Portland, OR – Portland Trail Blazers president Larry Miller announced his resignation on Saturday with an apparent intention of re-joining Nike as president of Brand Jordan.
Miller was named president of the Blazers in June 2007 after eight years as the president of Brand Jordan and right before the team drafted Greg Oden over Kevin Durant in what is now viewed as a turning point for the franchises in Portland and Oklahoma City (Seattle).
"I greatly enjoyed my time with the Portland Trail Blazers," Miller said. "It was an incredible experience and I'll be forever grateful to Paul Allen for giving me the opportunity and honor to lead what I believe to be one of the best teams in all of sports."
The Oregonian is reporting Miller's return to Nike, while the Blazers stated simply that he is taking a job with a "Portland-area company."
While Miller was at the helm with the Blazers, the team went to the playoffs three straight years and shared the Northwest Division title in 2008-09, its first such title in 10 seasons. Portland has also sold out 192 consecutive games, a streak that is still intact.
"It is sad to see Larry leaving the Blazers, and I want to thank him for his leadership and contributions to the franchise," said team owner Paul Allen. "Larry helped manage a period of significant growth, and I wish him all the best as he takes on this opportunity."
No replacement was named, but basketball operations will now report through general manager Neil Olshey while business operations will report through chief operating officer Sarah Mensah.
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