Cronin Defends Dundon Against Criticism Calling Him Cheap

Key Points:

• Since Tom Dundon took ownership of the Trail Blazers, reports have emerged about cost-cutting measures, including trimming travel parties and limiting budgets, sparking negative publicity about his investment approach.
• Blazers executive Joe Cronin defended Dundon, stating he is willing to spend significant money to support the team and cited Dundon's approval of a costly trade proposal that would have pushed the team into luxury tax territory.
• Cronin also clarified that the team has an adequate budget to hire the best available head coach, with compensation varying based on experience and risk, countering reports of a below-standard coaching budget.
• Acting head coach Tiago Splitter acknowledged rumors and clickbait around the coaching search, emphasizing the need for time as Dundon familiarizes himself with the team; Splitter remains a candidate but the team plans a broad search without a set timeline.
• The decision not to bring two-way players on the road for early playoff games was attributed by Cronin to a miscommunication on his part, and the team corrected this by including those players in later road games.