The Portland Trail Blazers fired general manager Neil Olshey amid an investigation into his workplace behavior. He left behind a team with several needs and leaves a franchise in need of soul searching.
Head coach Chauncey Billups addressed the impact of Olshey being ousted ahead of the Blazers' matchup with the Boston Celtics. He explained that the seismic change to the organization put the practice facility in a funk.
Billups expressed his gratitude for Olshey, who gave him his first job as an NBA head coach this past offseason. Franchise star Damian Lillard said that he and Olshey always had a great relationship but acknowledged the issues surrounding him within the organization.
The removal of Olshey should be a great thing for Portland. They have the chance to find a new, smart GM that could find solutions for their on-court issues. At the very least, they should be able to find someone who doesn't make headlines for the wrong reasons. After the Olshey investigations and the hiring of Billups being surrounded with resurfaced rape allegations, the Blazers are in dire need of someone who isn't problematic to lead the franchise.
Portland is 11-12 entering their matchup with Boston. Despite having a strong offense, their paper-thin defensive strength has completely doomed them this season. They could end up securing a playoff spot but there would be little faith that they could make it past the first round.