Nike Exec Larry Miller has been named team president of the Portland Trail Blazers. Miller spent ten years at Nike, Inc. most recently as Vice President and General Manager, Basketball…
Miller, a Philadelphia native, joined Nike as Vice President, USA Apparel in 1997, having previously served as President of Jantzen since 1992. Miller was promoted to president of Brand Jordan in 1999. During his tenure in that role Miller led Jordan through a period of strong growth as it expanded product offerings, including women's apparel, added to its portfolio of Team Jordan athletes and celebrated the 20th anniversary of Air Jordan. Brand Jordan grew revenues 40 percent in fiscal 2006 and Miller was named Vice President and General Manager, Basketball on October 4 of that year.
In his most recent role at Nike, Miller was in charge of developing and executing integrated global strategies designed to deliver premium experiences across all product engines to basketball worldwide. He was also responsible for Nike's global basketball business, including the day-to-day operations of the Jordan Brand.
As President of the Trail Blazers, Miller will be responsible for all aspects of the Trail Blazers business portfolio, including all team business activities, the Rose Quarter and Rose City Radio and will report to Vulcan Sports CEO Tod Leiweke.
Portland finished 32-50 last season, 11 more wins than in the previous season. The Trail Blazers have the first pick in the June 28 draft, when Greg Oden or Kevin Durant is expected to be the top pick.
