Chauncey Billups is on the verge of officially becoming the next head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers. This move comes on the heels of newly-hired Dallas Mavericks head coach, Jason Kidd, passing on the opportunity.
Kidd’s rationale for passing on the Portland job was understandable, but the decision came after Blazers star Damian Lillard endorsed him for the position.
The fact that Lillard has endorsed both Kidd and Billups rubbed some folks the wrong way this week, given the unfortunate commonality both men share in their histories.
Kidd was arrested in 2001 for assaulting his ex-wife Joumana. The pair ended up settling things in a plea deal.
Billups, meanwhile, once settled a rape allegation made against him and former teammate Ron Mercer during his rookie season with the Boston Celtics.
Fans on Twitter didn’t take kindly to Lilllard ignoring these dark chapters in the lives of the men he seemingly wanted as his next head coach.
This is on Dame IMO. They were always going to hire exactly who he wanted and he wanted Billups or Kidd. They put out names like Becky Hammon and Mike D’Antoni to cool off some of the backlash and hired the guy who they were always going to hire.
— Sam (@YAnunoby) June 26, 2021
That prompted a response from Lillard.
Really? I was asked what coaches I like of the names I “heard” and I named them. Sorry I wasn’t aware of their history I didn’t read the news when I was 7/8yrs old. I don’t support Those things … but if this the route y’all wana come at me… say less https://t.co/N1GPkX3Ohd
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) June 26, 2021
When questioned again, Lillard repeated himself again:
I said what I said family. https://t.co/uwgFRPS5zW
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) June 26, 2021
For basketball reasons, Portland’s decision to hire Billups makes sense. He has a strong relationship with both Lillard and president of basketball operations Neil Olshey.
Olshey, in particular, has always been a huge supporter of Billups as a leader of men.
The Bucks owner’s daughter decided to bring 2021 in with a bang by stripping all her clothes off. https://t.co/UgzhEEna4o
— Game 7 (@game7__) January 7, 2021
After the New York Knicks amnestied him in 2011, Olshey, then with the Los Angeles Clippers, signed Billups immediately and had him on the team’s roster for two seasons.
This controversy is the last thing the Blazers needed right now. Four teams are currently circling in the water, trying to force a trade for Lillard. Beyond that, Lillard has been very honest about his feeling that Portland’s roster, as presently constructed, cannot win a title.
The Blazers needed a coaching hire that would bring good PR – but it seems like the opposite has happened.
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A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
