Exclusive Is Joe Cronin a good GM?

[Strenuus]

Lot of negativity for Cronin early on in this thread. Curious if those down on him then are still whistling the same tune?

Why not? Show results, then rhe criticism goes away. Until then, mediocrity doesn't deserve early praise. Results only matter. Until then, its warranted.

We can hope all we want. We can be happy with getting team friendly deals. Doesn't mean shit if its 3 years from now and we are still in the same spot. I hope it changes, but people can still be critical of his moves in totality all they want.

So whistle away, Cronin doubters, Until this team proves to be a contender. Nothing wrong with that.

 

[Strenuus]

Actually shit, not even mediocrity. We can't even be the top 10 teams in our own conference lol.

 

[blazerkor]

Yeah Joe looks like he's got this GM thing better figured out than when this thread started.

I will stand by my opinion that Ant and Nurk's contracts were fucking terrible. I still think the Jerami signing was a head scratcher. He's been drafting well and now he's starting to sign those picks to fantastic extensions. If I answered the question today I'd say Joe is a really good GM, not great but maybe getting there. When he signed Ant and Nurk to those extensions he was shitty.

It doesn't seem like an easy job and I don't begrudge a guy taking a couple of year to button up all parts of it.

 

[crandc]

Trade for Deni was awesome. Remind me what the Blazers gave away for him?

 

[SharpeScooterShooter]

Why not? Show results, then rhe criticism goes away. Until then, mediocrity doesn't deserve early praise. Results only matter. Until then, its warranted.

We can hope all we want. We can be happy with getting team friendly deals. Doesn't mean shit if its 3 years from now and we are still in the same spot. I hope it changes, but people can still be critical of his moves in totality all they want.

So whistle away, Cronin doubters, Until this team proves to be a contender. Nothing wrong with that.

The two contracts he just signed are results. If you are only going to judge him only on wins and losses, you will be making for a very poor, narrowminded judge.
Makes me wondering I'm even responding to such nonsense…trolls will troll…

 

[kjironman1]

They are still going to be a lotto team.

 

[SheedSoNasty]

Trade for Deni was awesome. Remind me what the Blazers gave away for him?

Brogdon and two firsts. One already ended up being Bub Carrington, other is TBD.

 

[bigbailes]

Being able to sign Dame back for only 14 mil a year for 3 year is very underrated as well. Being able to convince Dame to take that little. But should probably thank MIL for paying Dame too.

He's paying Dame to literally sit on the bench and be a cheerleader ... if anything it's really a 2/42 deal which is fine because 27 year old Dame isn't walking through that door next fall, but I also don't think it's some masterful signing.

 

[bigbailes]

Good signings on the Tou/Shae front but most of the time the signings look good ... it all comes down to where these guys are at 4 years from now. Overall seem to be very team friendly though, both guys getting less than 25% of the cap combined helps when you've got aging vets like Grant and Jrue eating up so much of the pie.

 

[JfizzleBlazer]

Yeah, I mean, Cronin has done some good things and some questionable things. I don't think i'm ready to crown that he is a great gm yet though. Need to see some results. Even if he is a "good" gm, if we are bottom of the pack in the West, that means little to me. I'm in a wait and see spot. Not cursing his name wanting him out, but also cautiously optimistic.

 

[1 Eye Jack]

I like the job he’s done. We had no direction and didn’t take any risk with previous management. I love most of the trades we’ve made and it took some balls to trade Dame when it was obvious it needed to happen for both sides. Deni and Tou trades also look good. He’s made some mistakes but there isn’t a GM out there that doesn’t have some misses.

I’m happy with the direction we are headed and extremely excited about this season. Depending on staying healthy we should’ve borderline playoff team we finally have an identity, our team is built to be a defensive team.

Lastly the two latest contracts, Tou and Sharpe are good value and will hopefully look like steals by 2nd year of their contracts.

 

[SharpesTriumph]

Yeah Joe looks like he's got this GM thing better figured out than when this thread started.

I will stand by my opinion that Ant and Nurk's contracts were fucking terrible. I still think the Jerami signing was a head scratcher. He's been drafting well and now he's starting to sign those picks to fantastic extensions. If I answered the question today I'd say Joe is a really good GM, not great but maybe getting there. When he signed Ant and Nurk to those extensions he was shitty.

