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Richard Hamilton endorses Chauncey Billups as next Trail Blazers coach

By Dave Nelson

Feb 15, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Former player Chauncey Billups speaks during a ceremony honoring former Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Flip Saunders prior to a game against Los Angeles Lakers at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 15, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Former player Chauncey Billups speaks during a ceremony honoring former Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Flip Saunders prior to a game against Los Angeles Lakers at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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You might remember Chauncey Billups and Richard “Rip” Hamilton as teammates on the Detroit Pistons from 2002-2008, helping the Pistons win the championship in 2004. Now Hamilton is endorsing his former teammate and friend to become the next coach of the Portland Trail Blazers.

"“Chauncey wants to coach right now. Hopefully, he gets his opportunity,” Hamilton told TMZ Sports."

TMZ Sports asked Hamilton if Billups wants to coach the Blazers, and he told them, “yeah!”

Damian Lillard, as we know, voiced his support for Lakers assistant Jason Kidd and Billups as well, but Kidd withdrew his name for consideration after Lillard told Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports! that, “Jason Kidd is the guy I want,” and it made Kidd uncomfortable with pursuing the Blazers coaching position.

Multiple sources, including the Athletic and their Senior NBA Columnist John Hollinger, reported that they eventually expect Chauncey Billups to become the Portland Trail Blazers’ head coach. The online site sportsbettingdime.com gives Billups +300 odds to be the successor to Terry Stotts.

Billups is currently an assistant coach on Tyrone Lue’s Clippers bench. The Clippers are currently taking on the Utah Jazz in round 2 of the playoffs.

"“Chauncey Billups is one of the best leaders that I’ve ever been around. I think he’ll be great for whoever gets him,” Hamilton told TMZ Sports."

Meanwhile, Sam Amick of The Athletic reported, longtime NBA coach and current Brooklyn Nets assistant Mike D’Antoni “has serious interest” in becoming the next coach of the Trail Blazers.

If you’re wondering, or curious, sportsbettingdime.com gives Philadelphia assistant Sam Cassell +400, former Sacramento and Memphis coach Dave Joerger +600, Michigan coach and one time Trail Blazer Juwan Howard +700, former Nets coach Kenny Atkinson +700, former Blazers assistant David Vanterpool +700, Bucks assistant Darvin Ham +1000, former Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni +1000, Knicks assistant Johnnie Bryant +1400.

For those of you hoping former Blazer coach and now Atlanta Hawks interim Nate McMillan returns, you’re facing +1400 odds. Other potential candidates are mentioned, but face higher odds. Which, of course, doesn’t necessarily mean anything, but are for predictions.

Next. Portland Trail Blazers: 7 Potential CJ McCollum Trades. dark