Cronin Owns Two-Way Player Travel Omission
"That was on me for not communicating properly."
Portland Trail Blazers General Manager Joe Cronin has stepped forward to accept responsibility for the team’s decision to exclude players on two-way contracts from traveling for the initial two road games of their first-round playoff series. This move, apparently aimed at cost-cutting, has drawn considerable ire. Cronin’s statement, made 20 hours ago, suggests a departmental failure rather than a player-level issue. "Next year, we’ll run a little lighter," Cronin added, hinting at potential shifts in operational philosophy. The general manager also touched on future coaching compensation, noting, "We’re going to pay the coach based on some sort of level of shared risk." This admission follows a period of austerity measures, including reducing fan giveaways for playoff games and early staff hotel check-outs to circumvent late fees, as reported by Jason Quick of The Athletic.
Read More: Caitlin Clark Leaves Fever Game Early After Collision
The controversy surrounding the two-way player travel highlights a deeper concern regarding organizational decision-making and resource allocation under Cronin's leadership.
Managerial Performance Under the Microscope
Cronin's tenure has been marked by significant challenges, with public opinion and expert analysis frequently questioning his effectiveness. Reports from February 5, 2025, indicated the Blazers were finding unexpected success, winning eight of nine games, yet this performance risked complicating veteran player trades and potentially trapping the team in a transitional "no man's land." A report from June 4, 2025, from Blazers Edge, offered a stark assessment: "Joe Cronin hasn’t done a good job as much as he’s done a hard job. I place the blame at Cronin’s feet." This sentiment was echoed by numerous sports pundits, who, as of January 13, 2025, heavily criticized Cronin’s performance, with some outlets suggesting the Trail Blazers appeared to be "one of the worst-run organizations in the NBA right now."
Read More: St. Louis Blues sign Dylan Holloway to 5-year, $38.75M contract extension
The lack of a clear, definitive plan for the team's future has been a recurring point of criticism.
Trade proposals involving key players like Anfernee Simons have circulated, alongside discussions about the timeline for moving Deandre Ayton.
Despite these discussions, reports indicated the team was "not actively" shopping veteran big men around the trade deadline.
Team Dynamics and Future Outlook
Recent developments, such as the signing of forward Andrew Carr announced by Cronin, have been met with an unusual level of silence from the team and coaching staff, according to sources cited by Chris Haynes. This muted reaction following an internal team meeting suggests underlying tension or uncertainty within the organization. Cronin’s remarks from September 30, 2025, also touched upon player development, specifically mentioning efforts to shape players like Robert Williams. The broader context of the Blazers' rebuild remains a subject of debate, with their current trajectory and strategic execution under Cronin's guidance continuing to be intensely scrutinized.
