The Portland Trail Blazers are one of a handful of NBA franchises currently searching for their next head coach to guide the team through their next era.
Given the plethora of vacancies available—the Blazers, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, and Orlando Magic—aspiring coaches have a few options. Candidates will no doubt consider both the pros and cons for each position.
The Blazers haven’t enjoyed the greatest public image in the weeks since Tom Dundon took over the team following rumors of excessive
frugality. Correct or fiction, the negative publicity may have hindered their coaching search.
This week, multiple reports have suggested the Blazers still have a number of candidates in contention. Incumbent Tiago Splitter was interestingly on the list, after initial rumors indicated Portland would not carry on with the Brazilian (who also has interest from the Bulls).
Other candidates include Minnesota Timberwolves lead assistant Micah Nori and veteran coach Jeff Van Gundy who last held a head coaching position with the Houston Rockets in 2007. He’s spent the past two seasons as lead assistant with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Yesterday, the Boston Celtics’ Tyler Lashbrook, Utah Jazz’ Mike Williams and outgoing Golden State Warriors assistant Jerry Stackhouse were also suggested.
We’ve spoken a lot about what the Blazers want in their next coach but what are the pros and cons likely to be weighed up by those considering the job?
Perks
Multiple vacancies are attached to teams on a downward trajectory or ensconced in the rebuilding process, i.e. the Bulls and Mavericks. With Deni Avdija, Jrue Holiday, Donovan Clingan and Toumani Camara in play as well as Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson, there’s plenty to work with in Portland. The team went to the NBA Playoffs this year.
While it’s highly unlikely the 2025-26 roster returns untouched next season, this team is now vying to compete, which means any changes will include an improvement to the playing group. The next Blazers head man will consequently spend as many post-game press conferences celebrating wins as lamenting losses.
Despite Dundon’s reported stinginess off the court, I’m going to believe that he’s willing to spend and take chances to make the roster better. Whether that’s going into the luxury tax or having the gumption to make a big trade, I’m going to give him a chance.
The team also owns a host of potentially valuable draft picks, from both the Milwaukee Bucks and Orlando Magic, which could help advance the team further.
It’s true that the almost-36-year-old Damian Lillard hasn’t played a game of basketball since the 2025 NBA Playoffs and is unlikely to return to his vintage form. But an aging Lillard recovering from an Achilles tear might still be one of the better guards in the NBA. The veteran took out this year’s All-Star Three-Point Shooting Contest. That skill that should not fade and will seriously address one of this team’s biggest needs. It won’t be enough to fix the Blazers’ lack of shooting, but Lillard’s accuracy—combined with his leadership, competitiveness, and gravity—will be a serious addition.
Challenges
If the reports are to be believed, the Blazers aren’t willing to offer what some might consider an attractive offer. Will there also be sufficient money to attract a decent team of assistant coaches? The perceived insecurity can’t make for a comfortable working environment.
The fact that the franchise began approaching potential candidates before Tiago Splitter’s season had ended had also reportedly turned some off. If they’re going to operate in this way, I’ve no doubt there are a few who would take pause before pursuing the role.
While Deni Avdija set himself up as a name to watch this season, the Portland playing list has yet to boast a talent or young player with the potential owned by Cooper Flagg. As such, an aspiring coach may see the Dallas Mavericks role as a more enticing opportunity given the possibilities surrounding the former Duke standout.
As someone who doesn’t live in the U.S., I’m probably the last person to comment on this, but while Portland is an amazing city (I have visited), Dallas and Chicago are in larger, higher-profile markets. Orlando is also located in a warmer climate, which may also be a more attractive prospect for some.
Though I’ve already extolled the excitement of Damian Lillard being back in Portland, both he and Jrue Holiday are closer to 40 than they are to 30. If their contribution truly does diminish, both their impact and trade value will decrease.
Conclusion
There are only 30 head coaching roles in the NBA. I have no doubt anyone seeking one of the few vacancies won’t be too picky but like anyone searching for a new job, the conditions and opportunity for growth need to be considered.
The pros and cons of the opening in Portland are relatively clear. Obviously, a head coaching role in the NBA will always be sought after and with young talent and a competitive playing group, Portland is definitely not the worst option.
But with new ownership, reported stinginess, uncertainty, no true star and market considerations, it probably isn’t the most attractive either.
The Blazers will no doubt want to lock in their next coach soon as the league approaches the NBA Draft and free agency. Once that person is in place, it’ll be interesting to hear from them and the reasons they pursued the role.
What would you say are the plusses and minuses of joining the Blazers at this point? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
