By selecting Scoot Henderson in the 2023 NBA Draft, the Portland Trail Blazers left fans wondering about the team’s direction and Damian Lillard’s future.
Opting to use the third pick instead of trading it for an established veteran seemed to contradict the tone of general manager Joe Cronin’s April exit interview, in which he emphasized the urgency of making win-now moves.
After the draft and again after a meeting between him, Lillard, and Lillard’s agent, Aaron Goodwin, Cronin affirmed that he still intends to win on Lillard’s timeline:
Portland Trail Blazers GM Joe Cronin issues statement on meeting with Damian Lillard: “I met with Dame and Aaron Goodwin this afternoon.