Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups potentially coveted by other teams
Despite his track record, Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups seems like he has choices if he and the team decide to split ways this offseason.
Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix said on Wednesday that clubs are keeping an eye on the situation between the Billups and the Blazers in case they decide to separate ways, according to league sources. Mannix stated that Billups will become available for other positions.
An NBA source told The Oregonian/OregonLive prior to the start of the postseason that Billups could emerge as a coaching candidate for playoff teams eliminated in the early rounds.
It would be unlikely that Billups would look to leave Rip City to take over another rebuilding team. During exit interviews on April 15, Billups made it clear that he is tired of losing after compiling an 81-165 over three seasons filled with roster upheaval, injuries and outright tanking.
Blazers general manager Joe Cronin gave Billups a vote of confidence by taking the blame for the team’s record and praising the coach for how he has guided the team while developing young players.
However, Billups has one guaranteed year remaining on his current contract with a team option for the 2025-26 season. A true vote of confidence would come with picking up that option or signing Billuups to an extension.
Cronin declined during exit interviews to discuss Billups’ contract following a 21-61 season.
Billups took the Blazers job in 2021 believing he would coach Damian Lillard in a winning situation after the team had reached the playoffs for the eighth consecutive season.
Instead, Lillard is now with the Milwaukee Bucks and Cronin has made it clear that he remains more interested in long-term development than seeking a quick fix. That plan makes sense given the Blazers’ youth and how far they sit from becoming a viable playoff contender.
One could argue that Billups hasn’t done much as a coach to warrant interest from playoff-caliber teams seeking an upgrade.
