Joe Cronin (basketball)

Joe Cronin
Portland Trail Blazers
PositionGeneral manager
LeagueNBA
Personal information
Born
Denver, Colorado, U.S.
Career information
High schoolHorizon
(Thornton, Colorado)
CollegeRegis (1995–1997)
Northern Colorado (1997–1998)

Joe Cronin (February 11, 1976) 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.[1]

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.[2][3] Cronin was then elevated to the position of assistant general manager in 2021.[1][4]

Executive career

In December 2021, Cronin was made interim general manager of the Trail Blazers, following Neil Olshey's dismissal.[1] On 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, Scoot Henderson with the 3rd pick in 2023,[14] and Donovan Clingan with the 7th pick in 2024.

On April 7, 2025, Cronin and the Trail Blazers agreed to a multi-year contract extension.[15]

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.[16]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Aaron Fentress (December 14, 2021). "Portland Trail Blazers interim GM Joe Cronin brings calm demeanor, intense competitiveness to job he covets: 'This is home'". The Oregonian. Retrieved January 7, 2024.
  2. ↑ Anne M. Peterson (May 12, 2022). "Cronin becomes Blazers GM after serving in interim role". Statesman Journal. Associated Press. p. B1. Retrieved January 7, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  3. ↑ Joe Freeman (April 15, 2012). "Joe Cronin, self-made NBA 'capologist,' helps put Blazers in position for fruitful offseason". The Oregonian. Retrieved January 7, 2024.
  4. ↑ Jason Quick (December 14, 2021). "'Yo, where is Joe Cronin at?' How Chauncey Billups' and the Blazers GM's lives have come full circle". The Athletic. Retrieved January 7, 2024.
  5. ↑ Paul Rudder (May 10, 2022). "Portland Trail Blazers give interim GM Joe Cronin permanent post". AS.com. Retrieved January 7, 2024.
  6. ↑ Jason Quick (May 10, 2022). "Quick: Joe Cronin is the Trail Blazers general manager after the search that never happened". The Athletic. Retrieved January 7, 2024.
  7. ↑ Callie Lawson-Freeman (July 10, 2023). "Portland GM says he hasn't spoken to Damian Lillard since trade request: 'If it takes months, it takes months'". Yahoo!. Retrieved January 7, 2024.
  8. ↑ Bill Oram (September 28, 2023). "Bill Oram: Trail Blazers GM Joe Cronin delivered the best trade for everyone, including Damian Lillard". The Oregonian. Retrieved January 7, 2024.
  9. ↑ "Was Damian Lillard denied a return to Portland Trail Blazers by GM Joe Cronin?". September 29, 2023.
  10. ↑ "Woj: Blazers' Joe Cronin Sought to Eliminate 'Emotion' in Damian Lillard Trade Talks". September 30, 2023.
  11. ↑ "Trail Blazers GM Joe Cronin confident rough summer leads to bright future post Damian Lillard". October 2, 2023.
  12. ↑ Brad Botkin (September 27, 2023). "Damian Lillard trade: Trail Blazers GM was right to hold firm, and he wound up in a great spot". CBS Sports. Retrieved January 7, 2024.
  13. ↑ Dave Deckard (April 5, 2023). "Ambiguity Reigns for Trail Blazers as Summer Looms". Blazer's Edge. SB Nation. Retrieved January 7, 2024.
  14. ↑ Jason Quick (June 23, 2023). "In drafting Scoot Henderson, Trail Blazers think they made move that trumps any trade". The Athletic. Retrieved January 7, 2024.
  15. ↑ "Trail Blazers, GM Joe Cronin reach multiyear extension". espn.com. Retrieved April 12, 2025.
  16. ↑ Irv Moss (October 11, 2010). "Katie Cronin, former CSU women's basketball star". The Denver Post. Retrieved January 7, 2024.
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