Damian Lillard has been blamed for the Portland Trail Blazers' hiring of Chauncey Billups, with many criticizing the decision due to Billups' rape allegations in the past. However, there is no truth at all to reports claiming he endorsed the former NBA guard.
When the Blazers suffered another disappointing playoffs exit and fired Terry Stotts in the process, Lillard was quoted as if saying he wanted Jason Kidd or Billups to be the next head coach of the team. As Dame explained in a tweet, though, he was merely asked which names he liked from the potential coaching candidates he has “heard.”
Lillard also highlighted he is not aware of the history of both Kidd and Billups, pointing out that he was too young when those events happened.
Really? I was asked what coaches I like of the names I “heard” and I named them. Sorry I wasn’t aware of their history I didn’t read the news when I was 7/8yrs old. I don’t support Those things … but if this the route y’all wana come at me… say less https://t.co/N1GPkX3Ohd
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) June 26, 2021
Now, according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, Damian Lillard really had no endorsement of sorts when it comes to the coaching candidates the team interviewed. It has been earlier reported that Billups is set to become the next head coach of the team, though details of the contract has yet to be finalized.
The coaching search was conducted by Neil Olshey, the team’s president of basketball operations. None of the candidates who were interviewed were from suggestions from Lillard, sources said.
Aside from Billups, the Blazers interviewed Becky Hammon who made it to the finalists.
With the recent backlash he is getting and increasing doubts the Blazers can contend for the title, Lillard may reportedly want out of Portland. It remains to be seen what will happen given the likely hefty asking price the team could make if they do decide to trade him, but the hate he is getting will surely not help in the franchise's attempts to save their relationship.