Chauncey Billups has emerged as the front runner being offered the Portland Trail Blazers head coaching job, sources report to ESPN.
Billups, 44, met with Portland leadership, including franchise chair Jody Allen and basketball company president Neil Olshey, in Seattle Wednesday, sources said.
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Billups has a longstanding relationship with franchise superstar Damian Lillard, and the two have spoken frequently throughout the Portland search process, sources said.
Olshey’s history with Billups dates back to her time with the Clippers from 2011 to 2013. As General Manager of Clippers, Olshey claimed Billups after the Knicks pardoned him in 2011 – and had him on the team’s roster for two seasons. Olshey has long considered Billups to be one of the best leaders he has ever met in the NBA.
Terry Stotts left Portland earlier this month after making eight straight playoffs in the past four years, including three first-round exits.
Brooklyn Nets assistant Mike D’Antoni and San Antonio Spurs assistant Becky Hammon also met with Allen and Olshey in Seattle, sources said.
Billups is a five-time NBA All-Star and MVP of the 2004 NBA Finals as a member of the Detroit Pistons.
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