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Chauncey Billups has emerged as the front-runner to be offered the Portland Trail Blazers head coaching job, sources tell ESPN.
Billups, 44, met with Portland’s leadership, including franchise chair Jody Allen and President of Basketball Operations Neil Olshey in Seattle on Wednesday, sources said.
Billups has a longstanding relationship with franchise superstar Damian Lillard and the two have talked frequently throughout Portland’s search process, sources said.
Olshey’s history with Billups goes back to their time together with the Clippers from 2011-2013. As Clippers GM, Olshey claimed Billups after the Knicks amnestied him in 2011 — and had him on the team’s roster for two seasons. Olshey has long considered BIllups one of the best leaders he had ever encountered in the NBA.
Terry Stotts left Portland earlier this month after eight straight trips to the playoffs that included three first-round exits in the past four years.
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 the MVP of the 2004 NBA Finals as a member of the Detroit Pistons.
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