The Portland Trail Blazers announced that head coach Chauncey Billups will miss the team’s next two games after the passing of his grandmother. Assistant coach Nate Bjorkgren will take over head coaching duties for home games against the Utah Jazz on Thursday and Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday.
Billups, 48, is in his fourth season at the helm of the Trail Blazers. The team has struggled this year, currently holding a 9-20 record after losing eight of their last nine games. They sit in 29th place in the NBA standings.
A Difficult Loss for the Billups Family
The death of a loved one is always heartbreaking, and our condolences go out to Coach Billups and his family during this challenging time. Stepping away from his team is undoubtedly difficult, but being with family and honoring his grandmother is the right priority.
Family is everything. My grandma was my rock and losing her is tough. I appreciate the Blazers giving me this time to be with my family and grieve her loss. I look forward to returning to the team soon.
– Chauncey Billups
Bjorkgren Takes the Reins
In Billups’ absence, assistant coach Nate Bjorkgren will act as head coach for the next two Blazers games. Bjorkgren has experience as a head coach from his time with the Indiana Pacers in the 2020-21 season.
The Blazers will look to Bjorkgren’s leadership as they try to get their season back on track against the Jazz and 76ers this week. Portland is desperate for a spark after their sluggish start to the season.
Billups’ Impressive Career
Chauncey Billups had a stellar 17-year playing career in the NBA, making five All-Star teams. He helped lead the Detroit Pistons to an NBA championship in 2004, earning Finals MVP honors. The Pistons retired his jersey number.
Billups was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in October, a fitting honor for his impactful career. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching, first as an assistant before becoming the Trail Blazers head coach in 2021.
Weathering the Storm in Portland
The Trail Blazers organization, players and coaching staff will rally around Coach Billups in this difficult moment. The team faces an uphill battle this season, but must remain focused and unified.
- Supporting each other through adversity will be key
- Assistant coaches need to step up and lead
- Players must stay engaged and committed on the court
No one can fill Chauncey Billups’ shoes completely, but the Blazers have to find a way forward with him gone in the short term. They will eagerly await his return, with basketball put in proper perspective for the moment as Coach Billups is with his family.
Looking Ahead for the Blazers
It’s a long season and the Trail Blazers have plenty of time to right the ship. Getting Billups back will provide a much needed morale boost. In the meantime, Portland aims to pick up some wins and build positive momentum.
We’ve got to find a way to come together, play harder, and just compete. It’s a tough stretch but that’s the NBA. Coach Billups is the heart of this team. We’ll hold it down until he’s back.
– Damian Lillard, Trail Blazers guard
The next week will test the Blazers’ resilience and character. Expect them to play inspired basketball in honor of their coach and his family. The NBA community wraps its arms around Chauncey Billups, a respected figure who has everyone’s full support.
