The Washington Wizards are among a several teams interested in Los Angeles Clippers assistant Chauncey Billups for head coach, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Billups has emerged as a hot commodity in the NBA’s coaching carousel. In addition to the Wizards, he is drawing interest from the Orlando Magic and New Orleans Pelicans. However, Billups is also considered a prominent candidate for the openings with the Boston Celtics and Portland Trailblazers.
Billups has been in the coaching ranks just one season. He joined the Clippers coaching staff this season under Tyronn Lue. Billups has been credited for development of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard’s playmaking abilities.
Both George and Leonard averaged career highs in assists with each coincidentally picking up 5.2 assists per game.
Of course, Billups had a long NBA career as a player. He played 17 seasons on seven teams. He enjoyed his most success during his time with the Detroit Pistons. There he spent seven seasons, leading Detroit to two NBA Finals appearances. They won the championship in 2004 while he was named Finals MVP.
The former point guard will certainly be a huge catch for the Wizards. He’d arguably be the biggest name the organization has had as coach in over three decades. He would bring a national eye to the organization. He would be a huge boost for Washington’s dynamic backcourt of Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal.
However, the Wizards will have their work cut out for them to lure any candidates. Openings such as Boston, Portland, Dallas and New Orleans are widely considered to be more attractive. Seeing the team being interested in a name such as Billups at least shows Washington is willing to swing big.
