General manager Joe Cronin admits miscommunication led to cost-cutting decision during playoffs
Category: Sports
The Portland Trail Blazers are under scrutiny for their controversial decision not to allow their two-way players to travel for the first two games of their playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs. General manager Joe Cronin took responsibility for the oversight, stating, "That one’s on me," during a news conference on Thursday.
As seen in a trending post on r/nba, the Blazers were the only playoff team that did not bring their two-way players—Caleb Love, Chris Youngblood, and Jayson Kent—on the road for Games 1 and 2. Instead, these players remained in Portland, a decision that deviated from standard NBA practices where all other playoff teams included their two-way players in travel rosters, even though they were ineligible to play.
During the end-of-season news conference, Cronin explained the situation, saying, "It was more of a miscommunication on my end." He admitted he failed to double-check the traveling party for the first two games, which resulted in the absence of the two-way players from the trip. "I just assumed that meant including them and I didn’t double-check," he said. The players eventually traveled to San Antonio for Game 5, where the Spurs closed out the series with a 114-95 victory.
The decision to exclude the two-way players has drawn criticism, particularly as it aligns with reports of new owner Tom Dundon implementing cost-cutting measures since his acquisition of the team in late March. According to *The Athletic*, these measures have included eliminating free T-shirts for fans during home playoff games and requiring staff to check out early from their hotel to avoid late fees.
In response to inquiries about the financial implications of the coaching search, Cronin refuted claims that Dundon was seeking a coach willing to accept an annual salary between $1 million and $1.5 million, which is below market standards. "A lot of the reports on budget out there were a little misleading," he said. "We’re going to pay the coach based on some sort of level of shared risk." He emphasized that the salary would vary depending on the candidate's experience and reputation.
The Trail Blazers' decision not to send their two-way players on the road during the playoffs has raised questions about the franchise's direction under Dundon's ownership. The two-way contract system allows players to spend a maximum of 45 days on the active NBA roster and participate in both the NBA and G League. Typically, teams include these players in travel rosters to maintain team cohesion, even if they cannot participate in games.
Historically, two-way players have been treated as integral parts of the team, often traveling with the squad to gain experience and stay connected with the team's dynamics. The Blazers' choice to leave their two-way players behind breaks from tradition and signals a potential shift in how the franchise values its personnel and their development.
Tiago Splitter, who stepped in as interim head coach after Chauncey Billups was arrested in connection with a federal investigation into illegal gambling activities, has led the team to its first playoff berth since 2021. Splitter's future remains uncertain, as the franchise has begun searching for a permanent head coach, a practice that is frowned upon by the league.
As the Blazers navigate the aftermath of their playoff exit, they face decisions that could shape the team's future. The franchise's coaching search is already underway, with Splitter remaining a candidate for the full-time position. Cronin's comments indicate a willingness to explore various coaching styles and experiences, which could lead to a diverse range of candidates being considered.
Looking ahead, the Blazers will need to reassess their approach to player management, particularly concerning their two-way contracts. The backlash from fans and analysts alike suggests that the organization may need to recalibrate its strategies to align with NBA norms and expectations. This includes how they handle player travel and engagement during the playoffs.
As the offseason progresses, the team will also have to address the financial implications of Dundon's ownership. The Blazers' approach to budgeting, especially in light of the recent criticisms, will be closely monitored by fans and analysts. The franchise's decisions in the coming months could significantly impact its reputation and performance in the league.
In a league where player morale and cohesion are key to success, the Blazers' recent decisions may have long-term implications for their ability to attract and retain talent. The franchise's next moves will be examined as they attempt to rebuild and re-establish themselves as a competitive force in the NBA.
This article is grounded in a discussion trending on Reddit. Claims from the original post and comments may not reflect independently verified reporting.