Chris Wallace withdrew his name from consideration for the Portland general manager job yesterday after an interview process that dragged on for almost seven weeks. During that time, the Trail Blazers hired Steve Patterson as president, and according to published reports, Ed Stefanski -- the Nets' director of scouting -- turned down the GM position in favor of a promotion with New Jersey.

''Chris was asked to stay in the process, but at this point, he felt that the job description had changed,'' said Wallace's agent, Warren LeGarie. ''The original job that he went for now has become more of a glorified player personnel director position. That's not something, at this point, that interests us. Chris was also led to believe that he would have been missed with the Celtics. Danny [Ainge] all along had said, `Look, I really don't want to lose this guy.'

''At this point, it wasn't a good fit in Portland any longer. Originally, that position was supposed to answer directly to the owner and his chief operating officer. Then, it changed and he had to answer to the business guy [Patterson]. Chris felt that he better go back to the family and wait to see if some other opportunities come up. If a situation looks comparable to the position he's had, then we're interested. At this point, he's staying put and there's nothing else in the works right now.''

For now, Wallace will remain with the Celtics as GM, though his role has diminished since Ainge was named director of basketball operations. Ainge will make the final call on the Celtics selections at Nos. 16 and No. 20 in tonight's draft.