Joe Cronin Press Conference | 2024 NBA Draft | Portland Trail Blazers

[@ringwormsherm]

Ngl Joe killed it today.

[@Trent2saucy]

Absolutely killed it

[@Turnyourbull]

He stayed away from bold statements today. Finally a good press conference all around.

[@Joningaievyt]

Fr he made big moves

[@Habeev07]

Why on earth did they not draft anyone in the 2nd rd? They have 15 players atm but could still make room this offseason. ULRICH CHOMCHE is a diamond in the rough PF/C prospect and youngest player in draft. Cronin messed up not taking Chomche to shore up the big rotation. This front office is so inept. Thybulle, Walker, Grant, Ayton, RW3, Murray, Ibaji, and Reath are NOT part of the future of this team. Simple as that.

[@Trent2saucy]

@@Habeev07 you special arent u? Bari not being apart of the future for us is disgusting. Hes a core piece for us.

[@KFBALL247]

Joe COOKED today. Deni has one of the most team friendly contracts in the league, does pretty much everything well, shooting/rebounding/defending/passing, he’s 6’9 and 23 years old, and will only be an 11 mil cap hit in 4 years which is insane. And then to get Clingan at #7!? Wild. A lot of people thought he could go first. Or top 3 at worst. Blazers were dead last in rim protection last year. He fixes that day 1. He has a ton of upside and a high ceiling. Great character too and a proven winner. Blazers young nucleus is solid, and they are all 25 and younger which is awesome. And they could still move Grant and/or Simons and fetch a lot of draft capital. Congrats to Cronin and the Blazers, fans should be ecstatic with what they added today. The future is starting to look brighter.

[@JayUpSix]

Don’t forget, deni is actually pretty athletic for his size and has some decent bounce. His straight line speed(think track) is really good. Were definitely gonna be one of the most athletic teams in the league

[@jessboysen1976]

What type of Hallucinogenics are you on?

[@KFBALL247]

@@jessboysen1976 Check out the trade and draft grades. Blazers got A’s all around. Wizards fans are in shambles. Blazers have a lot of young talent, future assets, and the team is looking more promising than it did 2 days ago. They literally got their #1 target at pick #7. Multiple teams were trying to trade up for Clingan, including the Grizzlies. So I don’t know wtf you are yapping about..

[@jessboysen1976]

@@KFBALL247 The Blazers will win 25 games, Chauncey will continue to embarrass us and Cronin will go down with the sinking ship. Unfortunately, not before other teams fleece him for any talent we have. Please, before you talk understand basketball 🏀.

[@JayUpSix]

@@jessboysen1976 at least he’s spreading positivity. Some people bond off negativity and that ultimately drains them and corrupts them. You could tell him to be real but being a pessimist does not get your point across well

[@DirtyBlazersFan]

Cronin cook with that Avdija trade! To add the starting SF on Draft Night for Brogdon + two 1st (#14 + 1 of our 3 ‘29 1sts) + two future 2nds (‘28 and ‘30) is great business. Fantastic 4 year contract at 23yo, pass dribble and shoots, plays smart defensively, rebounds so pairs great with Grant. Then draft the guy at the top of your board. Creating pressure for Ayton, and flexibility at the end of Ayton’s contract. Grade A night from Cronin, excited for round 2!

[@destdrom]

Yay we traded for a player who openly supports his country genociding a people in the excuse of “exterminating terrorists.” Who are the terrorists? 3 year olds…

[@devonhalford5522]

@@destdromCronins job is to make basketball decisions not political ones.

[@gamechanger114]

Can you explain why you are so happy about giving up 2 1st rd picks and 2 2nd rd picks AND Malcolm Brogdon's expiring contract for Avdija? If you want to highlight his friendly contract, then I'd still say I thought there was about 5 players STILL available in the draft at the 14th pick that I'd rather have over Avdija and pretty sure it would've been on an even more team friendly deal too. We gave up alot of pieces and an even better player for somebody who's just decent. Tristan Da Silva would've been better Dalton Knecht would've provided more impact, Ja'Kobe Walter would've been a nice high-energy backup that can score and play defense (trading Simons and/or Grant for someone talented and at a position they need more and/or future draft picks).

