Portland Trailblazers: Billups to be new head coach amid controversy
When Terry Stotts mutually parted ways with the Blazers’ organization, there were two names that Damian Lillard would approve for the head coach position: Jason Kidd or Chauncey Billups. Kidd declined, but unfortunately, both names are shrouded in controversy.
There might have been two names on Dame’s list, but there was a name on Portland Trail Blazers owner Jody Allen’s list: Becky Hammon. Former NBA head coach Mike D’Antoni was chomping at the bit for the job also. Both were interviewed, and neither was hired. So why Chauncey Billups?
Because I said so, that’s why!
That’s not really why. Not only was Billups Dame’s choice, but he was also Neil Olshey’s. Olshey is not a favorite of the fans these days, but Damian Lillard is, and whatever their star wants, the fans in Portland do also.
The elephant in the room.
Before going on, let’s not ignore the firestorm brewing over Portland. One columnist from the Oregonian, John Canzano, feels that this hiring is all wrong.
“Chauncey Billups is reportedly lined up to be Portland’s next NBA head coach. Try that one today. The NBA franchise that could have gone with a home-grown talent or been the first-ever to hire a woman as its head coach instead opted to hand the keys to a guy who once settled a sex-assault case out of court.”
There it is. As a rookie, Billups was one of the players involved in an assault/rape case. He was never convicted or even charged for the crime. However, he settled with the young woman in civil court. I know. I felt the same way. My heart goes out to this young woman in a very personal way. But he was not charged. We are innocent until proven guilty in America, and I don’t know if a monetary judgment equals guilty.
These allegations have been investigated first by Disney/ESPN, who hired Billups in 2014. Again when the Cleveland Cavaliers were considering him for a front-office position. Next, the Los Angeles Clippers ran an investigation in October of last year before hiring him as an assistant coach. Finally, the Blazers organization said they conducted an investigation that included a face-to-face interview with Billups himself, and his answers were in line with what investigators reported.
Social media has been very hard on Dame for wanting Billups. Lillard’s tweet in return:
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