Trail Blazers Extend Coach Billups Amid Positive Season Progress

Portland, Oregon — The Portland Trail Blazers announced on Sunday that head coach Chauncey Billups has secured a multiyear contract extension as he finished his fourth season with the team. This extension comes as the Blazers are concluding a challenging season, sitting at 35-46 and out of playoff contention before their final game.

Alongside Billups’ extension, the Trail Blazers also solidified their leadership by extending General Manager Joe Cronin’s contract on Monday. Both Billups and Cronin have emphasized their strong friendship, contributing to a cohesive working relationship that has shaped the team’s direction during a notably difficult season.

Despite their disappointing record, Billups has guided the Blazers to a respectable 22-18 record since January 19. Under his stewardship, the team has ranked among the top five in the NBA in defensive performance, showcasing significant improvement, especially in transition defense. According to ESPN Research, this defensive prowess has been a hallmark of Billups’ coaching tactics.

Billups has notably led a young roster, developing several players alongside a core of veterans. The Blazers have balanced experience, represented by players like Damian Lillard and Jerami Grant, with the emerging talents of Shaden Sharpe and Jabari Walker. This blending of youth and experience is part of the team’s long-term strategy as they rebuild.

Since taking the helm, Billups has recorded a coaching record of 116-211 with the Blazers. This season’s 35 wins mark their highest output since the 2020-21 season, the last time they qualified for the playoffs. Billups, inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame last year, previously won an NBA championship in 2004 with the Detroit Pistons, earning Finals MVP honors during that postseason.

Meanwhile, Christian Braun has made significant strides with the Denver Nuggets this season. Once a target for trade consideration before the 2024 deadline, Braun has now established himself as a key player in the starting lineup. Having claimed a starting role previously held by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, his current averages of 15.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, combined with a near 40 percent shooting from three-point range, underscore his development.

Head coach Michael Malone initially sought to trade Braun for a more established player, but the decision to retain him has proven beneficial. His transition from bench player to reliable starter highlights the effectiveness of the Nuggets’ player development. As Braun becomes eligible for a contract extension this offseason, his rise continues to represent a success for the franchise.