Blazers Officially Announce Chauncey Billups as Head Coach

The Trail Blazers, apparently, just couldn't wait.

Bucking prior reports of official word first coming on Tuesday, Portland announced Chauncey Billups as the team's new head coach on Friday night.

We have named Chauncey Billups as our head coach.

Welcome to Portland, @1MrBigShot!https://t.co/4i5MXhkVs0 pic.twitter.com/EdFh79weEw
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) June 28, 2021

In a statement, president of basketball operations Neil Olshey lauded Billups for his strategic acumen and past history of NBA success as a player and coach.

“Chauncey is a proven leader with an elite basketball IQ that has won everywhere he has been,” he said. “He is prepared for the challenge of developing the Championship habits and strategic approach we need to achieve the expectations and goals for our franchise.”

Reports of the Blazers' three-week search to find Terry Stotts' replacement ending with Billups emerged on Friday night. The sides reportedly spent the weekend finalizing his contract, agreeing to terms on a five-year deal Sunday evening.

Billups, a five-time All-Star during his 17-year playing career, expressed excitement about being on the good side of fans in Rip City.

"I'm very excited and humbled to be the next coach of the Trail Blazers," he said. "Portland is a special place and a unique franchise. As a player I always loved playing here because the passion and knowledge of the fans brought out the very best in me as a competitor. Now I'm looking forward to being on the other side of that energy and engaging with the Portland community on a whole other level.”

"I want to thank Jody Allen, Bert Kolde and Neil Olshey for their trust and for giving me this incredible opportunity,” continued Billups. “And, most importantly, I want to say to the fans that I know what this team means to you, and I promise to pour every ounce into continuing to make you proud of what the Trail Blazers stand for."

Currently an assistant with the LA Clippers, Billups was one of the coaches rumored as a potential successor to Stotts weeks before Portland parted ways with its former head coach on June 4.

Billups' existing relationships with Olshey and Damian Lillard reportedly played a major part in him winning the Blazers' job. Other finalists included Brooklyn Nets assistant Mike D'Antoni and San Antonio Spurs assistant Becky Hammon.

Billups was accused of rape in 1997, later settling a civil suit filed against him by his alleged victim. Full details of the allegations can be found HERE (CONTENT WARNING).

Billups, 44, also interviewed for the Boston Celtics' coaching vacancy. Largely credited during his debut season on LA's sidelines for the playmaking development of Paul George, Billups was featured prominently in ESPN's recent breakdown of the top coaching prospects in basketball.

[Portland Trail Blazers]

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