[@DirtyBlazersFan]

@@gamechanger114 Deni is a legit 6’9 that has had 5 years of NBA experience and is younger than both Dalton Knecht and Tristan Da Silva. He has already proven himself as an elite level wing rebounder and plus defender, a big need in POR. A player that can pass, dribble, shoot and still has untapped upside on offense. There is not wing prospect in this entire draft with higher upside than Deni besides probably Cody Williams let alone at #14. Go watch him some film, he’s a perfect fit on the Blazer’s squad because he can play next to all the forwards but esp Grant (non rbd’ing 4) which is hard and be effective defensively next to Scoot + Shaedon Pick wise - the Blazer’s have three 1sts in ‘29 and they get the second best one which isn’t a big deal and the Blazers already recouped those seconds today.

[@O.Z123]

@@DirtyBlazersFandon’t waste your time on stupid people if you can’t see the Deni deal was great you need to check yourself

[@eraypetro]

Joe was winning 🥇 today!

[@Habeev07]

Why on earth did they not draft anyone in the 2nd rd? They have 15 players atm but could still make room this offseason. ULRICH CHOMCHE is a diamond in the rough PF/C prospect and youngest player in draft. Cronin messed up not taking Chomche to shore up the big rotation. This front office is so inept. Thybulle, Walker, Grant, Ayton, RW3, Murray, Ibaji, and Reath are NOT part of the future of this team. Simple as that.

[@johnDee5924]

Noticed he said build around Scoot n Sharpe. Could we be saying goodbye to Simons sooner rather than later?

[@cosmo1eleven855]

Yeah we can get a good asset in the front ourt for him

[@antoniobusby8375]

But It doesn’t make sense because Joe said the blazers needed more shooting how does trading Ant helps that cause?

[@JoseTorres-st5ic]

Exactly what I just typed.

[@JoseTorres-st5ic]

@@antoniobusby8375It does when a player doesn’t fit your playing style. Ant can shoot but sometimes he seems selfish with the ball. His defense is horrible too. I’d send him to Orlando.

[@JoseTorres-st5ic]

Or, send him to the Nets. They have loads of 1st rounders.

[@zacr7320]

Great job Joe !!! and great pick I think we got a great future ahead thanks to you 🎉🎉🎉 KLING KONG 🔥🔥🔥🦍

[@CarloBarlo69]

Joe did great. If Deni improves even more, then it’s an absolute home run 🎉

[@asherosu]

I’m happy with all of this. We got better today.

[@ACD1994]

Take care of Deni, Portland.

[@0nfiRe]

joe "goldberg" cronin has been on a roll these last few days. bravo!

[@topshotblazers]

Looking forward to our future, let's see what unfolds RipCity!!!

[@ded4evrr]

❤🖤

[@metal--babble346]

Go Blazers !!

[@rileymcphee9429]

Second round is gonna be BIG for Portland. At pick 34, According to ESPN's Draft Simulator: 75% chance of Tyler Smith 75% chance of Bobi Klintman 54% chance of Kyle Filipowski 43% chance of Tyler Kolek 34% chance of Johnny Furphy

[@jessboysen1976]

Instead, we trade the picks for a second round pick in 2075.

[@rileymcphee9429]

@jessboysen1976 🤣🤣🤣 I'm actually happy with trades they did. Three future seconds and two cash payments? I think there's an argument that nobody in the second round, besides maybe Filipowski, was better than who we already have on the roster.

[@jessboysen1976]

@@rileymcphee9429 how does it help our timeline 7 years from now - smh 🤦‍♂️

[@rileymcphee9429]

@jessboysen1976 I think a lot of the picks we got we can use for trades this year and in the future. We saw teams jockeying for different spots this whole draft, and nobody was asking, "How is this 2029 pick gonna help my rebuild?"

[@jessboysen1976]

@@rileymcphee9429 our franchise is on the verge of being the Wizards or Charlotte Hornets.

[@bzx7200]

You got Dani .he can move fast and give the ball to everyone.good lucky.

