After an ongoing investigation into the workplace misconduct of Neil Olshey. The team has made their choice to relieve him of his duties.
“Following the conclusion of the independent review of concerns and complaints around our workplace environment at the practice facility, the Portland Trail Blazers organization has decided to terminate General Manager and President of Basketball Operations Neil Olshey, effective immediately due to violations of the Portland Trail Blazers’ Code of Conduct,” the team said in a statement “Out of respect for those who candidly participated in that privileged investigation, we will not release or discuss it. We are confident that these changes will help build a more positive and respectful working environment.”
Olshey has served as the General Manager of the Trail Blazers since 2012 when he was hired by Paul Allen. He added the president of basketball operations title in 2015.
Replacement
It is being reported that Joe Cronin will serve as the interim General Manager while the Blazers search for a permanent replacement. As well as announced in the statement. Here is the information on Joe Cronin:
“Promoted to Assistant General Manager in 2021, Joe Cronin manages the team’s Salary Cap and oversees its amateur and professional scouting. An important part of the team’s player evaluation, roster construction and strategic planning process, Cronin is active in the NBA Draft, trades and free agency. Entering his 16th season with Portland, Cronin joined the team as a Basketball Operations intern in 2006. In 2010 he was promoted to Pro Scout/Salary Cap Analyst and in 2014 he was named the team’s Director of Player Personnel. As a result of his continued dedication to the team, Cronin was the 2011-12 recipient of the Trail Blazers’ “Unify People in a Championship Culture” award. Prior to joining the team, Cronin earned his Master’s at the University of Denver, where he also worked as Graduate Assistant for the men’s basketball team. A Denver native who played college basketball at Regis University and the University of Northern Colorado, Cronin resides in Portland with his wife, Megan.”
Taken from Trailblazers.com
While Cronin will serve as the Blazers interim General Manager. There are reports of two names that could be atop the Blazers list for a long-term replacement.
We will see within the coming months, who the Blazers choose for a long-term choice.
Effects on Damian Lillard
With Damian Lillard asking the Blazers what the direction of the team was this last off-season. He wanted to win now. This could be a step in the right direction for the Blazers to build a championship-caliber team around Lillard.
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