Per reports on Sunday the Portland Trail Blazers finalised a long-term deal to keep head coach Chauncey Billups coaching their team.
Billups has spent four seasons as Blazers head coach after taking over the team in 2019 with a current season record of 35-46 wins.
Besides missing postseason for the fourth consecutive year the Portland team sured expectations through its emerging talent that included Scott Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, Toumani Camara and Deni Avdija.
“Obviously, this is an amazing day. “I’m really happy, obviously, to be back.” Billups said.
“I want to thank Joe. We kind of started this thing together. We had this vision for what we wanted to do and who we wanted to do it with.” Billups added.
Since taking over the Blazers head coaching position Billups established a defensive identity that led to a third-best defensive rating during the last 40 games.
During late January into early February the second-youngest team in the league produced a streak of 10 victories from 11 matches.
“I just feel very good about where we’re at, and now I understand how long it takes to build a culture. I feel like we’ve done that,” Billups said.
“I think the tell tale of that, for any coaches, is if at some point when your team kind of takes on your personality and how you believe the game should be played, I think you’ve gotten there.” he added.
The Blazers announced Billups’ extension shortly after their decision to extend general manager Joe Cronin’s contract earlier this week.
“Chauncey Billups is a great leader, motivator and communicator that has worked tirelessly to establish an identity for this team that has taken shape over his time in Portland,” Cronin said.
“I am beyond excited to continue this partnership with Chauncey and take this team to the next level.” he added.
