Pritchard named Portland GM

PORTLAND, Ore., March 29 (UPI) -- Kevin Pritchard Thursday was promoted to general manager of the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers.

Pritchard, 39, becomes the league's youngest GM.

He joined the Blazers in 2004-05 as director of player personnel, and was interim head coach for the final 27 games last season. This year, he was the assistant general manager.

"Kevin has repeatedly demonstrated his total dedication to producing a championship caliber culture and performance for our players, both on and off the court," said team owner Paul Allen. "Kevin has been a part of winning championships in college, the minor leagues and the NBA. His reputation for assessing talent is known throughout the NBA and we're quite fortunate to have watched him take his last few professional steps within our organization. He knows what it takes to bring a championship to Portland once again."

Portland was a dismal 21-61 in 2005-06, and already has been eliminated from the playoff chase this season.