such, have no need to demonstrate or prove the existence of that power. The ultimate decision is his, and that's all that really matters.

                        If in the future, Massai is given a equal level of power, I would imagine he'd handle a similar awkwardness in a more professional manner.
                        I would think if Tannenbaum influenced the Colangelo decision, then Lewieke is not the cheif nor does he have the ultimate decision. Which also explains why Leiweke was so public and forward about explaining what Colangelo's position entailed (as you call it 'a round about belittling' - although to be blunt that seems like a huge stretch) because he knew the the management dynamic was "f@cked up" and a "toxic fan" base would have a hard time understanding it.



                        Was it simply to show fans who was in charge?
                        Wasn't that evident?
                        If it was to show fans, does that mean he's susceptible to partial fan influence. When Lieweke achieved all that he did at AEG, I have to believe it was his pure Management sales skills that made things happen.
                        It could have been that, or it could have been the more simple explanation, and how Masai explained it, of Alvin being an inefficiency on the payroll that was unnecessary going forward. A straightforward business/sports decision made by Masai rather than a PR decision made by Leiweke.

                        I find it strange that you are concerned over Tim L being a 'PR Guy' and not a 'sports guy', but then seem solely concerned about how the Alvin Williams decision looks.

                        Comment


                        • #42
                          RapthoseLeafs wrote: View Post
                          I think Tanenbaum had something to do with BC hanging around, prior to Tim jumping on board. And I'd agree Lieweke doesn't really care to have Brian on board.

                          What bothered me, is how Tim handled things. To me, any new Chief should recognize that when given that position, he's in charge. And as such, have no need to demonstrate or prove the existence of that power. The ultimate decision is his, and that's all that really matters.

                          If in the future, Massai is given a equal level of power, I would imagine he'd handle a similar awkwardness in a more professional manner.

                          .

                          From a marketing perspective, past reality doesn't help the cause. The Raptor team of 2012-13 did not make the play-offs. They had a fan base that was toxic to a mishandled, overly amplified draft pick. They had a fan base that had lost faith in the overall operation. Last thing they need, is a f*@ked up management dynamic, that is front and centre in the news. If anything, Tim's reputation and yes, "long" stint (17 years), suggest he'd be more likely to avoid "piling on" more negativity to the Toronto Raptor situation. Any lack of bad news, is really good news when it comes to this basketball team.

                          Was it simply to show fans who was in charge?
                          Wasn't that evident?

                          If it was to show fans, does that mean he's susceptible to partial fan influence. When Lieweke achieved all that he did at AEG, I have to believe it was his pure Management sales skills that made things happen.

                          With that in mind, initiating a p!ssing match really serves no purpose.

                          .
                          The 2 bold nailed it.

                          The fan base lost faith in the basketball decision makers due to the 5 years of losing. I think the majority of the fan base turned on Colangelo and have become bitter/cynical/disillusioned... take your pick or add another. I think because Colangelo was staying in the front office, no, it was not evident. TL went to great lengths to convey to the fan base that while Colangelo has strengths on the business side of the franchise, his days of influencing the basketball side are over.

                          I'm not seeing the pissing match you speak of. TL made it clear how things were going to be moving forward and, considering the front office has been cleaned out and replaced over the last 2 days, it appears mission accomplished.

                          Does it matter how things happened at AEG? Results are what matter - or at least what should matter. To do what TL did wtih AEG takes a lot more than management sales skills. You need a vision and the competency to see it through.

                          Comment


                          • #43
                            BC w/ Tanenbaum made plenty of money for the organization. Money in his pocket? Of course he's happy. Has NOTHING to do w/ sports though.

                            Comment


                            • #44
                              Good ol' Dougie was right, more changes coming:

                              “We will be a defence-first team but what we have offensively has to fit what we have,” Casey said. “We’re going to bring such coaches in to fit that need.

                              http://blog.raptors.com/casey-eyes-b...etter-defence/

                              Comment


                              • #45
                                Off with their heads: Round 2 - Davis, Roth, Sterner edition

                                Sounds like more heads are ready to roll...

                                Not that Dwane or Masai would ever confirm this at the moment, on or off the record, the word around the Finals has been that Johnny Davis, Scott Roth and Tom Sterner will not be back next fall. Toronto Star
                                For still frame photograph of me reading the DeRozan thread please refer to my avatar

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