Don’t let the table position fool you–Chauncey Billups has done a fantastic job at the Blazers. And it’s a good thing the franchise thinks the same. He joins GM Joe Cronin in getting an extension at Portland for his unbelievable work. It’s a team on the up right now, and they’ve identified Billups as the man to bring them their first championship since 1977.
The 48-year-old Hall of Fame ex-guard has led the Trail Blazers to a 35-46 record a season after they went 21-61. His signing in 2021 happened under very controversial circumstances, in light of the lawsuit Chauncey Billups settled in 2000. The Trail Blazers, at that time, said that they had investigated the case and found it non-disqualifying. But that’s all in the past. For now, playoffs are the focus for the Blazers.
The Blazers’ chair, Jody Allen said, “The core of Chauncey’s leadership is his ability to build a collaborative culture and growth mindset for our young team.” She further stated, “We’re very happy to extend his contract as head coach, and excited to see his continued work developing our players and transforming this team into one capable of long-term success.”
For sure, his defensive game has made the difference. Despite a season riddled with injuries, the team ranked third in defensive rating and fifth in fourth quarter defensive rating, taking into account the last 40 games. And these injuries have allowed the young Blazers to show what they’re made of. I mean, who better to learn from than the defensive point guard at the Pistons, who won the 2004 championship against a stacked Lakers roster?
Billups has had a .550 winning percentage since Jan. 19 – with Blazers ranking in top-five in defense during that span, per ESPN Research – while developing emerging talent in Deni Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe, Scoot Henderson, Donovan Clingan and Toumani Camara. https://t.co/sCLjGYGwU8
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 13, 2025
The City of Roses saw an incredible turnaround in the second half of the season. If anything, their injuries really brought out their most effective identity—a young and hungry team on the rise. Through the first 41 games of the season, Portland was 13-28. In the last 40 games, they have gone much better (22-18). Not to mention, they also boasted the 11th best net rating in the NBA despite being the second youngest team in the league. Their current ranking as the 11th best stealers and 9th best blockers shows their defensive improvements since the 2022-23 season.
As mentioned earlier, their injuries have been a blessing in disguise. But the rise of young players have exposed the other side of the coin, and it’s very rusted. Their veterans have stopped getting much of a look-in anymore, with five greenies specifically emerging from the shadows.
Chauncey Billups extension means increased roles for five youngsters
The second half of the season means big for a few of the youths. The starting stretch saw Billups put all his money on the experienced veterans, despite them not getting the job done when required. He was accused of ruining developmental steps for young talent. But now, they boast some of the hottest young talents in the Association.
Deni Avdija (24) and Shaedon Sharpe (21) both have career-highs in points (16.9 and 18.5 PPG respectively). Toumani Camara (24) and Scoot Henderson (21) also both made increases in 3P shooting percentage (37% and 35.4% respectively). Rookie Donovan Clingan (21) has been posted in the 98th percentile for rebound rate (16.3) and block rate (7.5). And all of these have come with an increase in playing minutes too. For example, Sharpe has gone from 1,021 in the first 41 games to 1,208 minutes in the second 41. Same with Avdija (1,062 to 1,137) and Clingan (516 to 785).
Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Now onto the rustier side of the coin. Veterans Jerami Grant (973 to 552) and Deandre Ayton (891 to 319) have been the chosen sacrificial lambs, among others. There’s no update on their futures just yet, but more could be revealed in the coming off-season. But by the looks of it, they don’t seem to be part of Billups’ tenure.
“We are building this team the right way with a defensive-minded, hard-nosed, competitive culture,” said Chauncey Billups. The identity and the floorplans have been laid out. The Portland Trail Blazers know the way up now. It’s about time they act on it now. And if the first steps of contract extentions for GM Cronin and Coach Billups are anything to go from, they’re heading in the right direction.
The post Why Did Blazers Extend Chauncey Billups’ Contract? 5 Stars’ Role Revealed as True Reason Emerges appeared first on EssentiallySports.