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Buffs in the NBA: Chauncey Billups will return to the Portland Trail Blazers
Colorado legend buys himself time in the Pacific Northwest
Despite a lot of buzz heading into the NBA offseason, Chauncey Billups will remain the head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers next season. The news about the Colorado legend and soon-to-be Hall-of-Famer doesn't come as a complete surprise. However, there was a lot of speculation about his status.
The Blazers just wrapped up their third season with Billups at the helm. They posted a 21-61 record as one of the worst teams in the league. He took over the team during the 2021-22 season and has been tasked with rebuilding the storied franchise. It's a tall order with a group of young talent.
“Chauncey is an incredible leader in this organization,” Blazers GM Joe Cronin said.
“He goes above and beyond what a standard coach does. He helps me with staffing. He's a part of all of our high-end staffing interviews. We spend a lot of time talking about our different departments throughout this organization and how we can make them better. He’s really active with feedback and ideas, and just looking at ways that we can improve. He's an incredible teacher. Not just with our players and their development and teaching them how to navigate this league, but also to our staff. He’s a valuable scout. He's got a great eye and great feel for the game. So, his personality is thoroughly felt throughout this building.”
Portland went into full rebuild mode after sending long-time player Damian Lillard in a three-team trade to the Milwaukee Bucks. Following the trade, they used their lottery draft pick on guard Scoot Henderson.
There have been cries from the CU faithful to have Billups replace Tad Boyle at his alma mater. Despite the rumors, Boyle remains coach of the Buffaloes and faces a rebuild himself. Several Buffs entered the portal recently and guard KJ Simpson declared for the 2024 NBA Draft.