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5.23.2011

portland trail blazers part ways with gm rich cho


The Portland Trail Blazers abruptly announced today that they have dismissed General Manger Rich Cho: Rich Cho out as Blazers' GM.

When Cho was hired by the team last July, he became the first Asian American general manager in NBA history. After less than a year on the job, this is pretty damn disappointing. Here's the Trail Blazers' announcement:
The Portland Trail Blazers announced today that they have parted ways with Rich Cho , the team's general manager of basketball operations.

"The fit between Rich and our team simply wasn't right," said Trail Blazers President Larry Miller. "This was a tough move because I respect Rich and he's a good person with many strong skills. But it simply wasn't a good match."

Trail Blazers Director of College Scouting Chad Buchanan will serve as acting general manager. Buchanan has been with the team for four years. Buchanan and Head Coach Nate McMillan will report to Miller until a permanent replacement is hired.

Trail Blazers Owner Paul G. Allen said the move is part of the franchise's commitment to building a championship contending team. "This decision, as difficult as it was to make, reflects our willingness to admit and recognize that things haven't worked out," Allen said. "We're going to be tough on ourselves in assessing what we could have done better, and then go out and find the executive who is the best fit with the needs of our franchise. That chemistry and connection is critically important."
So according to the team, Rich Cho and the Trail Blazers were not "a good match." There appears to have been a lot of clashes and instability behind the scenes, finally culminating in Cho's dismissal. Ten months! Bummer. More here: Blazers part ways with GM Rich Cho.