Who is the best option for Portland?
The Portland Trail Blazers continue to look for their next head coach for the future and the next iteration of this franchise. The latest candidate reportedly in the mix is Ben Sullivan, an elite assistant for the Houston Rockets under Ime Udoka, as first reported by Michael Scotto.
Sullivan has built an impressive résumé as an assistant, with experience working under Udoka, Joe Mazzulla and Mike Budenholzer. He also interviewed for the Phoenix Suns’ head coaching job last offseason and played collegiately at the University of Portland, giving him obvious ties to the area.
This continues the trend Portland appears to be inching toward, which is potentially hiring a top assistant who has a real shot at becoming a good head coach, but hasn’t yet had the opportunity to do so at this level. In other words, finding the rising star who just needs a chance.
Sullivan would be an intriguing pickup for the Blazers. Tiago Splitter, who served as the interim head coach after stepping in last season, would probably be the cleanest fit if Portland wants continuity. But if the franchise looks outside of its current staff, Sullivan would be a strong candidate to consider.
This is a young and energetic group, so hiring the right personality will go just as far as the X's and O's, so expect an entertaining and competitive camp. What is clear, though, is that Ben Sullivan is one of the best coaches on the potential market who could take a head job.