It doesn't seem like an easy job and I don't begrudge a guy taking a couple of year to button up all parts of it.

A number of Joe's moves were bad moves at the time. Some look even worse as time has gone on. The Clippers trade was horrible. Yes Nurk, Ant, Jerami, and Murray pick were all indefensible at the time.

Scoot, Sharpe, centers picks, and Dame trade were all exceptional at the time. The Dame trade looks much better today.

Only thing we really don't know is how much and which one of these decisions were directed by Bert Kolde. So we almost should consider the "Kolde" managed Cronin to be a different GM than the Dundan managed Cronin.

 

[SharpesTriumph]

They are still going to be a lotto team.

The Thunder were a lottery team for multiple years. The Rockets were a lottery team. Pacers were mediocre for a decade than dominated to reach the finals.

A GM performance is judged on a longer time frame than immediate wins in one season.

 

[SharpesTriumph]

He's paying Dame to literally sit on the bench and be a cheerleader ... if anything it's really a 2/42 deal which is fine because 27 year old Dame isn't walking through that door next fall, but I also don't think it's some masterful signing.

I think it was a very good signing as that's a pretty low salary all things considered and not many years.

Only thing that could make it bad is if Dame demands a role and shots which I'm not 100% convinced will work out well. But if that's an issue it won't really be the $ of Dame contract that is a problem.

 

[JfizzleBlazer]

The Thunder were a lottery team for multiple years. The Rockets were a lottery team. Pacers were mediocre for a decade than dominated to reach the finals.

A GM performance is judged on a longer time frame than immediate wins in one season.

Agreed. We haven't made the playoffs since Joe became interim gm in December 2021.

I don't think we make the playoffs this year either because the west is so strong.

I'm fine giving Cronin until next season. But at what point will his record make him accountable?

 

[THE HCP]

I think it was a very good signing as that's a pretty low salary all things considered and not many years.

Only thing that could make it bad is if Dame demands a role and shots which I'm not 100% convinced will work out well. But if that's an issue it won't really be the $ of Dame contract that is a problem.

Jrue will be gone and Dame will slide back into his starting PG spot and will handle his business. If somebody can shoot the way he does, it will only have a positive affect/effect on our squad.

 

[SharpesTriumph]

Agreed. We haven't made the playoffs since Joe became interim gm in December 2021.

I don't think we make the playoffs this year either because the west is so strong.

I'm fine giving Cronin until next season. But at what point will his record make him accountable?

Its really the talent, assets, and how players develop that matter much more than the wins. I'm not as worried about wins this season and next season. Do the young players looks like solid long term starters? Do the Blazers have assets to add better players to the roster in future seasons? Is Billups the right coach once the team takes the step to trying to win all year?

This is really the first season the Blazers are putting an emphasis on winning. The west is brutal as well. I'm fine if they fall short of wins this year. But next season they need a more short term timeline that is realistic to be able to become a winner. For instance the Thunder won 22, 24, 40 games in 2020-2023. But that last team even with a losing roster was one of the most stacked young teams that were in a position to take a huge leap. Compare that to the the Bulls that also won the same 40 games that season but had little talent, few assets to improve.

Now will the Blazers be in a longer rebuild than the Thunder? Yes for sure, we are already well past how many losing season they had. But IMO that is because we tried this horrible "two timelines" fence straddling with vets like Grant/Ayton/Ant instead of 100% committing to an agressive rebuild. That is kind of a sunk cost at this point so changing Cronin with GM X won't really change that. I'm very interested to see what moves Cronin makes under Dundon. But I'm not going to judge the team primarily by wins the next two seasons.

 

[Samuel]

Its really the talent, assets, and how players develop that matter much more than the wins. I'm not as worried about wins this season and next season. Do the young players looks like solid long term starters? Do the Blazers have assets to add better players to the roster in future seasons? Is Billups the right coach once the team takes the step to trying to win all year?

