LA Sports Today

Los Angeles Sports News continuously updated

The Trail Blazers Continue Following Coach Billups’ Vision

by

The Portland front office is doubling down on the focus on the Blazers’ defense with new coach hirings. After Tiago Splitter, James Posey is the latest addition to the staff under head coach Chauncey Billups.

The Trail Blazers Continue Following Coach Billups’ Vision

The Portland Trail Blazers have continued to make sweeping changes with the roster. Anfernee Simons‘ move to Boston and Deandre Ayton’s buyout were surprising, but it was a step in a new direction. The Blazers also made changes to their staff under Chauncey Billups with new assistant coaches.

Portland hired Tiago Splitter in June as a new assistant coach and followed up with James Posey. Both men were champions during their playing days, and they have gained coaching experience after their playing careers. Splitter bounced around the NBA as an assistant coach and was the coach of Paris Basketball in the 2024-25 season. Posey has been coaching for over a decade, including a time he won a title with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Coach Billups’ Focus On Defense Matters

With this change, it looks like the Blazers are focusing on defense. Billups already had this philosophy, but bringing in two former players adds to that. With players like Toumani Camara and Donovan Clingan, their vision could be great. Camara is a versatile defensive star, and Clingan has the chops to become a franchise center.

Splitter and Posey will strengthen that focus on defense. They will also bring valuable championship experience to the team in addition to Billups’ pedigree. The players should benefit from all the advice these coaches give, especially on the defensive end.

Most Blazers fans would know that their team is promising on defense. Camara, Clingan, and Deni Avdija are the three best defensive players. With Jrue Holiday, they have a player known as one of the generation’s best ball-stoppers.

Now that these former players-turned-coaches have joined Coach Billups’ staff, improved results should be the return. The Blazers will have more coaches pushing the players, so young players like Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe should grow.

Concerns About The Blazers’ Firepower On Offense

While the Blazers have a promising lineup filled with elite defenders, their offense is a bit shaky. Losing Simons is significant, as he was a fantastic offensive player, especially with his jump shot. Portland’s primary players on offense now are Sharpe, Henderson, and Avdija. All three have high ceilings, but they have not reached Simons’ level yet.

However, this should be the opportunity for the young players to shine. People are rightfully concerned about the lack of three-point shooting, but this allows the players to grow. With Coach Billups and his staff, they will have mentors to guide them. It will be a productive two-way relationship for everyone, as they want to win more games.

Portland won 36 games in the 2024-25 campaign, which was a 15-game improvement from the 2023-24 season. Even if the team lost Simons and Ayton, the team looks more comfortable with a refreshed roster. They are mostly young, apart from Holiday, so the squad should be raring to go for the regular season.

Billups trusts that Henderson is developing and that Sharpe is working hard. They are the focal points for this team, as the rest of the roster develops. The Blazers made the pivot to youth, but they are also expecting better results. Now that they have an upgraded coaching staff, the transition should be easier for everyone.

© Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images

The post The Trail Blazers Continue Following Coach Billups’ Vision appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.