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As league sources said on Monday, the Trail Blazers have cast a net so wide that the list of candidates could be almost 20 coaches long and, in the end, will consist of names procured by both Dundon and general manager Joe Cronin. What’s more, league sources say, there is no clear messaging as of yet about a possible timeline on the hiring. And while Dundon has pushed back on the notion that he’s cutting corners as a matter of what he believes is good business, the proof will be in the paycheck.
Sean Highkin: Joe Cronin on not traveling two-ways: "That one's on me. I heard we were going to have some traveling party reductions and I assumed it would include them and didn't double-check. That's on me for not communicating it."
Sean Highkin: Joe Cronin on roster needs: "The Spurs series showed us that we don't shoot the ball well enough. Shooting is something we knew we were deficient in. Dame will definitely help us, but something we need to address going forward. We played a lot of possessions in the mud."
Sean Highkin: Joe Cronin on coaching search: "Tiago is a candidate, but we're going to talk to other candidates. We decided early on we were going to cast a wide net."
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Sean Highkin: Joe Cronin on his own job status: "Tom is so transparent that I feel like if I was at risk, I'd probably know it."
Sean Highkin: Joe Cronin on potential star addition: "We're open to it, but only at the right price point. We're not going to sacrifice our entire future for a short-term swing."
Joe Freeman: A familiar face is taking in the Blazers' morning shootaround ahead of Game 3 vs. the Spurs: LaMarcus Aldridge. The former All-Star watched the end of the workout sitting on a bench next to GM Joe Cronin, then shared a lengthy chat with Cronin and acting coach Tiago Splitter.
In the building for Blazers shootaround this morning ahead of Game 3: LaMarcus Aldridge.
— Sean Highkin (@highkin.bsky.social) 2026-04-24T17:43:14.103Z
Sean Highkin: Joe Cronin: "As I've gotten to know Tom and his partners, I'm incredibly encouraged. The skill set, the expertise, the passion, the will to win. For me, it's perfect. I think the organization is in an incredible spot."
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Still, you will have a couple of high-profile decisions to make at head coach (interim coach Tiago Splitter) and general manager (Joe Cronin). How soon will you come to those decisions? Tom Dundon: I don’t know. Like, I’d need to acquire information. It would be hard for me to have an opinion about anything other than the level of intensity that I want. I have expectations that are probably higher than most people are used to. And so I think that’s where I’m starting with, is getting through to everybody what I like, what my expectations are, and then you gotta see if people can match that. And that’ll tell you more than me just guessing who can or can’t.
Chris Haynes: Sources: Inside a somber meeting the Portland Trail Blazers had that left players mute. How the news of Chauncey Billups’ alleged involvement in an illegal gambling ring was delivered to the team. Chris Haynes: Let's go back to yesterday morning. Sources informed me that Trail Blazers general manager Joe Cronin gathered his team together along with the coaching staff to inform them of the news. Sources told me that players were mute. They were shocked, and no one had a question. It was that quiet. Joe Cronin then went on to say that no one should be trying to contact Chauncey Billups while this investigation is ongoing. From there sources related to me that Tiago Splitter took the floor and said the goals remain the same and he also added that he's in charge, and he wants to keep everything afloat until they get their coach back. And last thing of note I want to add is that the Trail Blazers actually offered the interim job to assistant coach Nate Bjorkgren, but him and Chauncey Billups are extremely tight, and he declined the appointment.
Sources: Inside a somber meeting the Portland Trail Blazers had that left players mute. How the news of Chauncey Billups’ alleged involvement in an illegal gambling ring was delivered to the team. pic.twitter.com/ciotndisyd
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) October 25, 2025
Splitter and Blazers general manager Joe Cronin addressed the team Thursday afternoon, hours after Billups' stunning arrest. Neither had slept more than a few hours when news of the arrest started spreading. Splitter told ESPN that he went to bed around 2 a.m. after watching tape of the Blazers' season-opening loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves and was woken up shortly after 6 a.m. when the news started to circulate. A few hours later, Splitter was in Cronin's office, being asked to take over as interim coach. Lead assistant coach Nate Bjorkgren had previous head coaching experience, but team sources said Bjorkgren had told Cronin that Splitter was the best choice to take over, and Bjorkgren felt he could best help the team in his current role, running the defense.
The Portland Trail Blazers have exercised the 2026-27 team option on the Rookie Scale contracts of guard Scoot Henderson, forward Kris Murray, and center Donovan Clingan, it was announced today by General Manager Joe Cronin. Henderson, selected No. 3 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Trail Blazers, appeared in 66 games (10 starts) during his second NBA season in 2024-25—averaging 12.7 points (41.9% FG, 35.4% 3FG, 76.7% FT), 5.1 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.0 steal in 26.7 minutes per game.