Portland is closing in on a new head coach. Tiago Splitter, Jeff Van Gundy, and Micah Nori are the final three candidates for the Trail Blazers' vacant head coaching position. The team is looking to replace Chauncey Billups, who was arrested on federal charges in October and has since been relieved of his duties.
Splitter, who has served as an interim coach for the Blazers, brings a unique blend of playing and coaching experience. The Brazilian big man played 13 seasons in the NBA and has recently transitioned into a coaching role. His interim stint has given him firsthand insight into the team’s needs and culture.
Van Gundy brings a wealth of coaching experience to the table. After a 12-year broadcasting career with ESPN, he returned to the bench in 2024 as an assistant with the Los Angeles Clippers. Prior to that, Van Gundy was a head coach with the Houston Rockets from 2003 to 2007, where he led the team to a 323-267 record over five seasons.
Micah Nori is a familiar name in the coaching world. A longtime assistant under Chris Finch with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Nori has been a finalist for multiple head coaching jobs in recent years. He has spent over a decade in the NBA coaching ranks and is known for his strategic mindset and player development skills.
The Blazers are in a crucial transition period, with a young roster and a new front office. The coaching hire will play a major role in shaping the team’s direction for the 2024-25 season. Portland finished with a 23-59 record in 2023-24, the second-worst in the league behind only the New York Knicks.
Jeff Van Gundy's return to coaching has been a point of interest across the league. His 10-year tenure as a broadcaster gave him a different perspective, but his coaching resume remains impressive. Portland’s decision will likely be announced by the end of the month.
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