The Portland Trail Blazers hired Micah Nori to replace Interim coach Tiago Splitter, and former head coach Chauncey Billups who remains in legal jeopardy and faces a trial this November over fraud and money laundering charges.
Nori, who has nearly two decades of coaching experience in the NBA, spent the last five seasons as lead assistant coach for the Timberwolves behind coach Chris Finch. Before then he was on the bench for the Pistons, Nuggets, Kings, and Raptors.
Like Splitter, Nori has strong player relations, is high respected by players around the league, and has a speciality in player development. Nori also brings a high pedigree in game management, including player rotations, end of game execution, and post timeout sets. He excelled at helping to cultivate and maximize Minnesota’s intimidating defensive sets.
Nori though lacks experience as a head coach, and must learn how to perfect offensive adjustments around new players. If anything Nori is brutally honest and can hold the Blazers players accountable on the way to helping them reach the next level. While his stock as a head coach is not yet definitely proven, he has the assets to pull of the job.
The Blazers signed Nori through 2028-29 though the last two seasons are unguaranteed with team options, contingent on a must prove approach. The financial side of his contract has not been made public. This along with the unconventionality of his contract structure has stirred up controversy around the league.
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