The narrative surrounding Portland Trail Blazers Head Coach Chauncey Billups is shifting as he navigates his fourth season, currently showing a record of 31 wins out of 70 games. Initially expected to leave after this season, Billups has garnered attention for a potential contract extension, particularly as the team competes for a play-in spot and develops young talent. Long-time sportswriter Kerry Eggers supports an extension, citing Billups’ adaptation to challenges and growth as a coach. The decision rests with Blazers management, who may reveal their intentions regarding Billups’ future soon after the season’s conclusion.
The story surrounding Portland Trail Blazers Head Coach Chauncey Billups is evolving. As he enters his fourth season at the helm, Billups has steered the team to 31 victories in 70 games this year. This performance has begun to spark discussions about a potential contract extension with the organization.
Following seasons marked by 55, 49, and 61 losses, many speculated that Billups would coach this season—his final guaranteed year—before being politely let go. However, with the Blazers in contention for a play-in spot and showcasing significant development among their young talents, that speculation is now being reconsidered. Portland possesses a team option on Billups for next season, which could be activated or replaced with a new contract extending past the 2025-2026 season.
Veteran Portland sportswriter Kerry Eggers strongly believes that Billups deserves a contract extension. In a piece on his website kerryeggers.com, Eggers argues his position, including numerous quotes from Billups himself to bolster his case.
Eggers reflects on the myriad challenges Billups faced during his initial season, including the dismissal of former Blazers General Manager Neil Olshey, an injury to superstar Damian Lillard, and the trade of prolific scorer CJ McCollum. A team previously expected to compete for the playoffs found itself in rebuilding mode, a predicament that remains relevant today. Eggers states:
Interestingly, Billups — who holds an 81-165 record in his first three seasons as head coach — decided it was time to focus on the present rather than the future. Entering the final year of his contract, with a team option for 2025-26, ownership and management had opted not to offer him an extension during the offseason. At the age of 48, Billups was committed to the organization but also coaching with his future in mind.
Support for Billups came from new players like Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara, who were brought in to shape a future competitive roster but have also made a positive impact in the present.
Eggers features Billups discussing his evolution as a coach alongside roster changes:
“I’ve gained so much more knowledge about the league, the players, how I prefer to play, and how I like to coach,” he remarked. “The roster has changed significantly since my arrival. What many don’t realize is that every time your roster changes, you also need to adapt. With different talent, you must identify new strategies. As a coach in this league, you don’t truly have a system; your system is dictated by your players, and you try to navigate that. Adapting consistently has fostered my growth.”
The pressing question now is whether Billups is the right fit to continue coaching the Blazers after this season. If management has a plan, it remains a closely guarded secret, even from Billups.
“We haven’t discussed it,” Billups commented. “Once the season concludes, I’m sure we will. For now, my focus is on further improving my skills as well as those of my players.”
Billups has clearly expressed his desire to remain in his role, a sentiment echoed by Eggers.
I have witnessed enough from Billups this season to advocate for a two-year extension combined with the option year. He commands his players’ attention and respect. While he could benefit from a standout veteran player to mentor the promising youth and elevate the team’s performance, such talents like Nikola Jokics and Shai Gilgeous-Alexanders are rare.
We can expect clarity from Blazers management soon after the conclusion of the season. If they decide to part ways with Billups, that announcement will likely occur after the final game is played. Conversely, if they choose to exercise the option or propose a new contract, that information will likely surface quickly as well, despite any details that might need negotiation.
Do you concur with Eggers’ assessment? Does Billups merit additional time in his role? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.