This is really the first season the Blazers are putting an emphasis on winning. The west is brutal as well. I'm fine if they fall short of wins this year. But next season they need a more short term timeline that is realistic to be able to become a winner. For instance the Thunder won 22, 24, 40 games in 2020-2023. But that last team even with a losing roster was one of the most stacked young teams that were in a position to take a huge leap. Compare that to the the Bulls that also won the same 40 games that season but had little talent, few assets to improve.

Now will the Blazers be in a longer rebuild than the Thunder? Yes for sure, we are already well past how many losing season they had. But IMO that is because we tried this horrible "two timelines" fence straddling with vets like Grant/Ayton/Ant instead of 100% committing to an agressive rebuild. That is kind of a sunk cost at this point so changing Cronin with GM X won't really change that. I'm very interested to see what moves Cronin makes under Dundon. But I'm not going to judge the team primarily by wins the next two seasons.

I feel like team walked back the 'winning' talk a bit in the preseason presser. also there is potentially a very thin/raw big rotation assuming rob is going to be out most of the year again--which is (in my opinion) 'the' hallmark for a team that is not that interested in winning. the fact that the FO didn't really address shooting in a meaningful way in the offseason says a lot.

 

[Pinwheel1]

Now will the Blazers be in a longer rebuild than the Thunder? Yes for sure, we are already well past how many losing season they had. But IMO that is because we tried this horrible "two timelines" fence straddling with vets like Grant/Ayton/Ant instead of 100% committing to an agressive rebuild. That is kind of a sunk cost at this point so changing Cronin with GM X won't really change that. I'm very interested to see what moves Cronin makes under Dundon. But I'm not going to judge the team primarily by wins the next two seasons.

Yeah I still think the reason is because they got the leagues MVP in a stupid ass trade by the Clippers, vs the timeline thing. Especiually since SGA is the same age as Ant and Ayton. Without SGA the Thunder are good but not this good.

 

[JfizzleBlazer]

Its really the talent, assets, and how players develop that matter much more than the wins. I'm not as worried about wins this season and next season. Do the young players looks like solid long term starters? Do the Blazers have assets to add better players to the roster in future seasons? Is Billups the right coach once the team takes the step to trying to win all year?

This is really the first season the Blazers are putting an emphasis on winning. The west is brutal as well. I'm fine if they fall short of wins this year. But next season they need a more short term timeline that is realistic to be able to become a winner. For instance the Thunder won 22, 24, 40 games in 2020-2023. But that last team even with a losing roster was one of the most stacked young teams that were in a position to take a huge leap. Compare that to the the Bulls that also won the same 40 games that season but had little talent, few assets to improve.

Now will the Blazers be in a longer rebuild than the Thunder? Yes for sure, we are already well past how many losing season they had. But IMO that is because we tried this horrible "two timelines" fence straddling with vets like Grant/Ayton/Ant instead of 100% committing to an agressive rebuild. That is kind of a sunk cost at this point so changing Cronin with GM X won't really change that. I'm very interested to see what moves Cronin makes under Dundon. But I'm not going to judge the team primarily by wins the next two seasons.

Idk man, I just can't get behind a GM not having a playoff season for 6 years and consider him "good."

But like I've stated, Cronin has had some great moves. This next year he still gets a pass for me if we don't make the playoffs. I'd need to see something next season though.

If we make the play ins this year that will be a step in the right direction.

 

[Pinwheel1]

Jrue will be gone and Dame will slide back into his starting PG spot and will handle his business. If somebody can shoot the way he does, it will only have a positive affect/effect on our squad.

Where is Jrue going? The only way someone trades for him at 36 is because they want to dump a large salary. Would we accept that?
Or if he plays so well the Blazers make the playoffs.

 

[THE HCP]

Where is Jrue going? The only way someone trades for him at 36 is because they want to dump a large salary. Would we accept that?
Or if he plays so well the Blazers make the playoffs.

The only way someone trades for him at 36 is if they need a PG and are contenders.

 

[bigbailes]

Jrue will be gone and Dame will slide back into his starting PG spot and will handle his business. If somebody can shoot the way he does, it will only have a positive affect/effect on our squad.

