(06-06-2015 03:35 PM)Tiger1983 Wrote: (06-06-2015 01:52 PM)Dynamos Wrote: (06-05-2015 02:00 PM)Brother Bluto Wrote: A lot of people didn't like the previous owner. So far so good with Pera. It does remain to be seen. I'm also interested to see what happens once Zbo and TA get too old. IMO they may be more important than Gasol and Conley.
Heisley helped construct this current team. Pera hasn't really done anything yet. And its pretty obvious that Gasol and Conley are the ones that make this team go
I think both owners have been supportive of the team and the City of Memphis.
True. I remember the mockery that Heisley received when he urged the 3 year plan. It worked. I also heard the stories of his financial support for some local young "entrepreneurs." His manner of running a company from Chicago turned off many local businessmen, and perhaps a fair reaction to his style. But he did many great things for the franchise (and some dubious ones).
Same with Pera. He has done some impressive things, and struggled in others.
W regard to "something the Grizz are doing that the Tigers have not" (not that it should be a competition, but the post opened the door, as they say), besides
1) drawing national, if not global sports coverage to the city in April and May,
2) they sponsored the Grizz House (not sure if there's been a Tiger House, and I'm not saying that it's a fair comparison, but it's a true one) and
3) were #1
a) international sports franchise for community service (Beyond Sport),
b) and American franchise overall (ESPN).
Again, certain limitations for college programs are different. But these are new achievements and points of pride for the region.
Let's be clear, the Tigers are the only redeeming aspect of the NCAA for me. I root for the governing body's implosion more than the NFL's or FIFA's because of its disinenguousness and hypocrisy. Because, in part, because of how it puts schools like the U of M at a competitive disadvantage, by kowtowing to bigger schools and (more despicably) coaches.
If it's a regional institution, I back it. I imagine I'm not the only one.