Trail Blazers fire GM Olshey following investigation into workplace conduct
The Portland Trail Blazers dismissed team president and general manager Neil Olshey following an independent investigation into complaints of workplace misconduct, the team announced Friday.
Joe Cronin will serve as the Trail Blazers' interim general manager while the team searches for a permanent replacement. New York Knicks GM Scott Perry and Chicago Bulls GM Marc Eversley are expected to be considered for the opening, sources told Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes.
The findings of the investigation, which was announced Nov. 6 and carried out by the law firm O'Melveny & Myers, will not be disclosed to the public.
"Out of respect for those who candidly participated in that privileged investigation, we will not release or discuss it," the team said in a statement. "We are confident that these changes will help build a more positive and respectful working environment."
Olshey began his career with the Los Angeles Clippers and was hired to lead the Trail Blazers' front office in 2012. Under his leadership, the team drafted current franchise star Damian Lillard and hired now-former head coach Terry Stotts, who ranks second on the team's all-time coaching wins list.
After going 33-49 (.402) in Olshey's first year running the team, the Trail Blazers qualified for the postseason in each of the past eight seasons - presently the NBA's longest active playoff streak.
Stotts was dismissed this summer. Olshey then tapped former All-Star point guard and broadcaster Chauncey Billups as the team's head coach.
The Billups hire was criticized due to an allegation that he sexually assaulted a woman in 1997, when he played for the Boston Celtics. Billups and a teammate reached a financial settlement with the woman, but he did not face criminal charges and maintains the interaction was consensual.
After Billups had been strongly linked to the Trail Blazers' vacancy, Lillard appeared to distance himself from the move:
Really? I was asked what coaches I like of the names I “heard” and I named them. Sorry I wasn’t aware of their history I didn’t read the news when I was 7/8yrs old. I don’t support Those things … but if this the route y’all wana come at me… say less https://t.co/N1GPkX3Ohd
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) June 26, 2021
At the first-time head coach's introductory press conference, Olshey remained steadfast in his decision and appeared to dodge questions about the Trail Blazers' vetting process for Billups.
In the wake of offseason reports that Lillard's desire to remain with the team long term was fading, the star guard - who just began a four-year, $176.3-million contract - said conversations with Billups ultimately convinced him to recommit to Portland.
Under Billups this season, the Trail Blazers are 11-12 (.478). Lillard is currently sidelined with an abdominal injury.