Report: Blazers 'Locked In' on Chauncey Billups as Head Coach
So much for Jody Allen's affinity for Becky Hammon and Damian Lillard's growing comfort with Mike D'Antoni.
According to The Athletic's Shams Charania and Sam Amick, the Trail Blazers have "locked in" on Chauncey Billups as their next head coach.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski also reported on Friday that Billups has emerged as the "frontrunner" to be offered the Blazers job after meeting with Allen and general manager Neil Olshey on Wednesday in Seattle.
Billups' existing relationships with Lillard and Olshey, to no one's surprise, reportedly proved a major factor in his candidacy, according to ESPN.
Billups has a long-standing relationship with franchise superstar Damian Lillard and the two have talked frequently throughout Portland's search process, sources said.
Olshey's history with Billups goes back to their time together with the Clippers from 2011 to 2013...Olshey has long considered Billups one of the best leaders he has ever encountered in the NBA.
The likelihood of Billups' hiring hardly shocks despite Hammon and D'Antoni garnering serious consideration from the Blazers, the latter apparently gaining traction in recent days.
He was mentioned as a possible replacement for Stotts well before Portland parted ways with its longtime coach on June 4, and had the early public support of Lillard, who sat in on his interview with team officials. Billups has maintained a strong relationship with general manager Olshey ever since their shared time with the Clippers in the early 2010s.
The 2004 NBA Finals MVP is currently a rookie assistant with the Clippers under Ty Lue. But Billups, in NBA media before joining LA, has been rumored for open coaching jobs and front-office positions for years, and has recently garnered widespread praise for helping Paul George develop as a playmaker, especially during the team's ongoing playoff run.
In his annual report on the league's up-and-coming coaches, ESPN's Kevin Arnovitz lauded Billups for his ability to connect with players and eagerness to learn the coaching ropes despite a distinguished playing career.
After interviewing last season for the Indiana job that ultimately went to Nate Bjorkgren, Billups joined Ty Lue's staff last fall, and has thoroughly impressed colleagues with both his gravitas and his willingness to listen -- even as an NBA champion who saw it all over 17 seasons. Now that he's accumulating coaching experience under a boss with a reputation for preparedness, Billups is regarded by insiders as one of the likeliest candidates to receive a head-coaching opportunity sooner than later.
In 1997, Billups was accused of rape, later settling a civil lawsuit filed against him by his alleged victim.
Asked how the allegation factored into Billups' candidacy for Portland's coaching vacancy by The Athletic's Jason Quick, Olshey refused to comment.
“I’m not commenting or discussing anything, or speculating, about our candidates until this search is completed," he said.
It was previously reported on Friday that the Blazers are expected to name their new coach "early next week."