Portland Trail Blazers sign Neil Olshey as new General Manager – NBA News
The Portland Trail Blazers announced on Monday that Neil Olshey, former General Manager of the Los Angeles Clippers, will be joining them as their new General Manager.
The news came less than an hour after the Los Angeles Clippers announced that Neil Olshey had parted ways with them.
"I am very grateful for the opportunity to become a part of this successful franchise. Portland is a great basketball city with a rich tradition, an incredible fan base and committed leadership. I'm joining an organization that
has a strong foundation and a bright future” said Neil Olshey after the announcement.
The Trail Blazers had assigned the team’s director of college scouting, Chad Buchanan, with the General Manager responsibilities on an interim basis. They fired their earlier GM Rich Cho after only 10 months on the job and Olshey
now becomes the 10th General Manager of the Trail Blazers.
The Los Angeles Clippers had announced on Friday that they had agreed to a new contract with Olshey, who was working without a contract since October 2011. They had decided to have a press conference on Monday, but Portland reached
out to Olshey and his negotiations with the Clippers stalled.
"Circumstances have obviously undergone some movement since our announcement Friday. In light of that, we want to wish Neil well and acknowledge his contributions during the time he spent with the Clippers," Clippers President
Andy Roeser said.
Olshey had been associated with the Clippers for the past 9 years, and had held different assignments with the franchise including an assistant general manager stint. He was elevated to General Manager in 2010, and saw much success
during his two years in the front office of the Clippers.
Olshey signed Chris Paul to the Clippers just before the 2011-2012 season started, which is considered his biggest achievement. He also recruited Chauncey Billups and resigned DeAndre Jordan. The improved roster helped the Clippers
finish this season with 40-26 record and clinch the 5th seed in the Western Conference. The Clippers also saw success in the postseason, reaching the second round of the playoffs to lose to the powerhouse San Antonio Spurs. Olshey finished in third
place in voting for the 2011-2012 Executive of the Year, with Larry Bird of the Indiana Pacers taking the honours.
With the General Manager position sorted, the Trail Blazers will now concentrate towards hiring a new head coach. They fired Nate McMillan as head coach during the regular season, after 6 seasons with them. The Clippers on the
other hand will start the hunt for a new general manager. They extended the contract of coach Vinny Del Negro last week.
Both teams have much work to do in the offseason, with Portland looking to recruit some new talent and strengthening their team. They have the number 6 and 11 pick in this year’s NBA Draft.
The Clippers look to sign an extended contract with Blake Griffin and Chris Paul. Paul is entering the final year of his contract and Griffin is also eligible for contract extension. He has one year left in his contract and if
not resigned, will be a free agent next summer.
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