Damian Lillard lets his preference for the next head coach be known after Terry Stotts and the Trail Blazers parted ways.
Advertisement
Damian Lillard has reportedly had a voice within the Portland Trail Blazers when it comes to executive decisions for a long time now, and justifiably so.
It makes sense for the team to make decisions that will make their best player happy. In fact, many claim that the reason Terry Stotts retained his position for so long in the first place, was because Lillard had a very good relationship with him.
However, with the 63-year-old’s tenure with the team finally ending, the search for a new head coach has commenced. And Dame has already made it clear who his pick for the job is.
Damian Lillard announces that he wants Jason Kidd as his head coach at the start of next season
Frankly, while Damian Lillard should absolutely have a say in this matter, we don’t think his voice should be the loudest. After all, the other people who will be there in this conversation are far more well-versed and experienced when it comes to talent evaluation and the ability of a potential head coach.
Still, it’s almost guaranteed that the Portland Trail Blazers will follow Lillard’s requests down to the letter. And if that’s the case, we may already have the successor to Stotts. Here is what Dame said about the now vacant position.
“Jason Kidd is the guy I want.”
💯 percent … I will miss him. https://t.co/yoZNdY625W
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) June 5, 2021
It is only one line. But it could perhaps be the difference between the likes of Mike D’Antoni and the former player getting the job.
As many fans know, Kidd has coached at Milwaukee and Brooklyn before and is currently working under Frank Vogel, with the Lakers. So far, reports have suggested that his communication with players is top-notch. And of course, his longtime relationship with Damian Lillard doesn’t hurt his chances either.
Now, the ball is in the Blazers’ court. Will the franchise look to make a move that makes their star happy? Or will they instead hire someone that they believe would be better for the franchise?