Portland (Oregon) is an area on the west coast that is improving in basketball.
The Trailblazers are a couple of pieces away from making noise in the Western Conference.
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It has five players that averaged double figures in points this season, including Anfernee Simmons with 19.3 points per game.
Portland improved its win total by 14 games, increasing from 21 to 35 wins this season. The ‘Blazers are out of the NBA Playoffs conversation; however, it has something to build toward in the future. Joe Cronin, Portland’s general manager, did a good job putting together talent in the draft and having the players make that improvement. The team went 22-16 since Jan. 19, while posting a top-5 ranking in defensive efficiency in that span. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Cronin earned a multi-year contract extension.
Portland Trail Blazers general manager Joe Cronin has agreed to a multiyear contract extension with the franchise, sources tell ESPN. Blazers have 35 victories, a 14-win improvement so far – and are 22-16 since Jan. 19 while ranking top-5 in defensive efficiency during that span. pic.twitter.com/gVnc8KSHXD
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 7, 2025
The hope is that he can build Portland into a program that can push to make playoff runs in the future.
Stephen M. Smith is a writer for Ball Exclusives. You can follow him him X via @CoachingMSmith.
