NBA Portland Trail Blazers

Neil Olshey’s Contract Extension A Great Decision For Portland Trail Blazers

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By @b2brennan

Sam Forencich - Getty Images

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Just before the NBA Draft in 2012, Neil Olshey was signed as the general manager of the Portland Trail Blazers. There was serious speculation on whether this would be a good move or not, but now, with the Blazers having the second best record in the league and Olshey’s contract getting extended, it’s clear this was a great move.

The former head coach Nate McMillan was fired just before Olshey’s signing, so it seemed like it would be a work in progress getting the Blazers back to a consistent playoff team. Shortly after Olshey came to Portland, head coach Terry Stotts was hired and they have made a great pair under owner Paul Allen.

Olshey’s first move as general manager was the 2012 NBA Draft. He made a questionable but eventual team-changing pick by selecting Damian Lillard. There were many concerns about taking a point-guard from Weber State with the No. 6 pick in the draft, but Olshey trusted Lillard’s ability; and after Lillard’s unanimous Rookie of the Year award, fans trusted Olshey.

The next order of important business Olshey completed was re-signing Nicolas Batum. Batum actually received an offer sheet from the Minnesota Timberwolves, but Olshey was able to bring him back which has proved vital for Portland’s success. In the 2013 NBA Draft, Olshey selected C.J. McCollum and Allen Crabbe, both of whom are still developing but getting good minutes for a young and talented team.

Five of Olshey’s nine draft picks since he’s taken over are still on the roster and they’ve all contributed in one way or another. That’s not a bad percentage of players after two years in a league where players can be dealt or cut swiftly. See: Robinson, Thomas. He also signed Chris Kaman and Steve Blake this offseason who have both proved to be great signings so far, making the Blazers a complete team.

Since Olshey took over, the Blazers are 115-85. His first season was a transition period having new players which led to a 33-win season. In 2013, Portland took off with a tie for fifth in the West on 54 wins and winning their first playoff series since 2000. Now the Blazers are second in the West with a 28-8 record and show no signs of looking back.

Like most Blazers fans, I was skeptical of the multiple front office moves a couple years ago. But now that Olshey has a contract extension for a few more years, I can breathe easy. What Olshey has brought to this team is amazing. He’s transformed them into a playoff winner and NBA championship contender, as well as given the Blazers hope to re-sign star player LaMarcus Aldridge and even attract big-name players, something this franchise hasn’t seen in a number of years. You can’t argue with Portland’s success under Olshey, and I’m extremely satisfied knowing he’ll be around for a while longer.

Brian Brennan is a Portland Trail Blazers writer for www.Rantsports.com. Follow him on Twitter @b2brennan.

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