Evaluating Portland Trail Blazers GM Joe Cronin: Draft Strategy Part 1
As the Portland Trail Blazers navigate the complexities of rebuilding, General Manager Joe Cronin’s draft strategy plays a critical role. This first installment will analyze his decisions, focusing on the team’s draft history since Cronin took over. The Blazers, previously entrenched in the pursuit of playoff contention and relying on veteran talent, pivoted toward acquiring promising young prospects during his tenure.
Background of Joe Cronin’s Leadership
Joe Cronin became the acting General Manager in late 2021, succeeding Neil Olshey. Under Olshey, the team made significant trades, including the acquisition of Robert Covington and Larry Nance Jr. However, the roster became increasingly compromised due to injuries and underperformance.
- Olshey was dismissed in December 2021 when the team was 11-18.
- The Blazers deployed the smallest starting lineup in the NBA at that time.
Draft Capital and Strategy
In the wake of a disappointing season, the Blazers focused on rebuilding their roster. They looked to capitalize on potential draft picks, particularly in the 2022 NBA Draft. This marked a significant turning point for Cronin.
The Blazers ended up with the seventh overall pick, which was their highest selection since drafting Damian Lillard sixth overall in 2012. Despite having a 40% chance of entering the top four, they fell to seventh in the draft order.
Key Draft Picks under Cronin
2022 NBA Draft
- Round 1, Pick 7: Shaedon Sharpe
- Round 2, Pick 57: Jabari Walker
Sharpe was a high-risk, high-reward selection. His lack of collegiate play raised doubts, but his athleticism garnered attention. Coach John Calipari lauded him as a potential Number 1 draft pick. Sharpe showed flashes of talent but struggled with consistency during his rookie season, averaging 21.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists.
2023 NBA Draft
- Round 1, Pick 3: Scoot Henderson
- Round 1, Pick 23: Kris Murray
- Round 2, Pick 43: Rayan Rupert
Scoot Henderson entered the league with immense expectations. Having played in the G League rather than college, he was labeled a generational talent. However, his performance has been inconsistent, marked by early struggles with turnovers and shooting efficiency. His rookie season statistics included an average of 14 points, 3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists.
Kris Murray was viewed as a sound choice at 23, contributing defensively but lacking shooting consistency. Meanwhile, Rayan Rupert remains a project with potential, yet he faces an uncertain future with the team.
Evaluating the Outcomes
While Cronin’s decisions have generated both excitement and skepticism, the Blazers’ directions remain fluid as they work towards rebuilding the roster. The selection of Sharpe offered the potential for a future star, while Henderson’s ongoing development casts uncertainty on the effectiveness of their draft strategies.
The Blazers’ approach has shifted from a playoff-centric vision to one focused on cultivating young talent. As the “Maple Jordan” Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson develop, it remains to be seen whether they can anchor the franchise moving forward.
Stay tuned for the next part of our series, in which we will further evaluate Joe Cronin’s draft strategies and their implications for the Portland Trail Blazers’ future.
