Chauncey Billups' staff has taken shape just in time for the Trail Blazers to formally pitch free agents.
Portland announced its full coaching staff for the 2021-22 season on Monday, mere hours before teams are officially permitted to engage in contract negotiations with available players.
Billups will be joined on the bench by former Washington Wizards coach Scott Brooks, former LA Clippers assistant Roy Rogers, former Orlando Magic assistant Steve Hetzel, former University of Maine assistant Edniesha Curry and former Long Island Nets (G-League) assistant Milt Palacio. Parker Hines, previously an assistant coach with the G-League's Austin Toros, is the Blazers' video coordinator.
The hirings of Brooks, Rogers and Curry were first reported last month.
Billups and his staff inherit a Blazers team facing the biggest organizational crossroads in recent memory, if not of all time.
Damian Lillard, frustrated by fallout from Portland's controversial coaching search and the team's inability to surround him with a title-worthy supporting cast, has refused to commit to Portland beyond 2021-22. He could still request a trade from the Blazers imminently if Neil Olshey doesn't meet his public mandate for significant roster improvements, and all momentum suggests the front office is comfortable running it back next season with the same core of players.
Billups was chosen as Blazers' coach in part for his keen ability to connect with players. No matter what the roster looks like after free agency and how Portland plays in 2021-22, it's clear that team chemistry and interpersonal relationships will play major roles in the Blazers' performance.
Here's hoping Billups and Portland's new coaching staff are up to the task of managing them.
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