Schmitz is expected to remain with ESPN …

Schmitz is expected to remain with ESPN through the June 23 NBA Draft, and formally begin his duties with Portland in July. The Blazers have the seventh overall pick in 2022 Draft. Schmitz, 32, has been a draft analyst for ESPN since 2017, and worked previously for DraftExpress and as a video coordinator with the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA’s G League in 2012-2013.

JD Shaw: The Blazers have officially …

JD Shaw: The Blazers have officially named interim general manager Joe Cronin as the team’s new full-time general manager. Statements from chair Jody Allen, Cronin and head coach Chauncey Billups:

Cronin has been running the franchise …

Cronin has been running the franchise since December, executing several deadline deals that started a full remake of the roster around Lillard. Portland ownership considered the idea of opening up the job to a search, but ultimately were sold on Cronin’s vision for the franchise and his ability to execute it, sources said. Cronin has vowed to continue building the roster around Lillard, an All-NBA guard.

Joe Cronin promoted to full time Blazers’ general manager

Adrian Wojnarowski: ESPN Sources: The Portland Trail Blazers are promoting Joe Cronin to general manager with a four-year contract. Cronin, interim GM since December, takes over franchise at a pivotal offseason and has vowed to continue building …

Adrian Wojnarowski: ESPN Sources: The Portland Trail Blazers are promoting Joe Cronin to general manager with a four-year contract. Cronin, interim GM since December, takes over franchise at a pivotal offseason and has vowed to continue building around Damian Lillard.
Source: Twitter @wojespn

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
ESPN story on the Portland Trail Blazers agreeing with Joe Cronin on a four-year contract to become franchise’s new GM: es.pn/3N1Gcs31:12 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
ESPN Sources: The Portland Trail Blazers are promoting Joe Cronin to general manager with a four-year contract. Cronin, interim GM since December, takes over franchise at a pivotal offseason and has vowed to continue building around Damian Lillard. – 1:04 PM

More on this storyline

 

The next big question is whether Cronin will be making the decisions in the summer. Two prominent agents who represent front office executives told The Athletic that the Blazers have yet to reach out to any of their clients, which is not surprising considering most teams would not want their employees interviewing around the trade deadline. Cronin said he has not been told by Blazers chair Jody Allen what his future looks like. “The message has been the same, that this could take a while,” Cronin said. “The Blazers have always told me they are going to talk to other people, and I agree with them. They should. Be diligent. Research. This is an important hire. I welcome the challenge.” -via The Athletic / February 28, 2022