If Trail Blazers part ways with Chauncey Billups as coach, multiple teams interested

Chauncey Billups has one more year left on his contract as the coach of the Portland Trail Blazers. In his exit interview, Blazers general manager Joe Cronin stated that Billups would be returning next season, emphasizing the impact of his personality within the organization. However, there is speculation surrounding Billups’ job security following the departure of several assistant coaches, including his brother Rodney and former NBA head coach Scott Brooks. Cronin highlighted player development as a priority, while Billups expressed his main focus on winning and wanting to see immediate results. If Billups and the Blazers were to part ways, other teams are reportedly interested in talking to him, according to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated.

Since taking over in Portland, Billups has a record of 81-165, with a 21-61 season this past year. Various factors like injuries and a rebuilding process with young players like Anfernee Simons and Scoot Henderson have contributed to the team’s struggles. The question arises whether Billups is the right person to oversee the rebuild, as Cronin has not offered him a contract extension, leaving him in a limbo situation that has led to other coaching changes in the league.

Several teams, including the Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards, and Los Angeles Lakers, are currently in need of head coaches. Rumors suggest that Frank Vogel’s position in Phoenix may be at risk, although a final decision has not been made yet. The Hornets and Wizards offer rebuilding opportunities, while the Lakers and potentially the Suns provide a more established roster with high expectations. Billups faces the decision of whether to pursue coaching roles with these teams as his future in Portland remains uncertain.