NBA Rumors: Terry Stotts’ Future In Question After Pelicans Sweep Blazers In First Round
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Third-seed team Portland Trail Blazers were officially swept by sixth-seed New Orleans Pelicans in the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs following a heart-breaking 131-123 Game 4 loss on Saturday. It was indeed a painful end to the season for All-Star point guard Damian Lillard and former Most Improved Player recipient C.J. McCollum.
As a result, rumors that head coach Terry Stotts may soon be fired have immediately emerged. The New York Times’ Marc Stein tweeted on Sunday that Stotts is at risk of losing his job after 10 straight postseason losses. However, the reporter also claimed that the Orlando Magic would be waiting in the wings if Portland really decides to let go of the former Dallas Mavericks assistant.
The first-round sweep concluded Stotts sixth season with the Blazers, who he had led to the playoffs every year since he was hired in August of 2012. He was also previously the head coach of the Atlanta Hawks (2002-2004) and Milwaukee Bucks (2005-2007).
With Lillard as his number one option, Stotts has recorded a combined 272-220 win-loss slate in six seasons in Portland. However, the pair was never able to go past the Western Conference semifinals.
Rumors are out that the Blazers are planning a major rebuild in the offseason, with Lillard and McCollum reportedly on the trading block. However, It might all begin by having a new head coach to manage the club.
