An unsettled situation in Portland appears to be gaining stability as the Trail Blazers named former Clippers general manager Neil Olshey to the same post in the City of Roses. The next major decision becomes finding a permanent head coach for a team that went 28-38 and finished eight games behind the Jazz for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. John Canzano of the Oregonian has the latest news and headlines on the Trail Blazers after attending Tuesday's news conference introducing Olshey…
- Olshey and owner Paul Allen went out of their way to endorse interim head coach Kaleb Canales during Tuesday's press conference. Canzano points to Canales youth at 33 and lack of experience as two things going against the former Trail Blazers video intern but is viewed as a coach who would thrive if given an opportunity. Canales is well-liked by his players and seemingly will be given the Trail Blazers job on a full-time basis unless Allen and Olshey can find a clear upgrade.
- Canzano says Olshey did a fantastic job in his first public appearance as the general manager of the Trail Blazers with the media. Look for Olshey to put in the necessary work and do the due diligence to help turn around Allen's organization after a lackluster season. What will make a huge difference for Portland's front office is Olshey's ability to have a direct line of communication with Allen going forward.
- One of the most important decisions Olshey faces is determining what to do with the team's two lottery picks in the upcoming NBA draft. Armed with the sixth and 11th picks, the Trail Blazers must decide if they are in rebuilding mode (which former general manager Rich Cho suggested and got him him fired) or merely reloading. Canzano points to the Thunder and Spurs as two examples of how being patient and using the draft to rebuild can pay huge dividends for a franchise.
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