Trail Blazers extend contract with coach Terry Stotts to 2022
The NBA's Portland Trail Blazers on Friday announced that they signed a multi-year contract extension with the team's head coach Terry Stotts so he will be staying with Rip City through the 2021-22 season. Per team policy, terms of the new contract were not revealed.
"In the face of adversity, Terry did an inspirational job this season leading our team to one of its most thrilling and best finishes ever. It speaks to his experience, creativity and... I am looking forward to where he can take the team in the years to come," said Jody Allen, sister of Trail Blazers late owner Paul Allen and Trustee of the Paul G. Allen Trust.
Terry Stotts (R1), head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers gives his players instructions in the game. /VCG Photo
Stotts, 61, earned a contract extension after what he helped Portland achieved this season. Without much change to their franchise, the team managed to maintain No.3 in the Western Conference with a 53-29 record. As the team defeated the New Orleans Pelicans on January 18, Stotts became the second head coach after Hall of Famer Jack Ramsay, who achieved at least 300 wins with Rip City. He is also the second coach in Portland's history, after Rick Adelman, who led the team into the playoffs for six straight seasons.
More importantly, after their starting center and defensive pillar, Jusuf Nurkic was ruled out for the playoffs. Portland surprised everyone by knocking out the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets to make the Western Finals for the first time since 2000. Although the Golden State Warriors swept them in the Finals, it's safe to call it a successful season for Portland.
"I am very excited to continue to build on what we started here seven years ago. Last season was very enjoyable and rewarding on many levels. I have been fortunate to work with a wonderful staff and talented players, who are all outstanding people," said Stotts.
Neil Olshey (L), general manager and president of basketball operations of the Portland Trail Blazers and Damian Lillard, Portland's first-year player to wins the 2012-13 NBA Rookie of the Year Award. /VCG Photo
Keeping Stotts was not the only good news for the Trail Blazers on Friday. According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the team reached a contract extension with their President of Basketball Operations Neil Olshey who will stay until 2024.
Since he joined Portland in 2012, Olshey made several important decisions that led to today's success of the team. He selected Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum in the Draft; he hired Stotts as the team's head coach; he also brought Nurkic to Portland via trade with the Nuggets.
The Washington Wizards won't be happy to read the news. Since their recruiting of Denver's President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly failed, the team turned to Olshey. However, Portland immediately abolished their hope with a new contract with Olshey. The capital team's journey of looking for a new boss has to go on.