The Trail Blazers' search for a general manager became more difficult this week as we reported on Friday that Clippers GM Neil Olshey was being retained by Los Angeles. With the draft drawing closer and the team still without a permanent head coach, the Trail Blazers are expected to make a decision on both positions in the coming weeks. CSNNW.com's Chris Haynes has the latest news and rumors from Portland that sheds light on the future of the front office and sideline…
- The Trail Blazers' three finalists for general manager technically include Pacers assistant general manager David Morway, Sixers assistant general manager Tony DiLeo and former Hornets GM Jeff Bower, but don't be surprised if someone else ends up manning Portland's front office. Bower is considered the front-runner given his experience running a team, but team owner Paul Allen is unlikely to hire him given his preference to employ general managers in top physical shape, which Bower is not. Haynes expects acting general manager Chad Buchanan to re-enter the mix of candidates and ultimately end up with the job on a permanent basis.
- Look for the Trail Blazers to keep both of their lottery selections as they are currently slotted to pick sixth and 11th come June. The team is looking to get younger and may be able to add two long-term contributors to their roster by keeping their picks instead of making a trade.
- While Brian Shaw and Michael Malone have expressed interest in the Trail Blazers' head coaching job, it may make most sense for Portland to simply retain interim head coach Kaleb Canales. The Trail Blazers aren't expected to compete for a championship any time soon as the team is expected to feature a much younger roster heading into next season. Haynes suggests keeping Canales, 34, to foster the development of an inexperienced team may be the best answer for the Trail Blazers in their search for a head coach.
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