Blazers promote Pritchard to GM

The Portland Trail Blazers promoted Kevin Pritchard to their vacant general manager job Thursday.

The 39-year-old had served as the assistant general manager since before the season, and has been credited for masterminding the draft day deals that landed rookies Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge and Sergio Rodriguez.

Pritchard replaces Steve Patterson, who held the titles of president and general manager before resigning March 1 when owner Paul Allen decided not to renew his contract.

A former Kansas and journeyman NBA guard, Pritchard joined the Blazers as player personnel director before the 2004-05 season. He served as interim head coach for the final 27 games of that season after Maurice Cheeks was fired.

Pritchard took over the team as the Blazers began a roster overhaul, using younger players such as Sebastian Telfair in place of veterans such as Damon Stoudamire and Nick Van Exel.

Roy, a shooting guard averaging 16.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.0 assists, is considered a leading candidate for rookie of the year, while forward-center Aldridge has become a fixture in Blazers' starting lineup.

Before joining the Blazers, Pritchard served as a scout for the San Antonio Spurs and as coach, general manager and player personnel director for the Kansas City Knights of the ABA.