Chauncey Billups has become the favorite to fill the Portland Trail Blazers head coach job, sources told ESPN.
Billups, 44, met with Portland officials, including franchise president Jody Allen and president of Basketball Operations Neil Olshey, in Seattle on Wednesday, sources said.
Billups has a long-standing relationship with franchise superstar Damian Lillard and the two have spoken frequently during the Portland search process, the sources added.
Olshey’s history with Billups dates back to his time with the LA Clippers from 2011 to 2013. As the general manager of the Clippers, Olshey brought Billups in after the New York Knicks amnestied him in 2011 and had him on the team roster for two seasons. Olshey has long regarded BIllups as one of the greatest leaders he has ever met in the NBA.
Terry Stotts left Portland earlier this month after eight straight trips to the Playoffs that included three first-round starts 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 was the MVP of the 2004 NBA Finals as a member of the Detroit Pistons.