By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Neil Olshey was fired by the Portland Trail Blazers, the team announced Friday evening.
Olshey, 56, was under investigation for workplace misconduct, as reported one month ago. Upon the termination of his contract, the director of player personnel Joe Cronin was promoted to interim GM and the franchise began the search for a permanent replacement.
Per the press release: “The Portland Trail Blazers are committed to building an organization that positively impacts our colleagues, communities and the world in which we live and play. Following the conclusion of the independent review of concerns and complaints around our workplace environment at the practice facility, the Portland Trail Blazers organization has decided to terminate General Manager and President of Basketball Operations Neil Olshey, effective immediately due to violations of the Portland Trail Blazers’ Code of Conduct. Out of respect for those who candidly participated in that privileged investigation, we will not release or discuss it. We are confident that these changes will help build a more positive and respectful working environment. Joe Cronin has been promoted to interim General Manager while the organization’s leadership conducts a search for a permanent replacement.”
The former GM and president of basketball operations took over prior to the 2012-13 season after a nine-year stint serving under multiple positions at the Los Angeles Clippers. His efforts in Portland amounted to eight straight Playoffs berths since 2014. The Blazers currently rank eighth in the Western Conference carrying an 11-12 W-L tally in the 2021-22 NBA Regular Season.
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