Imagine a WNBA team’s social media blunder sparking a frenzy of speculation and confusion—all because of a single, hastily deleted post. That’s exactly what happened to Portland’s new WNBA franchise, the Fire, when they accidentally teased the hiring of Cleveland Cavaliers assistant coach Alex Sarama on LinkedIn. But here’s where it gets controversial: was this just an innocent mistake, or a sign of deeper organizational turmoil? Let’s dive in.
On Tuesday morning, the Portland Fire posted an image on LinkedIn welcoming Alex Sarama with the caption, ‘Welcome to the Portland Fire!’ The post was quickly removed, but not before it spread like wildfire across social media platforms, including Reddit, where fans and analysts alike began dissecting the potential hire. A team spokesperson later admitted the post was an error, insisting no official hiring decision had been made and no contract was signed. But the damage was done—the cat was out of the bag, and questions lingered.
And this is the part most people miss: This isn’t the Fire’s first misstep as they prepare for their inaugural season next spring. From a botched brand identity reveal to the abrupt ousting of their first team president, Inky Son, after just three months, the franchise has struggled to find its footing. Even the appointment of interim president Clare Hamill, who famously got the team’s logo tattooed on her forearm, hasn’t fully stabilized the ship. Add to that the failed pursuit of the Portland Trail Blazers by the Fire’s ownership group, RAJ Sports, and you’ve got a recipe for uncertainty.
So, what’s the deal with Sarama? Sources initially confirmed he was the top choice, with the team even prepping local media for a Thursday press conference. But talks appear to have hit a snag unrelated to the LinkedIn leak, leaving his future with the Fire—or the Cavaliers—in limbo. A Cavaliers spokesperson claimed ignorance of any negotiations, and Sarama was spotted coaching during the Cavs’ preseason game that same evening.
Here’s where it gets intriguing: Sarama isn’t just any assistant coach. He’s a pioneer of the constraints-led approach (CLA), a training method embraced by NBA stars like Victor Wembanyama and WNBA standout Kelsey Plum, who credits it for transforming her career. Hiring Sarama would be a bold, outside-the-box move for the Fire, but it’s not without precedent. He previously worked with the Fire’s general manager, Vanja Cernivec, both in Madrid and with the London Lions, and spent a year as an assistant with the Rip City Remix, Portland’s G League affiliate.
But is this enough to justify the Fire’s chaotic start? Some argue that these missteps are growing pains for an expansion team, while others see them as red flags for deeper organizational issues. What do you think? Is the Fire’s rocky beginning a cause for concern, or just a bumpy road to eventual success? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
