Rip City Project
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3 best and worst moves by Blazers’ GM Joe Cronin so far

By Jacob Dazzeo

Feb 8, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Norman Powell (24) shoots against Dallas Mavericks forward Josh Green (8) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Norman Powell (24) shoots against Dallas Mavericks forward Josh Green (8) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Gary Payton II, Portland Trail Blazers, Photo by: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
Gary Payton II, Portland Trail Blazers, Photo by: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports /

Gary Payton II was never a good fit

Hindsight is 20/20, and while Cronin was able to flip Gary Payton II for five second-round picks, the three-year, $26.15 million contract Cronin handed out looks pretty bad.

GP2 played just 15 games with the Blazers because of a core muscle injury. While the idea was that he would provide much-needed experience and defense off the bench, the Blazers needed size, not more guards.

This contract never made a lot of sense but, fortunately, Cronin was able to move on from GP2 and get some draft capital in return.