Longtime Trail Blazers executive Joe Cronin was elevated to the interim general manager role after Neil Olshey’s firing in early December. With Lillard’s future still uncertain, he needs to upgrade this roster to calm those waters. Sources say Detroit’s Jerami Grant and Boston’s Jaylen Brown are the types of talents that would achieve that goal, but it remains to be seen if Cronin can pull something like that off.
Tag: Joe Cronin
Adrian Wojnarowski: ESPN Sources: …
Adrian Wojnarowski: ESPN Sources: Portland’s interim GM Joe Cronin is making his first significant addition to the Blazers’ front office, hiring Cleveland’s Andrae Patterson as assistant GM. Patterson has been the Cavs’ Senior Director of Basketball Ops and also spent 4 years in Utah’s front office.
Does Cronin have the power to trade …
Does Cronin have the power to trade All-Star Damian Lillard? The consensus is no, and there’s no expectation Portland will move Lillard. If that’s the case, the Trail Blazers would need to include McCollum’s $30.9 million salary to Philadelphia for Simmons.
Now that Cronin has moved into the big …
Now that Cronin has moved into the big seat, their connection seems even more relevant. A first-time coach, and a first-time general manager are leaning on each other, both anchored by their deep-rooted history. “I know who he is, because I’ve known him since he was 17,” Cronin said. “And he is the same guy today as he was then. The trust is there. I know Chauncey Billups as a person, I know exactly what that is, and I’m very lucky to have him.”
Billups still shakes his head at the …
Billups still shakes his head at the happenstance of it all. “I just think it speaks to Joe’s incredible character and his work ethic, and being able to keep his head down and grind and make it through time and time again,” Billups said. “I mean, nobody knows him. Until now, nobody knows him. But the people within, in the NBA circles, he is very, very highly and well thought of because of who he is. He is wicked smart.”
Cronin says the Blazers are not …
Cronin says the Blazers are not embarking on a rebuild. They are not going to tweak around the margins. And they will not maintain the status quo. He plans to “enhance” the current roster. “The organization wants to win,” Cronin said. “There are times when you have to take a step back in order to make a step forward, and we are not convinced that this is that time yet. Our approach today is not a re-tool or a rebuild. It’s an enhance. We haven’t discussed one time about taking a step back.”
“We have a stable group who can win a …
“We have a stable group who can win a good amount of ball games,” Cronin said. “Taking risk means you might increase your downside … but also give you an opportunity to raise your ceiling. Those are the (trades) I’m most interested in. I’m OK missing on a trade if I thought it gave us a good chance to bump up to a whole another level. I’m OK taking a step back when we are taking a swing.”
Across the NBA, general managers have …
Across the NBA, general managers have become like sharks, circling the Trail Blazers roster. “They smell blood in the water,” said Blazers interim general manager Joe Cronin.
Blazers in constant communication with Damian Lillard about roster
Mark Medina: Blazers interim GM Joe Cronin said he has had “constant communications” with Damian Lillard about the roster. Source: Twitter @MarkG_Medina What’s the buzz on Twitter? Ethan Strauss @ SherwoodStrauss Woj, Lillard, Olshey and agendas …
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Ethan Strauss @SherwoodStrauss
Woj, Lillard, Olshey and agendas behind ESPN NBA houseofstrauss.substack.com/p/cards-on-the… – 2:10 PM
Woj, Lillard, Olshey and agendas behind ESPN NBA houseofstrauss.substack.com/p/cards-on-the… – 2:10 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Chauncey Billups on Lillard reiterating he’s committed to Portland and expressing support for him: “It means a lot to me. You’re talking about a first-time head coach that’s going to make multiple mistakes on a nightly basis.” Dame hasn’t changed stance on.nba.com/3EGiPk5 – 1:39 PM
Chauncey Billups on Lillard reiterating he’s committed to Portland and expressing support for him: “It means a lot to me. You’re talking about a first-time head coach that’s going to make multiple mistakes on a nightly basis.” Dame hasn’t changed stance on.nba.com/3EGiPk5 – 1:39 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Blazers interim GM Joe Cronin said he has had “constant communications” with Damian Lillard about the roster. – 1:37 PM
Blazers interim GM Joe Cronin said he has had “constant communications” with Damian Lillard about the roster. – 1:37 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Blazers interim GM Joe Cronin on Damian Lillard & C.J. McCollum: “They’re happy with Chauncey and his staff. We know there’s something we need to do with the roster, and we will.” – 1:31 PM
Blazers interim GM Joe Cronin on Damian Lillard & C.J. McCollum: “They’re happy with Chauncey and his staff. We know there’s something we need to do with the roster, and we will.” – 1:31 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Blazers interim GM Joe Cronin said he had “multiple long talks” both with Damian Lillard & C.J. McCollum and said he’s “been very encouraged by the feedback.” – 1:30 PM
Blazers interim GM Joe Cronin said he had “multiple long talks” both with Damian Lillard & C.J. McCollum and said he’s “been very encouraged by the feedback.” – 1:30 PM
David Aldridge @davidaldridgedc
We’re now going at 4 p.m. Eastern/1Pacific…
Join @Marcus Thompson
and I at 4 Eastern/1 Pacific today for a Live Room on
@TheAthletic app to talk about all things NBA-Curry, Lillard, Pacers trade talk, the hot Rockets & more! Everyone can listen; subscribers can ask questions! – 12:30 PM
We’re now going at 4 p.m. Eastern/1Pacific…
Join @Marcus Thompson
and I at 4 Eastern/1 Pacific today for a Live Room on
@TheAthletic app to talk about all things NBA-Curry, Lillard, Pacers trade talk, the hot Rockets & more! Everyone can listen; subscribers can ask questions! – 12:30 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
Listen to today’s episode of The Starting Lineup with @Frank Isola & @Mitch Lawrence on Pandora!