[@JoshBrandolf-mv5bw]

Good job today Joe,nailed it!

[@bendicoot]

scoot and sharpe the future ❤

[@JoseTorres-st5ic]

He said, build around Scoot and Sharpe. This tells me, Ant will be moved for sure.

[@jdfraed123]

We need some draft capital now.. Ant and Grant will help fill that pick bucket

[@Fox250R]

Should be relevant in about 8 years. Good job Blazers

[@drummmer05]

It's NOT and, / or media people!!! Every legit team has DEPTH!!! 2 or 3 Grt Bigs! 2 or 3 Grt Wings! 2 or 3 Grt Guards!!! ; It's NOT Ayton OR Clingon!!!! Dalton can play center for DEF. and Ayton can play Pwr Fwd, bcuz he's a great shooter & finesse guy!!! aka Katt & Rudy!!! ;

[@jdfraed123]

I really hope we embrace the double 7 footer same time mentality..

[@James-f2m1y]

Deni 1, Rupert 2, tumini 3 ayton 4, clinigan 5 that's our length lineup 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Jon-BEDM]

Blazers are set to have a good defense, length and shooting at both forward positions, and a skilled, shot-blocking center to build an elite half-court offense around. Smart draft pick and trade. No wonder this man looks like he just won the lottery.

[@jessboysen1976]

You are delusional - the guy is an imbecile.

[@solomonward8862]

Pourin honey on you Joe

[@anthonyn2730]

Joe finally said that we’re a rebuilding team:l. Thank you Joe. I respect you more now

[@SOLOSYT420]

Great work all I gotta say

[@itsabadbadbadmovie4457]

The pick, I am okay with it, not my first choice, but it is fine. The trade was good, but too steep a price. I think either the 14th pick and Brog, or two second rounders and Brig would have been a more equal exchange. People can't say we should have kept 14 because we could have got Dalton, or whoever, you can't say that because teams who picked before 14 , but after 7 could have changed plans with who they wanted.

[@KFBALL247]

Today was absolutely the best case scenario for Blazers. Blazers were dead last in rim protection last year. Blazers got a 7’2 elite rim protector with huge upside. And then added a 6’9 23 year old that’s a +defender and can rebound and shoot the 3. And his contract is one of/if not the most team friendly in the entire league. A+ day. Now, if they want, they can move Simons and/or Grant and fetch a lot of draft capital. Especially if they move them during the season, teams will overpay. Kinect is a huge liability on defense, that’s the last thing the blazers need. Would much rather have Deni who is already proven and does everything well and is still young and on a terrific contract.

[@temurikakachiya5094]

If Tyler Smith is there and we miss him I'll be completely pissed

[@Habeev07]

12:07... Why on earth did they not draft anyone in the 2nd rd? They have 15 players atm but could still make room this offseason. ULRICH CHOMCHE is a diamond in the rough PF/C prospect and youngest player in draft. Cronin messed up not taking Chomche to shore up the big rotation. This front office is so inept. Thybulle, Walker, Grant, Ayton, RW3, Murray, Ibaji, and Reath are NOT part of the future of this team. Simple as that.

[@jessboysen1976]

Cronin is an imbecile - that’s why

[@antoniobusby8375]

I agree Joe got it done. But I just don’t understand why wouldn’t the Trail Blazers be a winning team this year. The Blazers now have size, defense, shooting, and good guard play. I would think on paper this team is a contender. I just see how tanking another year we be a great benefit.

[@freezer2341]

I think they want 1 more “Rebuilding year” for the 2025 draft

[@jdfraed123]

It all comes down to coaching though.. Chauncey hasn't shown us much AND, we just hired 2 new assistant coaches..

[@antoniobusby8375]

Rebuilding for another year of paying salary for 15 players to draft one player one player doesn’t make sense to me.

[@jessboysen1976]

A contender? This franchise is a sinking ship.

[@ezypeazyy]

A contender this year?😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@AJNoriega46]

Future is bright Rip City

[@joshliggins-lk8gj]

It truly boils down to allowing everybody to play their game. Id try to allow deni more playmaking duties(draymond like and has potential to be better) and use simons like steph. The only issue is how do you use scoot??

