Chauncey Billups has a contract to coach the Portland Trail Blazers for one more year. In his exit interview, Blazers general manager Joe Cronin said unequivocally that Billups would return next season. “His personality is fully felt throughout this building,” Cronin said.
However, speculation is mounting about Billups’ job security in the wake of the firing of several of his assistant coaches, including Chauncey’s brother Rodney and former NBA head coach Scott Brooks. During that exit interview, Cronin talked about player development being the priority, while Billups said, “The only thing I care about is winning,” and he wants to start doing that right away.
If the sides part ways, plenty of other teams will be lined up to talk to Billups, Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix reports.
Teams are monitoring Chauncey Billups’ situation in Portland, league sources said @SInow. The Blazers are rebuilding and just parted ways with two assistants, including Billups’ brother Rodney. If Billups/Portland part ways, Billups would quickly emerge as a candidate for other jobs.
-Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) May 8, 2024
Since Billups took over at Portland, the Trail Blazers have gone 81-165, including 21-61 last season. That’s certainly not all there is to Billups, as Portland dealt with extensive injuries when they had Damian Lillard and are in full rebuild mode this season with Anfernee Simons, Scoot Henderson and others.
The question is whether Billups is the best man to oversee that rebuild. Cronin seems insecure enough that he didn’t want to offer Billups a contract extension, leaving him as an outgoing duck, and that has led to splits in other situations.
Charlotte, Washington and the Los Angeles Lakers are searching for head coaches. There are rumors that Frank Vogel’s job in Phoenix is in jeopardy, but ownership and management are still deciding (as of this writing, Vogel is the Suns’ head coach).
Would Billups want to intervene in rebuilding situations with the Hornets or Wizards? The Lakers (and Suns, if that spot opens up) have a stronger roster with an all-time great player, but possibly unrealistic expectations.