🏀 Last Night’s Recap!
🎙️ Battle of the Broadcasters!
🔊 Latest from Damian Lillard
siriusxm-nba-radio.simplecast.com/episodes/tsl-1… – 11:13 AM
Listen to today’s episode of The Starting Lineup with @Frank Isola & @Mitch Lawrence on Pandora!
🏀 Last Night’s Recap!
🎙️ Battle of the Broadcasters!
🔊 Latest from Damian Lillard
siriusxm-nba-radio.simplecast.com/episodes/tsl-1… – 11:13 AM
David Aldridge @davidaldridgedc
NBA fans: join @Marcus Thompson and I at 3 Eastern/Noon Pacific today for a Live Room on @TheAthletic app to talk about all things Association-Chef Curry, Lillard, Pacers trade talk, the hot Rockets & more! Everyone can listen; subscribers can ask us questions. Join in! – 10:00 AM
NBA fans: join @Marcus Thompson and I at 3 Eastern/Noon Pacific today for a Live Room on @TheAthletic app to talk about all things Association-Chef Curry, Lillard, Pacers trade talk, the hot Rockets & more! Everyone can listen; subscribers can ask us questions. Join in! – 10:00 AM
David Aldridge @davidaldridgedc
NBA fans: join @Marcus Thompson and I at 3 Eastern/Noon Pacific today for a Live Room on @TheAthletic app to talk about all things Association-Chef Curry, Lillard, Pacers trade talk, the hot Rockets & more! Everyone can listen; subscribers can ask us questions. Join in! – 9:05 AM
NBA fans: join @Marcus Thompson and I at 3 Eastern/Noon Pacific today for a Live Room on @TheAthletic app to talk about all things Association-Chef Curry, Lillard, Pacers trade talk, the hot Rockets & more! Everyone can listen; subscribers can ask us questions. Join in! – 9:05 AM
Aaron J. Fentress @AaronJFentress
The Blazers have allowed just 184 points in two games against the Clippers and Warriors. Both games played without Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. Add their scoring punch to that defensive effort and this team will rack up some wins. Unfortunately, McCollum will be out for a bit. – 12:52 AM
The Blazers have allowed just 184 points in two games against the Clippers and Warriors. Both games played without Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. Add their scoring punch to that defensive effort and this team will rack up some wins. Unfortunately, McCollum will be out for a bit. – 12:52 AM
NBA Kicks @NBAKicks
👀 @Damian Lillard in the adidas Dame 8! #NBAKicks pic.twitter.com/e4LYS0fn6x – 12:32 AM
👀 @Damian Lillard in the adidas Dame 8! #NBAKicks pic.twitter.com/e4LYS0fn6x – 12:32 AM
Aaron J. Fentress @AaronJFentress
I appreciate grit. The Blazers don’t have the talent right now but they have played hard tonight at GSW. I don’t feel like I’m seeing a lot of lazy possessions. Play like this when Lillard returns and next week could see them win 3 of 4. – 12:09 AM
I appreciate grit. The Blazers don’t have the talent right now but they have played hard tonight at GSW. I don’t feel like I’m seeing a lot of lazy possessions. Play like this when Lillard returns and next week could see them win 3 of 4. – 12:09 AM
Monte Poole @MontePooleNBCS
Curry’s first half:13 points, 4 3-pointers. 12 away from the record
Warriors: 34pct FG, 24pct 3p
Among ugliest halves of basketball they’ve played this season, but they have a 47-45 lead over the Blazers, who are without Dame/CJ – 11:19 PM
Curry’s first half:13 points, 4 3-pointers. 12 away from the record
Warriors: 34pct FG, 24pct 3p
Among ugliest halves of basketball they’ve played this season, but they have a 47-45 lead over the Blazers, who are without Dame/CJ – 11:19 PM
Jamie Hudson @JamieHudson_
Blazers announce—
Ben McLemore (left hip) and Nassir Little (left ankle) are available.
Cody Zeller (right quad), Anfernee Simons (right ankle sprain), CJ McCollum (right pneumothorax) & Damian Lillard (abdominal tendinopathy) are out for tonight’s game at Golden State – 10:12 PM
Blazers announce—
Ben McLemore (left hip) and Nassir Little (left ankle) are available.
