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Blazers’ Olshey on Roster Building: ‘More Art Than Science’

During a SiriusXM radio appearance, Trail Blazers President of Basketball Operations Neil Olshey discussed his team-building philosophy.

Portland Trail Blazers All Access Practice Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images

The Trail Blazers have blossomed into a perennial playoff team under a three-columned foundation of leadership. President of Basketball Operations Neil Olshey, Head Coach Terry Stotts and star player Damian Lillard have combined to form an organization that has garnered a positive reputation for its culture.

During an interview on SiriusXM, Olshey discussed his views on team building.

“I mean, there’s an art to this, and this is way more art than it is science. And I think it gets overstated. I think there was a time in the league where it was the next frontier [analytics-driven pursuits], and I think now you see people coming back more to gut instinct and knowing what players are going to work.”

The Blazers finished the 2018-19 regular season with a 53-29 record and advanced to the Western Conference Finals.