Trailblazers hire Chaunsey Bill Ups is the new head coach on a five-year contract.

The Portland Trail Blazers have appointed Los Angeles Clippers assistant Chauncey Billups as the 15th head coach in the franchise’s history. The team announced on Sunday. The term of the deal is five years, according to ESPN Billups’ Clippers’ Adrian Wojnarowski. but is currently behind the Phoenix Suns 3-1 in the Western Conference finals.

“Shaunsey is a proven leader with a great basketball IQ that wins wherever he goes,” said Blazers president Neil Olshey. “He’s up for the challenge of developing our champion habits and the strategic approach we need to achieve expectations and goals for our franchise.”

Blazers star Damian Lillard endorsed both Billups and Jason Kidd publicly for the event after Terry Stotts was fired, telling Charania and Jason Quick, “I like J. Kidd and Chauncey.” Kidd removed his name from consideration and eventually got his name. The Dallas Mavericks Billups is still on the hunt and now has the title. He’s never been an NBA head coach, but he’s been in demand for quite some time.

“I am very excited and humbled to be the next Trailblazer coach,” Billups said. “Portland is a special place and a unique franchise. as a player I’ve always enjoyed playing here because the passion and knowledge of the fans brings out the best in me as a competitor. Now I’m looking forward to being on the other side. of that energy and engaging the Portland community on another level.

“I would like to thank Jody Allen, Bert Kolde and Neil Olshey for their trust and for giving me this incredible opportunity,” Billups continued. I want to tell my fans that I know what this team means to you. And I promise to give every ounce to make the Trailblazers team proud.”

Billups has a unique perspective as a player starting his career as a traveler. But eventually grew into a star. He played for four franchises before landing in Detroit and winning the Finals MVP in 2004. Since he worked as an ESPN anchor while courting several Positions include the position of President of Cleveland Basketball Operations. He interviewed the Indiana Pacers last offseason for the head coach. But that position went to Nate Bjorkgren.

Billups will have to cut his work aside in Portland’s delicate situation. The Blazers have lost in the first round four of the last five seasons and general manager Neil Olshey has said he is not expecting any significant earnings from the team, who finished 29th in the 30-year-old Lillard defensive line. And although he supported hiring Billups, it should be noted that he never reached the finals and doesn’t seem close to hiring Billups at this point. He never stated that he wanted to leave Portland. But NBA history suggests that years enough without real title tussles tend to influence most superstars. Billups may be Portland’s best chance of avoiding that fate.