Portland Trail Blazers: Roy Rogers joining Chauncey Billups staff

First new Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups was announced, then Scott Brooks as his lead assistant, now there are reports Billups is bringing Roy Rogers, who was also an assistant on the Clippers bench with him to Portland.

The 47-year-old Rogers has been on the Clippers bench from 2020-2021 when Tyronn Lue took over for Doc Rivers as coach of the Clippers. Prior to joining Los Angeles, Rogers was an assistant with New Jersey/Brooklyn (2008-2010), Boston (2010-2011), Detroit (2011-2012), Brooklyn (2013-2014), Washington (2014-2016), Houston (2016-2019 and Chicago (2019-2020).

Rogers was a power forward drafted 22nd overall in the first round of the 1996 draft out of Alabama by the Vancouver, now Memphis Grizzlies. He averaged 4.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game in three NBA seasons with the Grizzlies, Celtics, Raptors, and Nuggets. After the NBA, he played with the American Basketball Association’s (a semi-professional league, not to be confused with the ABA that merged with the NBA)Memphis Houn’Dawgs in 2000 and for professional leagues and teams overseas, including CSKA Moscow, retiring as a player in 2004.

The 6’10” Rogers quite likely could be the big man’s coach the Blazers have needed since Kim Hughes was let go by the team in 2015.

With Billups and Rogers leaving Los Angeles for Portland and now Kenny Atkinson, the one-time coach of the Nets reportedly leaving for the Golden State Warriors bench, Lue likely will need to add more to his bench.

It’s time for a drink in honor of Rogers hiring in Portland. A Roy Rogers. However,  the cola mixed with grenadine syrup with a maraschino cherry is named after the actor, who starred in cowboy shows in the 1940’s and 50’s. But Blazers fans can think of their new assistant coach if and when they make, or order the Roy Rogers drink.