Joe Cronin, the general manager of the Portland Trail Blazers, publicly acknowledged his mistake regarding the decision not to travel with their three two-way players during the first two playoff games against the San Antonio Spurs. His admission comes amid criticism of owner Tom Dundon's cost-cutting measures, which Cronin claims do not accurately reflect Dundon's goals. He emphasized that this mistake stemmed from miscommunication on his part and that corrective actions were already taken by Game 5. The Blazers, despite their playoff exit, have been evaluating head coaching prospects, including interim coach Tiago Splitter, amid mixed reports about budget constraints under Dundon.

By the Numbers
  • Portland was the only NBA team not to send its two-way players on the road for the first weekend of the playoffs.
  • The Blazers finished the season with 42 wins, qualifying for the playoffs for the first time since 2021.
State of Play
  • Interim coach Tiago Splitter is being considered for the full-time head coach position amidst ongoing evaluations of other candidates.
  • Owner Tom Dundon is being scrutinized for cost-saving measures; however, Cronin disputes these claims, claiming Dundon is committed to investing in winning.
What's Next

As the Blazers navigate through head coach evaluations, they may face potential challenges in aligning their budgetary strategies with acquiring a suitable candidate. This may lead to continued speculation about the direction of the franchise, particularly with Dundon's influence in play.

Bottom Line

The Blazers must establish clear communication and efficient decision-making to avoid further missteps that could shake the team's stability. Balancing financial discipline with a commitment to winning will be crucial as they seek to build a competitive roster moving forward.