Trail Blazers GM Joe Cronin Lays Out Coaching Search and Off-Season Priorities
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PORTLAND, Ore. — Trail Blazers general manager Joe Cronin met with reporters Thursday for his end-of-season press conference, two days after Portland’s first playoff appearance since 2021 ended with a first-round loss to San Antonio.
Head-Coaching Search
Cronin confirmed the club is looking for a permanent head coach and said interim coach Tiago Splitter remains “absolutely” a candidate. “We decided early on to cast a wide net,” he noted, adding that the team has no fixed timeline and intends to keep interviewing multiple contenders.
Owner Tom Dundon’s Budget
Addressing reports that new owner Tom Dundon might limit spending on a coach, Cronin called the speculation “misleading.” He said compensation will depend on each candidate’s résumé: “If it’s a first-time coach, that number’s different than if it’s a 15-year vet and future Hall of Famer. Tom won’t flinch at either scenario.”
Dundon’s Off-Season Mandate
According to Cronin, Dundon’s directive is simple: continued growth on and off the court. The owner, described as “competitive and engaged,” frequently discusses roster moves, draft assets and internal processes with the front office.
Roster Needs
Cronin identified outside shooting as the roster’s most pressing weakness, highlighted during the Spurs series. The mid-season addition of Vit Krejci and the expected return of Damian Lillard should help, but more perimeter threats are needed. He also emphasized internal development for young players and the pursuit of additional talent in a crowded Western Conference.
Trade Strategy
The front office is “open-minded” about making a major move if the price is right but will not “sacrifice our future for a short-term swing.” Cronin said smaller additions remain an option if blockbuster opportunities fail to materialize.
Two-Way Players Travel Mix-Up
Cronin took responsibility for leaving the team’s two-way players in Portland at the start of the playoff series, citing a misunderstanding over travel-party limits: “That’s on me for not double-checking.”
The Blazers enter the summer with multiple draft picks, the anticipated return of their franchise guard and a coaching vacancy that remains wide open.
Source: Hoops Rumors
