Micah Nori spent the last five years as an assistant for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Photo by Dustin Bradford/EPA
The Portland Trail Blazers hired Micah Nori as head coach, general manager Joe Cronin announced Tuesday.
Nori, 52, served as an assistant for the Minnesota Timberwolves over the last five seasons and previously worked in that role for the Detroit Pistons, Denver Nuggets, Sacramento Kings and Toronto Raptors.
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to lead the Trail Blazers and want to thank Tom [Dundon], Joe and the Rip City Rising ownership group for their trust,” Nori said in a news release.
“From my conversations with Tom and Joe, it was evident that there is a strong commitment to building a culture that values accountability, development and team success. This is a team with tremendous talent, and I’m excited to begin working with our players and staff.”
The Trail Blazers were 42-40 last season. Former coach Chauncey Billups, who was hired 2021, coached one game last season. He was arrested and suspended in October on accusations of participating in illegal sports betting schemes and rigged poker games back the mafia.
Former interim coach Tiago Splitter, who led the Trail Blazers to a 42-39 record last season, was hired earlier this month to coach the Chicago Bulls.
Last season, Splitter led the Trail Blazers to their first playoff appearance since 2020-21. They lost their first-round series to the eventual Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs.
“After an extensive search process, it became clear that Micah embodies the qualities we are looking for in the leader of this franchise,” Cronin said. “He has been a key contributor to successful organizations and brings a wealth of expertise, a proven ability to develop players and an authenticity that aligns with the culture we are building.
“We are excited about the future under his direction and look forward to what we can accomplish together.”