[@antoniomarcoscostadossantos]

Blazers select Tyler Smith #34 + Djurisic #40. Go Blazers!

[@kingsamthefirst5053]

In the second round, please take Tyler smith, and ulrich chomche. Please you won’t regret it

[@lil_bear]

In Joe Cronin we trust. Now we just gotta fire billups and find a way to move grant and maybe ayton.

[@kirkberg-ug5np]

Looks like a return to the losing streaks of the 80's to me.

[@jesuschristislord8115]

Blazers should totally draft Bronny with their second 2nd tonight, and then package him with Grant to the Lakers for Knecht. What a move that would make, and what a draft haul that would be this year. A fa

[@goomaster]

Should have asked who Joe would have drafted if Donovan was already taken.

[@ezypeazyy]

And you think he would‘ve answered that? Lol

[@c_baum247]

🎉Blazers

[@Meerkat000]

#FireBillups

[@or2ak]

Pay attention, he's gonna finish out his contract.

[@aaronfagernes8020]

Chauncy will help us tank for flagg

[@digital1401]

He’s terrible

[@Meerkat000]

@@or2ak #FireBillups

[@JayUpSix]

@@Meerkat000but he’s a great tank commander atm

[@mikecowan4326]

Good job Joe Daddy!

[@Habeev07]

Admit it finally, Joe. This IS a rebuild. We all want it - so do it. You fd off last year playing dual timelines. Far from finished. Grant, Simons, Ayton, Thybulle all need to be traded eventually. You need to rebuild fully. Ayton is soft, Ant takes mins from Scoot and Sharpe, and Grant can't rebound and is a shot chucker - not what you want at PF. Thybulle is hopeless. All 4 of them BETTER BE GONE BY NEXT OFFSEASON - ALL 4.

[@macmoll]

8:26 He literally says “when you’re a rebuilding team like we are”. Sounds like an admission to me

[@demri123]

So im guessing Grant will be traded soon

[@cosmo1eleven855]

Grant and Simons will be saying sayanara !

[@antoniobusby8375]

But it doesn’t make sense Joe said at exit interview that the blazers need more shooting, who can the blazers trade for that are better shooters than Jeremi and Ant?

[@MisterBinx]

Cronin cooked.

[@ginjjiigok364]

Portland isnt going to win for a decade, should of drafted Bronny to get some people in the seats. Hope yall dont charge people too much this season.

[@IceCreamCornDawg]

Cronin should be immediately fired for picking another tall white bum... he's easily the worst GM in NBA History

[@dustinjennings9084]

Sounds like Ant is gone...

[@MrSteppyFlowed]

Yeah I didn’t like the way he didn’t mention Ant when he was talking about building around Scoot and Shaedon

[@JayUpSix]

@@Senormoolano he’s not he top 15 worse but not worse that’s old news

[@jddusterhoff]

Joe and the staff are probably the best Personnel Team we’ve ever had. Lucky to have them and franchise is in great hands!

[@jessboysen1976]

You gotta be kidding

[@lonardgetchell-bm9lc]

For once, he did ok.

[@elijahschwartz2530]

Good job fire Chauncey

[@LTG22]

In a normal draft is this guy even in the top 10? in a deep draft is he even first round?

[@devonhalford5522]

Yes and yes he’d probably go around 4-6 last year he was generally considered top 3 for this year

[@LTG22]

@@devonhalford5522 anyone else?

[@JayUpSix]

Yesssss

[@Bronny00]

Trading Grant to Dallas f

[@jackdubs25]

Trader Joe cooked

[@drummmer05]

BUILD AROUND ANT!!!!! He is the #1 Star level guy we still have & is only 23'ish!!! ANT,.. Shae,.. & Scoot together is 1 of the top "3" Guard Trios in the NBA!!! Trade any1 but them,. bcuz they ARE the core & future!!!

