Adrian Wojnarowski shares the latest information about the Trail Blazers' progress in signing Chauncey Bilups as their next coach. (1:46).On Tuesday, the Portland Trail Blazers officially introduced Chauncey Bilups as their new head coach. His news conference devoted almost all of the 30 minutes to the controversial background of his hiring, details about his relationship with Damian Lillard, and his vision of the Blazers becoming a title contender.Billups was chosen over Becky Hammon, Mike D'Antoni and other finalists. However, after the details of a 1997 rape allegation were revealed last week, the Blazers faced backlash. On Tuesday, Neil Olshey, general manager of the organization, stated that Billups was selected after an independent investigation.Olshey stated that "we commissioned our own independent investigation into [the] incident in question in 1997." "The results of that [investigation] corroborated Chauncey’s recollection, and that nothing was non-consensual occurred. We stand behind Chauncey and all of the employees. We believe that he is the right person for the job as our head coach, and an ideal choice to represent the Portland community.The 1997 case resulted in no criminal charges, but Billups settled the civil lawsuit brought by the woman.Olshey stated, "We are really excited about Chauncey." We know that he is the right choice to run our franchise. We did everything we could to verify that incident, and not just rely on the information provided by others. This confirmed everything Chauncey said to us in multiple interviews that nothing was non-consensual and that he would not be fired.When Olshey was asked about details of the investigation, such as who was responsible, what details were discovered, etc. Olshey refused to answer the question, calling it "proprietary."Olshey stated, "With all sincerity and you have my words." "We were all aware of the concerns that people had regarding serious allegations Chauncey made in 1997 and we shared them with everyone in the organization. We took these allegations seriously and treated them with the seriousness they deserved.Billups was the Blazers coach when he first addressed the controversy surrounding his hiring.He said, "Before we even talk about me being the coach and my role in the team, I want to first talk about... that incident that occurred in 1997." Every decision we make can have a profound effect on someone's life. As a player I was very aware that every decision has consequences. That's lead to some very, really difficult conversations with my wife (who was also my girlfriend in 1997) and my daughters about the actual events and what they might have read about me in the media."But this experience has shaped me in so many ways. My decision-making. How I approach my relationships and friends, who I let into my life and what they mean to me. It has influenced every decision I make and shaped me in amazing ways. It is crucial to have the right support network around you, especially in difficult and difficult times.Later, when Billups was being asked a follow up question to get a better understanding of the incident, the moderator of the news conference interjected. He said that it had been addressed and moved on with the next question.Olshey and Billups have a long history of a relationship that dates back to when they were both players with the LA Clippers. Olshey considers Billups one of the greatest leaders he's ever seen in the game. He said Billups' experience as a point guard will benefit the Blazers, who have two of their best players, Lillard, and CJ McCollum in the backcourt.Olshey stated, "We were searching for somebody we know who has natural gravitas and leadership skills." "We were looking for someone with a history of being on the defensive side of the floor and were willing to take a chance on the upside."Olshey also gave praise to Hammon, who was with the San Antonio Spurs for seven seasons as an assistant to Gregg Popovich. Hammon was once said to have been Jody Allen's favorite player, who is also the owner of the Blazers, and the sister of Paul Allen.Becky is a true inspiration. She did an amazing job. Olshey stated that it is not easy to get to the ownership level in an interview process. "If you start off with 20, we reduced it to six or seven Zooms, with which she did a second round. Then she reached the ownership level, which is a testament to how far she has come and how close to becoming a coach.He said, "This was an extensive list of candidates." "We felt that we were engaged in an equitable search.Billups will be responsible for resolving tensions within the Blazers, particularly with Lillard, as the team attempts to overcome the disappointments of the past season. Lillard was reportedly involved in the hiring process, taking part via Zoom interviews at an ownership level.Billups stated that he has a great relationship with Dame and that it had nothing to do "with this opportunity." "Our relationship dates back years... [and] I have always been a big admirer of his. Over the years, we have developed a great friendship. Nothing has changed. He will be coached by me, so we'll get to know one another better. However, it won't change who he, who I am and what we stand for. Nothing is changing about me."Lillard, in response to the backlash against coaching, tweeted last week about his involvement with the search for a coach. He claimed he wasn't aware of any past allegations. Lillard's future in the organization is now in doubt after a disappointing first round exit. There are also whispers of a trade request. Olshey tried to dispel any rumors that Lillard wanted to leave the Blazers, stating that his franchise player was committed to winning with them.Olshey stated that "Dame's happiness revolves around winning" and the chance to win at a high level. "Chauncey will inherit that now, but it is my responsibility and that of my staff. To create a team that is able to walk into the season with the belief [they] have a chance of winning a championship."It's one," Dame says, making it clear that he is confident in that. He loves Portland. He says he loves Portland and doesn't want Portland to go. He wants to be a Trail Blazer. I and other stakeholders have heard him say that."Billups stated that his main focus on the floor will be the defensive end. The Blazers were 29th in defensive rating last year. He also believes there is potential to improve the Blazers offense around McCollum and Lillard.Billups stated that he believes we could be more offensively efficient with more ball movement and different strategies, as well as better execution. "Playing on both ends of the floor a bit more, and not having Dame or CJ bail me out with those shots they make all the time.Billups, an 18-year NBA veteran, signed a five year deal with the Blazers (the 5th year is an option for the team), taking over after spending the season as Ty Lue's assistant coach for the Clippers.Billups stated, "Today -- today's a great day" for him and his family. It really is. This is my dream job. Although we knew that [the allegation] would be addressed, this is my dream job. It is one of the most memorable days in my life."This report was contributed by The Associated Press.
