RealGM

Holy ****

This is an incredible hire. We basically hired draft Express as an assistant GM.

I've been watching his videos for years, and he's probably one of the best, if not best scouts out there. Olshey would never hire a guy like this either, so I really really have to give it up to Cronin on this one. Home run.
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What I'm confused by is that he won't formally begin working for the Blazers until after the draft, so that's a little weird but overall I'm really excited.

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33989997/portland-trail-blazers-hire-espn-nba-draft-analyst-mike-schmitz-assistant-general-manager-sources-say

Since Portland isn't a FA destination, putting resources into acquiring talent via the draft is the
way to go.

I think a huge aspect of this hire is his relationship with players and working with them over the years through the draft process. That's a great way to attract younger veterans as well.

I like this move, the draft can yield such value if you can hit consistently with it. I always appreciated his eye on international talent so maybe we can scoop up some late draft steals in the coming years.

This move is confusing because it’s the type that a team truly hungry to build a winner makes and I really didn’t think that was us, especially with the sale news.

Happily surprised.

Even though he's joining after the Draft, I wonder if he's providing advice in the background up until then.

Also, I wonder how the sale changes the Blazers plans. If you trade for Grant, you'll want to be signing him to a long-term deal (otherwise he's an awfully expensive rent). But would the Blazers want to be in that position? Long-term big money for a star is obviously palatable, but Grant isn't close to being a star.

Always enjoyed his breakdowns.. Hopefully Schmitz will improve our scouting department by A LOT.

I always thought it was funny he used the same immortal technique beats for his breakdowns. If you've ever listened to his music before you'd understand. Kind of an interesting insight into the type of guy he is...

This guy really knows his ****, he was talking up Dame before the draft and also hit on multiple other players before they were drafted.

He will likely get the most value out of picks we get which is a great thing to have if we are going into rebuild/tank mode for a while.

Great move