Joe Cronin (basketball) explained
Joe Cronin is an American basketball executive who is currently general manager for the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Early life
Cronin attended Horizon High School in Thornton, Colorado, where he was an accomplished basketball player. He attended the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School after high school and briefly considered joining the Air Force. He then attended Regis University, where he played basketball, before transferring to the University of Northern Colorado.
Early career
Before his job as general manager, Cronin held various roles within the Blazers organization, starting as the team's basketball operations intern in 2006, transitioning to pro scout/salary cap analyst in 2010, and eventually assuming the position of director of player personnel in 2014.[1] [2] Cronin was then elevated to the position of assistant general manager in 2021.[3] [4]
Executive career
In December 2021, Cronin was made interim general manager of the Trail Blazers, following Neil Olshey's dismissal.[3] In May 9, 2022, Cronin was officially hired as the organization's 11th general manager and signed a four-year contract.[5] [6]
Cronin was responsible for trade negotiations involving Damian Lillard.[7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] Since his hiring, Cronin has traded CJ McCollum, Norman Powell, Josh Hart, Larry Nance, Jr., and Robert Covington.[13] With Cronin at the helm, the organization has drafted Shaedon Sharpe with the 7th pick in 2022 and Scoot Henderson with the 3rd pick in 2023.[14]
Personal life
Cronin obtained his master's degree from the University of Denver, concurrently serving as a graduate assistant for the men's basketball team. Cronin lives in Portland with his wife, Megan. His sister is former WNBA player Katie Cronin.[15]
Notes and References
- News: Anne M. Peterson . Cronin becomes Blazers GM after serving in interim role . 7 January 2024 . . . 12 May 2022 . B1 . Newspapers.com.
- News: Joe Freeman . Joe Cronin, self-made NBA 'capologist,' helps put Blazers in position for fruitful offseason . 7 January 2024 . . 15 April 2012.
- News: Aaron Fentress . Portland Trail Blazers interim GM Joe Cronin brings calm demeanor, intense competitiveness to job he covets: ‘This is home’ . 7 January 2024 . . 14 December 2021.
- News: Jason Quick . ‘Yo, where is Joe Cronin at?’ How Chauncey Billups’ and the Blazers GM’s lives have come full circle . 7 January 2024 . . 14 December 2021.
- News: Paul Rudder . Portland Trail Blazers give interim GM Joe Cronin permanent post . 7 January 2024 . . 10 May 2022.
- News: Jason Quick . Quick: Joe Cronin is the Trail Blazers general manager after the search that never happened . 7 January 2024 . . 10 May 2022.
- News: Callie Lawson-Freeman . Portland GM says he hasn't spoken to Damian Lillard since trade request: 'If it takes months, it takes months' . 7 January 2024 . . 10 July 2023.
- News: Bill Oram . Bill Oram: Trail Blazers GM Joe Cronin delivered the best trade for everyone, including Damian Lillard . 7 January 2024 . . 28 September 2023.
- Web site: Was Damian Lillard denied a return to Portland Trail Blazers by GM Joe Cronin?. September 29, 2023.
- Web site: Woj: Blazers' Joe Cronin Sought to Eliminate 'Emotion' in Damian Lillard Trade Talks. September 30, 2023.
- Web site: Trail Blazers GM Joe Cronin confident rough summer leads to bright future post Damian Lillard. October 2, 2023.
- News: Brad Botkin . Damian Lillard trade: Trail Blazers GM was right to hold firm, and he wound up in a great spot . 7 January 2024 . . 27 September 2023.
- News: Dave Deckard . Ambiguity Reigns for Trail Blazers as Summer Looms . 7 January 2024 . Blazer's Edge . . 5 April 2023.
- News: Jason Quick . In drafting Scoot Henderson, Trail Blazers think they made move that trumps any trade . 7 January 2024 . . 23 June 2023.
- News: Irv Moss . Katie Cronin, former CSU women’s basketball star . 7 January 2024 . . 11 October 2010.