Don't see Jrue going anywhere ... he's still owed $104 million over the next three years, he isn't going anywhere. Blazers are stuck with him and Grant for at least two more seasons when they could *hopefully* opt out, but more than likely for 3 more as I seriously doubt anyone is handing these guys $35+ million in their age 37 (Jrue) or age 33 (Grant) seasons.

 

[1 Eye Jack]

The only way someone trades for him at 36 is if they need a PG and are contenders.

100% agree and I think they’ll be teams wanting him regardless of his contract. We may not want to give him up seeing him preseason really made me appreciate what he does on the court and that’s only preseason. He’s a winner who is true professional on and off the court. They’ll be demand for him and I don’t think his contract will scare teams competing for a championship. I could see team like Rockets offering a pick if it looks like their PG position isn’t working by trade deadline.

As far as Dame Im kind of hoping Scoot plays so well that Dame is forced to come off bench. The signing is confusing to me either management doesn’t believe Scoot is the guy or they believe Dame will be content coming off the bench as 6th man of the year. If you truly believe Scoot has potential to be star you’re not going to move him back the bench when Dame comes back.

 

[Phatguysrule]

100% agree and I think they’ll be teams wanting him regardless of his contract. We may not want to give him up seeing him preseason really made me appreciate what he does on the court and that’s only preseason. He’s a winner who is true professional on and off the court. They’ll be demand for him and I don’t think his contract will scare teams competing for a championship. I could see team like Rockets offering a pick if it looks like their PG position isn’t working by trade deadline.

As far as Dame Im kind of hoping Scoot plays so well that Dame is forced to come off bench. The signing is confusing to me either management doesn’t believe Scoot is the guy or they believe Dame will be content coming off the bench as 6th man of the year. If you truly believe Scoot has potential to be star you’re not going to move him back the bench when Dame comes back.

I don't think bringing Dame back was strictly a basketball move. It may pan out as one, but it doesn't have to.

 

[THE HCP]

Don't see Jrue going anywhere ... he's still owed $104 million over the next three years, he isn't going anywhere. Blazers are stuck with him and Grant for at least two more seasons when they could *hopefully* opt out, but more than likely for 3 more as I seriously doubt anyone is handing these guys $35+ million in their age 37 (Jrue) or age 33 (Grant) seasons.

You’ve been watching too much baseball FAMS. Those 2 are gone mid season for sure.

 

[THE HCP]

I don't think bringing Dame back was strictly a basketball move. It may pan out as one, but it doesn't have to.

Didn’t share this from last week. Leaving the TV truck after the KINGS preseason game the other night. Right as I walked down the ramp, Dame walks out heading to his car. First time we’d seen each other since last season in Milwaukee. We walk over and get a big hug in and he looks at me with the biggest smile I’ve ever seen on his face. All I said to him was, “You Happy?”
His eyes go wide and he said with the most genuine reply…… ,”I can’t put into words how happy I am.” “I wake up and see my kids everyday!”

That’s all I needed to hear. All these years he has been the most down to earth player I’ve ever interacted with….. this was about more than ball. I believe he will really help us when he returns. And if not, I could give a shit. He has earned this opportunity. Happy for this guy.

 

[Phatguysrule]

Didn’t share this from last week. Leaving the TV truck after the KINGS preseason game the other night. Right as I walked down the ramp, Dame walks out heading to his car. First time we’d seen each other since last season in Milwaukee. We walk over and get a big hug in and he looks at me with the biggest smile I’ve ever seen on his face. All I said to him was, “You Happy?”
His eyes go wide and he said with the most genuine reply…… ,”I can’t put into words how happy I am.” “I wake up and see my kids everyday!”

That’s all I needed to hear. All these years he has been the most down to earth player I’ve ever interacted with….. this was about more than ball. I believe he will really help us when he returns. And if not, I could give a shit. He has earned this opportunity. Happy for this guy.

Awesome! Thanks for sharing that. I'm 100% in the same camp.

 

[SharpeScooterShooter]

You’ve been watching too much baseball FAMS. Those 2 are gone mid season for sure.

Which contender will trade for jrues contract by next year?

 

[andalusian]

You’ve been watching too much baseball FAMS. Those 2 are gone mid season for sure.

It's a 2nd apron world we live in, it's going to be harder to do than you expect.