Odds Say Former Pistons Star Favored to Lose Coaching Gig

Before reaching the 2024 NBA All-Star break, the NBA saw its first in-season firing when the Milwaukee Bucks made a shocking decision to part ways with Adrian Griffin during his first season in charge, replacing him with Doc Rivers.

Just one day after the 2024 All-Star Game took place, the Brooklyn Nets became the second team to move on from their head coach as they parted ways with Jacque Vaughn. For the time being, Vaughn will be replaced by former player-turned-coach Kevin Ollie.

Could a former Detroit Pistons legend be next? Recently, BetOnline placed odds on coaches that could be shown the door first following Griffin and Vaughn’s firings. Former Pistons guard Chauncey Billups tops the list with 2/1 odds (+200).

In 2021, Billups took the vacant Portland Trail Blazers coaching job following Terry Stotts’ tenure in charge. For Billups, it was his first opportunity to serve as a head coach after a short stint on the Los Angeles Clippers bench.

Unlike most head coaches, Billups didn’t have a ton of experience on the sidelines beyond his playing days. But considering he’s been around the highest level of the game since becoming the third-overall selection in the 1997 NBA Draft, the Blazers were willing to take a gamble on Billups’ ability to come in and coach a team that looked to turn things around after back-to-back losses in the first round of the playoffs.

So far, Billups has struggled to find success in Portland. Through his first two seasons, the Blazers have gone 60-104. Both times, they missed the playoffs. It was the first time the Blazers went back-to-back without a playoff appearance since 2013.

Portland is on pace to miss the postseason for the third straight year. Sitting 14th in the Western Conference with a 15-39 record returning from the break, only the San Antonio Spurs place behind them. With the Blazers on a six-game losing streak as the final stretch of the year begins, Billups could find himself on the hot seat for the remainder of the season.