Failing to change coach, the Blazers have decided to modify the coaching staff Chauncey Billups. Since the arrival of the former Pistons leader in 2021, the team has no longer reached the playoffs, and has never finished with a positive record. But management seems to maintain its confidence in him, and it is therefore on the side of his assistants that there will be movement.
In addition to Steve Hetzel, who joined Jordi Fernandez in Brooklyn as first assistant, Billups loses Scott Brooks, whose contract was not renewed. Billups' first assistant for three years, the former Thunder and Wizards coach therefore finds himself on the market, and his profile should interest more than one franchise.
The Blazers appreciate his leadership
Moreover, The Oregonian announces that management has chosen to part ways with Rodney Billups, who is none other than Chauncey's brother. The latter is entering the last year of his contract, and for the moment, management is satisfied with his qualities, apparently as a leader.
“Chauncey is an incredible leader for this franchise”explained Joe Cronin, the franchise GM. “He goes beyond what a traditional coach does. He helps me with the staff. He participates in all our job interviews. We spend a lot of time talking about the different departments of the franchise. He's very active on feedback and ideas, and looking for ways to improve things. He's an incredible teacher, not only to our players and their development and teaching them how to navigate this league, but also to our staff. He is a valuable recruiter. He has an eye and a sense of the game. His personality is omnipresent in this franchise.”
