Sources have told ESPN that Chauncey Billups has become the favorite for the Portland Trail Blazers coach position.
Pelops, 44, met with Portland officials, including franchise president Jodi Allen and head of basketball operations Neil Olschi, in Seattle on Wednesday, sources said.
Sources added that Pelops has a long-term relationship with franchise star Damian Lillard, and the two spoke frequently during the Portland hunt.
Olshey’s history with the Billups dates back to his time with the L.A. Clippers from 2011 to 2013. As the clippers’ general manager, Olshey brought on the Billups after pardoning him at the New York Knicks in 2011 and made him on the team roster for two seasons. Olschi has always considered the BIllups to be one of the greatest leaders he met in the NBA.
Terry Stotts left Portland earlier this month after eight consecutive trips to the playoffs that included three preliminary rounds in the past four years.
Brooklyn Nets assistant Mike D’Antoni and San Antonio Spurs assistant Becky Hammon 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.