Now that general manager Joe Cronin has signed a multi-year extension with the Portland Trail Blazers, he must keep working. The Portland rebuild is still in progress, but he has to improve the team and build a contender. With many moves in the market available, Cronin has his work cut out for him in the offseason.
Why Joe Cronin Has a Lot to Prove After His Blazers Extension
Joe Cronin has been the Blazers’ GM since taking over on an interim basis in December 2021. Since he started the job, Cronin has built toward a bright future centered on young talent. This led to him trading franchise icons Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, but there is clear progress.
With NBA Draft selections like Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Donovan Clingan, Cronin deserves credit. However, he must surpass everything he has done after signing his Blazers extension. Portland’s rebuild has expectations now after an impressive 2024-25 season, so Cronin must capitalize.
The Trail Blazers Have A Promising Roster
The Blazers have a promising roster. Cronin has done a stellar job leading the Portland rebuild through fantastic draft selections. He has also been the figurehead behind trades for players like Toumani Camara and Deni Avdija.
Both wings have become Portland’s building blocks. Camara has become a defensive titan and Avdija is playing like a borderline All-Star. Combining their strengths with the young core, the Blazers must capitalize on their potential.
TOUMANI CAMARA. DENI AVDIJA. pic.twitter.com/DIiueTgglB
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) November 2, 2024
The Trail Blazers hope for another high pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Getting a ready-made superstar like Cooper Flagg could complete the rebuild, but the odds are not in their favor. Portland is outside the play-in tournament, as they only have the ninth-highest lottery odds.
Cronin Must Deliver On His Promises
The Blazers’ 2023 offseason still left a sour taste in some people’s mouths. After promising Lillard the organization would do its best to help him win a championship in Portland, they picked Henderson. Selecting a promising point guard when they had a franchise legend playing the position was peculiar. When Lillard realized it was over, he requested a trade.
Cronin was one of the primary reasons behind Dame’s exit, so Joe has plenty to prove with this extension. He has been solid with his draft selections, but his trades are a mixed bag. He could pull off some absolute steals like with Camara and Avdija. However, there are still some peculiar trades like sending Nickeil Alexander-Walker away in a salary dump after they landed him in the McCollum trade.
Cronin still has plenty of potential moves due to the players on the roster. Anfernee Simons, Jerami Grant, and Robert Williams III could fetch the Blazers some sizable returns. This could be a good way to commit to the Portland rebuild because it opens a pathway for younger players.
Portland’s Fans Are Hungry For Success
Trail Blazers fans were lucky to be in the Playoffs almost every year during Lillard’s stint in Portland. He was always a magnificent superstar willing to lead the team through thick and thin. It is a shame for Blazers fans to see their iconic player struggle.
However, they must move on and look for brand-new success from the current core. Chauncey Billups’ status as head coach is still up in the air, but he also deserves praise for his coaching. The players have responded well to his leadership, and have developed well.
Fan experience of a lifetime 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/GrFX10MUnm
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) January 27, 2025
Cronin has to make good moves in the market for the Blazers to succeed. They are on a rebuild but are showing signs of being a solid team. With the raw talent they possess, the Blazers will be a tough matchup for years to come. Cronin must fulfill the fans’ desires because it has been too long without tangible success. Thankfully for him, he already has a foundation for a promising young team.
Photo credit: © Soobum Im-Imagn Images
