Portland Trail Blazers Seek New Head Coach Amid Ownership Change
Nov 4, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson (left) talks with coach Ben Sullivan before the game against the New York Knicks at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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The Portland Trail Blazers are in search of a new head coach following the indictment of Chauncey Billups amid a federal gambling investigation. With new owner Tom Dundon at the helm, the team aims to build on last season's success, which saw them end a four-year playoff drought. Assistant coach Ben Sullivan has been linked to the position, though he did not make the finalist list.
- 01The Trail Blazers ended a four-year postseason drought, finishing with the 20th-best offense in the league.
- 02New owner Tom Dundon is responsible for the head coaching search after purchasing the team from Jody Allen.
- 03Chauncey Billups, the previous head coach, was indicted in a federal gambling probe and is unlikely to return.
- 04Rockets assistant coach Ben Sullivan interviewed for the head coaching position but did not make the finalist list.
- 05Finalists for the job include former Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy and Micah Nori from the Minnesota Timberwolves.
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The Portland Trail Blazers are navigating a pivotal offseason after ending their four-year postseason drought. The team, built around All-Star Deni Avdija and other young talents like Shaedon Sharpe and Jerami Grant, is expected to welcome back franchise star Damian Lillard next season. Following a change in ownership, with billionaire businessman Tom Dundon acquiring the team from Jody Allen, the Blazers are now focused on finding a new head coach after Chauncey Billups was indicted in a federal gambling investigation. Dundon is reportedly looking for a cost-effective solution to fill the vacancy, which has led to speculation about Rockets assistant coach Ben Sullivan, a Portland native, who interviewed for the role but did not make the finalist list. Other candidates include former Rockets head coach Jeff Van Gundy, who has not coached since 2007, and Micah Nori, an assistant with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Blazers aim to capitalize on their recent success and build a competitive roster moving forward.
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The Blazers' search for a new coach and potential return of Lillard could reshape the team's future and fan engagement.
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