Chris McGowan resigns as president of Trail Blazers

McGowan was named as the Blazers president and CEO in October 2012 after spending 16 years with the Los Angeles-based Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG). During his time with AEG, McGowan was a part of a Stanley Cup championship run with the NHL's Los Angeles Kings, as well as an MLS Cup championship with the L.A. Galaxy.

According to NBA.com, McGowan also had an "important role" in opening Staples Center, which is currently the home of the Kings, as well as the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Sparks.

Despite the organization being on a current run of eight straight postseason appearances, the team has failed to make the NBA Finals during the stretch and has only made the Western Conference Finals once. On the court, Terry Stotts was the team's head coach during McGowan's entire time at the helm of the franchise up until this offseason, when the group controversially replaced him with Chauncey Billups.

Selected by McGowan and the Blazers with the sixth overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, Damian Lillard has turned into one of the biggest stars in the league, but the most recent offseason saw rampant trade rumors surrounding the point guard. Portland is currently 5-7 through 12 games this season.