The Portland Trail Blazers are off to a 2-2 start this season, but the biggest storyline surrounding the team is the recent arrest of head coach Chauncey Billups. Billups was among those arrested last week due to a federal investigation linking him to illegal gambling and game-rigging schemes with ties to organized crime families.
Deni Avdija was the only player who talked to the media about the situation, and the Portland Trail Blazers swingman admitted it is a confusing time for the team.
“Part of the NBA is just to keep playing. We’re all here for basketball, and are focused on that,” Avdija stated via Brenna Greene of KOIN News. “It’s not an easy situation. We’re thinking about him and his family. We really love Chauncey and what he’s done with this organization. I don’t know a lot of the details, I don’t really want to get into that, I’m trying to focus on the game. But my heart is with him and his family for sure.”
“He loved the players. He’s doing so much around the clock to make us better. He was really important. Especially, when I came to Portland, it was a coach that embraced me to a new team and helped me become better,” he added.
Portland Trail Blazers News: Shaedon Sharpe hits impressive young-man scoring mark in win vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Shaedon Sharpe made history in last night’s 122-108 road win against the Los Angeles Lakers. At 22 years and 151 days, he became the youngest player in Portland Trail Blazers history to shoot 1,000 field goals.
The former seventh overall pick posted 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and four steals on 6-for-16 shooting from the field in 29 minutes of action.
On the other hand, Deni Avdija, Jrue Holiday, and Jerami Grant combined for 71 points in the blowout win, while Donovan Clingan contributed 16 points, 14 rebounds, and two blocks on 8-for-12 shooting from the field.
