The Portland Trail Blazers’ Tumultuous Season: A Deeper Dive into Sean Beckwith’s Scathing Critique

The Portland Trail Blazers, once a perennial playoff contender, have been mired in a sea of struggles this season, leaving fans and pundits alike wondering what went wrong. In the aftermath of the team’s narrow victory over the Brooklyn Nets on February 15, 2024, writer Sean Beckwith of Deadspin penned a scathing article titled “Deandre Ayton Didn’t Shovel His Driveway and Now the Blazers Are Losing,” which ignited a firestorm of discussion and debate.

Deandre Ayton’s Absence and Its Implications

Beckwith’s article centers around Deandre Ayton’s absence from the Blazers’ game against the Nets, marking his 12th consecutive missed game due to a combination of tendinitis in his knee and icy conditions in Portland. Beckwith expresses disbelief at Ayton’s inability to find a way to the arena, especially considering the efforts made by other individuals to navigate the challenging weather conditions.

The author goes on to question the overall commitment of the Blazers’ organization, suggesting that Ayton’s absence is symptomatic of a larger problem within the team. Beckwith points to the team’s disappointing season, their lack of player development, and their questionable coaching decisions as evidence of a dysfunctional franchise.

Joe Cronin’s Leadership Under Scrutiny

Beckwith reserves particular criticism for Trail Blazers General Manager Joe Cronin, accusing him of complacency and a lack of accountability for the team’s struggles. The author points to Cronin’s off-season decisions, particularly the trades involving former franchise superstar Damian Lillard, as evidence of poor judgment and a lack of long-term vision.

Beckwith argues that Cronin’s primary focus seems to be on acquiring draft assets rather than building a competitive team, leading to a culture of indifference and a lack of motivation among the players. The author also questions Cronin’s decision to retain head coach Chauncey Billups, who, in Beckwith’s view, has failed to develop talent or instill a winning mindset in the team.

Chauncey Billups’ Coaching Performance Under Fire

Beckwith’s article also takes aim at Chauncey Billups, the Blazers’ head coach, accusing him of failing to win games, develop talent, and maintain a positive relationship with the team’s front office. The author suggests that Billups’ job security is solely due to his close relationship with Cronin, rather than his actual performance as a coach.

Beckwith points to the Blazers’ lack of progress under Billups’ leadership, citing their poor record, their lack of identity on the court, and their inability to develop young players. The author argues that Billups’ continued employment is a testament to Cronin’s incompetence and his unwillingness to admit his mistakes.

A Toxic Environment and a Bleak Future

Beckwith concludes his article by painting a bleak picture of the Trail Blazers’ current state, describing it as a “toxic layer cake” of dysfunction and mismanagement. The author argues that the team lacks leadership, direction, and a clear path forward, and that the only way to salvage the situation is for Cronin and Billups to be held accountable for their actions.

Evaluating Beckwith’s Critique: A Balanced Perspective

While Beckwith’s article is undoubtedly provocative and critical, it raises valid points about the Blazers’ current struggles and the need for accountability within the organization. The team’s poor performance, lack of player development, and questionable coaching decisions cannot be ignored, and Beckwith’s article serves as a wake-up call for the Blazers’ front office to address these issues head-on.

However, it is important to note that Beckwith’s critique is also somewhat one-sided and fails to acknowledge some of the challenges that the Blazers have faced this season. Injuries, roster turnover, and a difficult schedule have all contributed to the team’s struggles, and it is unfair to place all of the blame on Ayton, Cronin, or Billups.

Ultimately, the Blazers’ current situation is a complex one, and there is no easy solution. Beckwith’s article provides a valuable perspective on the team’s problems, but it is important to consider all of the factors involved before passing judgment.

Original Article by Sean Beckwith

Deandre Ayton Didn’t Shovel His Driveway and Now the Blazers Are Losing

Now, there are some backwoods neighborhoods in the Rose City, the U.S. is in the middle of a deep freeze and Domin-Ayton is from the Bahamas. It could’ve been an honest mistake that is in no way correctable via a phone call to the team, asking for a ride from one of the dozens of employees who were able to make it to the Moda Center.

None of this is normal, and neither is Ayton taking a WFH day because he didn’t shovel his driveway and couldn’t walk to a location that an Uber can get to. Un-f*cking-real.

But let’s not stop there.

Joe Cronin is a fraud. I’m sorry, general manager Joe Cronin is a fraud. He was Neil Olshey’s bagman who was handed the keys to the kingdom after Olshey’s indiscretions came to light. He has made one terrible basketball decision after another since taking over, and there’s no end in sight.

First off, he traded CJ McCollum for Josh Hart. Quarters on the dollar. Then he traded Norman Powell for Eric Bledsoe, also known as the dude who punched a dude in the face in L.A. Quarters on the dollar. Then he traded Larry Nance Jr. for a first-round pick and Justise Winslow, who is now injured. Quarters on the dollar.

He let go of Anfernee Simons for pennies on the dollar. You know, the dude who is now an All-Star with the Golden State Warriors.

Don’t even get me started on the Jerami Grant deal. He gave up Gary Payton II and Keon Johnson, both of whom are now playing big minutes for strong teams, for a guy who is hurt more often than he’s healthy.

Cronin has made so many bad moves that it’s hard to keep track. He’s turned a team that was a perennial playoff contender into a lottery team.

As long as Rip City is losing, GM Joe Cronin is happy. Player development, coaching, trying, even showing up — it’s all optional as long as it results in more draft assets and an indefinite reign over the front office. There’s not one player on the roster who isn’t performing like he’s ready to be dealt.

Chauncey Billups isn’t winning or developing talent, and his relationship with Cronin appears to be the only thing keeping him employed. The GM doesn’t want to admit wrongdoing because that’s more evidence he’s a fraud who only got the job due to Neil Olshey’s cancellation.

Billups is running the team like he’s playing Madden. He’s making moves that make sense on paper but don’t work in real life. He’s benching players who are playing well and starting players who are playing like they don’t care.

The Blazers are a mess. They’re a laughingstock. And it’s all Joe Cronin’s fault.

Fire Joe Cronin. Fire Chauncey Billups. And while you’re at it, trade Deandre Ayton to the G League.

The Blazers deserve better.

Call to Action

If you’re a Portland Trail Blazers fan, now is the time to make your voice heard. Contact the team’s front office and demand change. Let them know that you’re tired of the losing and that you want to see a competitive team on the court.

You can also show your support for the team by attending games and cheering them on. Let the players know that you’re behind them, even when the going gets tough.

Together, we can help the Portland Trail Blazers get back on track and return to their rightful place as a contender in the Western Conference.