Pacers GM first of maybe many to get look for Blazers job

After going without one for a year, the Portland Trail Blazers finally seem serious about getting a general manager. Maybe so Paul Allen can fire him in a year, too, but for now they are going after some.

Here is a run down of the guys in consideration. Sam Amick at Sports Illustrated listed a lot of them in this article.

David Morway, current Pacers GM: Indiana has given permission to Portland to speak to him, reports Chris Haynes at CSNNW.com. Those talks are something that would not take place in any serious way until after the Pacers are eliminated from the playoffs. Which isn’t yet. Morway is Larry Bird’s right hand and helped build a good young roster in Indy with guys like Roy Hibbert and David West. With Larry Bird expected to step away from the Pacers after this season, the question is does Indy turn it all over to Morway or do they bring in someone like Donnie Walsh (most recently of the Knicks)? We’ll see, but it seems Morway is going to land in a good spot one way or another.

Steve Kerr, current TNT analyst: This is reportedly the guy owner Paul Allen wants, but Kerr has said he is not leaving the broadcast booth yet.

Mitch Kupchak, current Los Angeles Lakers GM: There are rumblings that Kupchak is not happy working with Jim, Buss, the son of long-time owner Jerry and the guy running the show now. But Kupchak is also very loyal so don’t expect him to say anything or just force his way out. It could happen, but like the best of Kupchak’s trades (think Pau Gasol) it will come seemingly out of nowhere and with lightning speed. He will work quietly behind close doors whatever he chooses.

Geoff Petrie, current Sacramento Kings president: Who has any idea what is going on with Kings ownership or front office decisions? Amick reports this at Sports Illustrated:

With one season left on his contract, there continues to be conflicting signs about his future with the team, and while co-owner Joe Maloof told SI.com on Saturday that Portland has not requested permission to speak with Petrie, he said he would allow him to pursue the opportunity if that was his wish.

The question with Petrie is real this — do you think the on-the-court problems in Sacramento fall on Petrie or on decisions by ownership that tied his hands? If you think it’s the Maloofs, Petrie could be a good hire in a place where he has freedom to work.

John Hammond, current Milwaukee Bucks GM: He’s staying put for another year.