[@MikeJones-js5bt]

He’s 25

[@trevorstewart7176]

Good draft but still want this dude fired for the way he handled dame

[@Bronny00]

DA getting traded

[@P99-v6n]

KlingKong

[@gregbors8364]

Cronin did great, although in hindsight it would have been cool to see the Blazers get Dalton Knecht at #14 since he turned out to be available at that spot

[@ReaperKezia]

Deni is much better than Knecht & only 3 months older. That trade is a huge win for Portland

[@DirtyBlazersFan]

Deni is a starting forward on the Blazer’s team. Great value

[@gregbors8364]

I’ll have to take the word of the two people who replied since I haven’t watched any Wizards games over the past few years. But I respect our opinions and I do hope you’re right

[@sethfast2762]

@@gregbors8364 Deni is a really good defender, on top of offensive versatility. I co-sign what they said

[@KFBALL247]

Deni is the same age and way more of a complete player than Knecht. He actually rebounds and plays defense, Knecht might be a little better shooter/scorer but is a liability on defense, and he’s one of the older guys in the draft, which is probably why he fell. Deni had 10 of the 90 votes last year for most improved player. He’s legit man. And locked into a 4 year contract that will only cost the Blazers 11 mil towards the cap in the last year of his contract, 1/3 of what Grant would cost when he’s like 33 years old. And Deni is just as good if not better all around than Grant.

[@temurikakachiya5094]

I'm not high on deni, 14th id draft da Silva who can be Deni next season and traded Malcom for more assets instead of giving a future pick. Let me project what's gonna happen. We not trading ant, so our 3 top 10 picks in last few years will come of bench in sharpe scoot and clingan How potgetic, blazers need to give up their rights to draft at all cause rookies arnt giving freedom and minutes.

[@danmacmillan5114]

Don't under estimate thee value of the trade putting us about 4mil below the cap and sizing down our garaunteed contracts to only 15.

[@jdfraed123]

D Bottom line is that Deni is proven, absolutely nobody in the Draft is proven to be able to play NBA basketball.. how many lottery pick bums have we seen? Allot. Deni was a phenomenal move my guy.

[@temurikakachiya5094]

@@jdfraed123 thats why you give up the rights to draft then, let spurs collect picks, Blazers suck

[@jdfraed123]

@temurikakachiya5094 you know who doesn't suck? Me, when I give your wife foot rubs you punk Square trick.

[@streettoughfighting]

The biggest weakness blazers have are at coach and ownership, Cronin did ok today but folks cheer cause they’ve had to deal with his complete incompetence for so long they forgot good teams don’t build like this dumpster fire. But at least we get new talent to waste with no clue Billups at the wheel. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@juliosoares4880]

Joe cooked!!!!

[@ezypeazyy]

Free Palestine🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸

[@evanhayes5891]

Ok...

[@YowzaBowzaWowza]

Stupid move. Should’ve just kept 14 and selected Knect. He was available. Gave up way too much for this guy. Cronin is an amateur compared to the other GMs.

[@canIeaturcarrots]

Yeah you're right bro, another guard is just what the Blazers need lmao

[@aaronlindquist9158]

Well… Grant wants to go to LA Why don’t we trade him for Knecht and filler

[@streettoughfighting]

Yep and what we gave up to get Deni just makes the Dame haul less attractive in the big picture.

[@JayUpSix]

@@streettoughfightingwe didn’t give up a lot, we traded up in a weak draft which is good, second round picks are NOT that good, and we should be pretty good in 2029 and they get only the SECOND best of our picks(so if we get the number 1 pick and the number 17 they get 17)

[@RipitRon]

It will be another dismal crap season, I predicted 30 wins at best last year, Boy was I over estimating……I will say 34 wins this year. This roster STINKS!!!

[@macmoll]

That’s perfect! That’s what we want! Next year’s draft will be “STACKED” and we should aim to get as high of a pick as possible. After next year we can worry about being good.

[@RipitRon]

@@macmoll Unless they make major changes this team will be $hit for years to come. Scoot stinks, Sharpe barely has a heart beat, Ant is always hurt and inconsistent, Grants playing out of position......Yeah this team STINKS!!!

[@jessboysen1976]

You are 100% right Ron