Cody Zeller (right quad), Anfernee Simons (right ankle sprain), CJ McCollum (right pneumothorax) & Damian Lillard (abdominal tendinopathy) are out for tonight’s game at Golden State – 10:12 PM
Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
Blazers star guard Damian Lillard (abdomen) said to @TheUndefeated it’s “possible” he could return to action Sunday against Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/6h4pIA4j9U – 9:34 PM
Blazers star guard Damian Lillard (abdomen) said to @TheUndefeated it’s “possible” he could return to action Sunday against Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/6h4pIA4j9U – 9:34 PM
Nick DePaula @NickDePaula
Damian Lillard debuts the Adidas Dame 8 in Blazers colors. 👀👀 pic.twitter.com/CC2rtUdjeM – 9:15 PM
Damian Lillard debuts the Adidas Dame 8 in Blazers colors. 👀👀 pic.twitter.com/CC2rtUdjeM – 9:15 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Damian Lillard tries (again) to make it clear: “I’m not asking for a trade” nba.nbcsports.com/2021/12/08/dam… – 8:09 PM
Damian Lillard tries (again) to make it clear: “I’m not asking for a trade” nba.nbcsports.com/2021/12/08/dam… – 8:09 PM
Justin Verrier @JustinVerrier
New Group Chat with @Rob Mahoney and @BigWos talking through the latest chapter in the Damian Lillard saga and our Quarter Awards picks:
open.spotify.com/episode/7adYAD… – 7:59 PM
New Group Chat with @Rob Mahoney and @BigWos talking through the latest chapter in the Damian Lillard saga and our Quarter Awards picks:
open.spotify.com/episode/7adYAD… – 7:59 PM
Alan Hahn @alanhahn
Best potential landing spots for Damian Lillard? #NBA
youtu.be/3Tr3KoaytlA – 7:28 PM
Best potential landing spots for Damian Lillard? #NBA
youtu.be/3Tr3KoaytlA – 7:28 PM
Ric Bucher @RicBucher
Portland Trail Blazers, franchise cornerstone Damian Lillard facing futures in flux foxsports.com/stories/nba/fr… – 5:12 PM
Portland Trail Blazers, franchise cornerstone Damian Lillard facing futures in flux foxsports.com/stories/nba/fr… – 5:12 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Correct me if I’m wrong, but nobody reported that Dame wants a trade yesterday, right? There was definitely speculation, but the reporting was on him wanting an extension and Ben Simmons.
So… today’s kind of a strange day to come out so firmly and say “I don’t want a trade.” – 4:21 PM
Correct me if I’m wrong, but nobody reported that Dame wants a trade yesterday, right? There was definitely speculation, but the reporting was on him wanting an extension and Ben Simmons.
So… today’s kind of a strange day to come out so firmly and say “I don’t want a trade.” – 4:21 PM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
Damian Lillard injury update: Blazers star could reportedly return Sunday after missing time with ab issue
https://t.co/aKxukQqOwj pic.twitter.com/dux0M602HZ – 4:09 PM
Damian Lillard injury update: Blazers star could reportedly return Sunday after missing time with ab issue
https://t.co/aKxukQqOwj pic.twitter.com/dux0M602HZ – 4:09 PM
Rosalyn Gold-Onwude @ROSGO21
At Trailblazers shootaround today Damian Lillard strongly addressed the rumors and noise:
“I’m not asking for a trade.”
“My intentions are to be in Portland and to figure it out.”
He added he’s in the office w/ Chauncey everyday trying to find solutions, not planning an exit. – 3:44 PM
At Trailblazers shootaround today Damian Lillard strongly addressed the rumors and noise:
“I’m not asking for a trade.”
“My intentions are to be in Portland and to figure it out.”
He added he’s in the office w/ Chauncey everyday trying to find solutions, not planning an exit. – 3:44 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Report: Lillard received cortisone injection, could return this weekend nba.nbcsports.com/2021/12/08/rep… – 3:05 PM
Report: Lillard received cortisone injection, could return this weekend nba.nbcsports.com/2021/12/08/rep… – 3:05 PM
Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Blazers star Damian Lillard undergoes cortisone procedure to mitigate lingering pain
sportando.basketball/en/blazers-sta… – 3:00 PM
Blazers star Damian Lillard undergoes cortisone procedure to mitigate lingering pain
sportando.basketball/en/blazers-sta… – 3:00 PM
More on this storyline
Jay Allen: Cronin says he can’t comment on a possible extension for Damian Lillard because it’s a violation of the CBA. -via Twitter @PDXjay / December 9, 2021
Jay Allen: Billups says he can’t believe that Lillard has to keep “professing his love for the organization and city.” -via Twitter @PDXjay / December 9, 2021
San Antonio’s efforts to crash the trade hunt for Simmons have been well-chronicled, but Philadelphia remains intent on holding out for Portland’s Damian Lillard or another proven All-Star in a Simmons swap. While the Spurs clearly don’t have one, it’s nonetheless tantalizing to picture Simmons landing in the Alamo City so Popovich and Chip Engelland, San Antonio’s renowned shooting coach, can lead the cause to rehabilitate the wayward Simmons’ game. -via marcstein.substack.com / December 9, 2021