For 30 years, Paul Allen has owned the Portland Trail Blazers. In that time the team made the NBA Finals a couple of times, was a model of consistency making the playoffs 23 times, and providing a city unforgettable memories filled with some of the biggest personalities and best players in the game.
Allen passed away Monday, losing his battle to cancer. He was just 65 years old.
We miss you.
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) October 15, 2018
We thank you.
We love you. pic.twitter.com/rxkn1IjJ0R
It has led to an outpouring from the entire NBA community, especially around Portland.
“Paul Allen was the ultimate trail blazer – in business, philanthropy and in sports,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. “As one of the longest-tenured owners in the NBA, Paul brought a sense of discovery and vision to every league matter large and small. He was generous with his time on committee work, and his expertise helped lay the foundation for the league’s growth internationally and our embrace of new technologies. He was a valued voice who challenged assumptions and conventional wisdom and one we will deeply miss as we start a new season without him. Our condolences go to his family, friends and the entire Trail Blazers organization.”
Paul was a truly wonderful, bright and inspiring person—- and a great friend. I will miss him https://t.co/HYhtgZGo8C
— Steve Ballmer (@Steven_Ballmer) October 15, 2018
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo-TdEaHuq0/
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo-K_qxB618/
RIP Paul. You were a good man and will be missed. Rock and Roll Heaven just got a lot better https://t.co/bOSmF5Dcqi
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) October 15, 2018
“We are terribly saddened by the news of the passing of Paul Allen. He was dedicated to Portland and his Trail Blazers teams reflected his commitment to hard work and excellence. Our condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues and the Trail Blazers fans.” - @JeanieBuss
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 16, 2018
Mr. Allen, thank you. A brilliant mind, a giving heart and an unforgettable legacy. Thoughts and prayers to your friends and family. May you Rest In Peace. It was an honor knowing you. pic.twitter.com/n8QL0r2W4W
— Meyers Leonard (@MeyersLeonard) October 15, 2018
Terrible news. Prayers to Mr. Allen’s Family.. https://t.co/1QV0GgGn4s
— Jusuf Nurkić 🇧🇦 (@bosnianbeast27) October 15, 2018
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo-IhNYhhFr
So sad to hear the news of Paul Allen. Was a great person and great owner. Thank you for the two years in PDX. Condolences to his family!! #RIPPaulAllen 🙏🏾
— Dorell Wright 🏁 (@DWRIGHTWAY1) October 15, 2018
🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 https://t.co/cTd6r7kpsH
— Jake Layman (@JLayman10) October 15, 2018
Boss loved to hoop, was a surprisingly accurate free throw shooter. pic.twitter.com/eKslQYxYpv
— Casey Holdahl (@CHold) October 15, 2018
Sending our deepest condolences to the friends and family of Paul Allen. Our thoughts are with you and the @trailblazers organization. https://t.co/pAv73e368q
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) October 15, 2018
