And finally, Billups has one year left on his deal with a GM who didn’t hire him, and, as with Jenkins, the Blazers fired multiple assistants of his … including his brother. He also seemed to be angling for the Phoenix job that went to Mike Budenholzer. Right now, Portland’s situation feels like a staredown reminiscent of the Damian Lillard saga, with neither side wanting to make the first move. But nobody I talked to thinks Billups will still be coaching the Blazers 12 months from now. –
The February trade deadline for veteran trades and the tankmaster pivot would be good timing for incorporating new guys, (temporarily?) elevating an assistant coach, and playing the youngsters.
