Portland Trail Blazers
Headed by their new general manager Olshey, the Trail Blazers front office further made a few changes during July 2012. The Blazers signed their 30th pick from the 2006 draft, Joel Freeland, and their 22nd pick from the 2009 draft, Víctor Claver, as well as re-signing Hickson and Nicolas Batum. They also signed veteran point guard Ronnie Price to back up Lillard, who was selected as co-MVP of the 2012 Las Vegas Summer League. Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Terry Stotts was hired as head coach on August 7, 2012.
1998–99 Portland Trail Blazers season
The 1998–99 NBA season was the 29th season for the Portland Trail Blazers in the National Basketball Association. During the offseason, the Blazers signed free agents Jim Jackson and Greg Anthony, who would reunite with his former UNLV teammate Stacey Augmon. Portland got off to a fast start winning 15 of their first 18 games, and went 35–15 in the lockout-shortened season, earning their fourth Pacific Division title and the first since 1991–92. Their record qualified them for the #2 seed in the Western Conference. The team earned their 17th straight trip to the playoffs, and 22nd in 23 years. Head coach Mike Dunleavy was named Coach of The Year.