Reports: Chauncey Billups is front-runner to be Trail Blazers coach
Field Level Media
26 Jun 2021, 12:40 GMT+10
Los Angeles Clippers assistant coach Chauncey Billups has emerged as the leader to become the next head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, according to multiple reports on Friday night.
Billups reportedly met with chairman Jody Allen and president of basketball operations Neil Olshey in Seattle on Wednesday, ESPN reported.
The Trail Blazers are seeking a replacement for Terry Stotts. The franchise parted ways with Stotts after nine seasons.
Star guard Damian Lillard is reportedly on board with the possible hiring of Billups and has reportedly been communicating with Billups during the search process.
Adam Pantozzi/Getty Images
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, Los Angeles Clippers assistant Chauncey Billups will take over as the team s new leader on the bench.
Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
Billups the 2004 NBA Finals MVP was offered the Trail Blazers job tonight and will be the new Portland coach. https://t.co/R05tXu0KLP
Billups replaces Terry Stotts, who parted ways with the team in early June after nine seasons.
The Trail Blazers had been as consistent as they come under Stotts, reaching the playoffs in each of the last eight seasons. The squad peaked in 2018-19 with a trip to the Western Conference Finals after posting a 53-29 record during the regular season.