The Portland Trail Blazers have announced a multi-year contract extension for their general manager, Joe Cronin. Cronin initially stepped into the role of interim GM in December 2021 after Neil Olshey`s departure. He was officially appointed to the position in the following offseason. During his time as GM, Cronin has overseen significant roster changes, including trading away star players Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. He has focused on rebuilding the team with a core of young talents such as Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, Deni Avdija, and Toumani Camara.
Team owner Jody Allen stated, `Joe has shown strong leadership and a clear vision as general manager. I am excited to see him continue to build a foundation for sustained success. We are all encouraged by the team`s progress and optimistic about the Trail Blazers` future.`
Cronin also commented in the press release, saying, `My goal is to create a competitive team capable of long-term success, while fostering a positive environment for our players, coaches, and staff to excel. I am very enthusiastic about what lies ahead.`
Although the Trail Blazers were recently eliminated from playoff contention, their performance has exceeded expectations. With a record of 35-44, they have shown increased competitiveness, particularly since January 19th, during which period they achieved a 22-16 record and boasted the league`s fourth-best defense.
Despite missing the playoffs and not having high odds in the draft lottery, the Trail Blazers have several promising developments. Avdija has been performing exceptionally well, Henderson has shown considerable improvement, and Camara is being considered for All-Defense honors. Looking ahead to the offseason, Cronin and his front office will need to address key questions: How do players like Jerami Grant, Anfernee Simons, Deandre Ayton, Matisse Thybulle, and Robert Williams III fit into the team`s future plans? What is the timeline for becoming playoff contenders?
Another important question is whether coach Chauncey Billups will also receive a contract extension soon. Given the team`s improvement throughout the season, an extension seems likely. Billups is currently in the final guaranteed year of his five-year contract signed in 2021, with a team option for the 2025-26 season. Earlier in the season, there was speculation about this being his last season in Portland, but recent reports suggest a change in sentiment.
Jasper Hawthorne