Trail Blazers' Reporter Makes Major Statement About Micah Nori

The Portland Trail Blazers have gone through their fair share of coaching changes in recent years, but Micah Nori is already giving the organization something it has been missing. While it is still early in his tenure, the first-year head coach is making a strong impression with his basketball knowledge, communication and willingness to make difficult decisions.

That impression was made clear by The Athletic's Jason Quick, who offered some high praise for Nori during a recent Reddit AMA. When asked how Nori compares to the coaches he has covered throughout his career, Quick did not hesitate to highlight what has separated the new Portland coach from the pack, "I have been really impressed with Micah. Very, very sharp. His ATOs (After TimeOut plays) have been among the best I can remember. And while he has great rapport with his players, he is not afraid to make an unpopular or difficult move. Taking Scoot out of the starting lineup was 100 percent the right move, and he did it quickly, decisively and with adequate explanation to both Scoot and the public."

That is a pretty significant endorsement from someone who has covered the organization through multiple coaching eras.

The Blazers have had Chauncey Billups, Tiago Splitter and now Nori leading the team in relatively quick succession. Splitter deserves credit for helping Portland get back into the playoffs, finishing with a 42-40 record during his interim stint. However, Nori appears to be bringing a different level of tactical detail and in-game management to the position.

His ability to draw up effective plays coming out of timeouts is particularly encouraging. Those situations can make the difference between winning and losing close games, and Quick's assessment suggests Nori has already established himself as an excellent mind in those moments.

Perhaps even more important is his willingness to hold players accountable regardless of their reputation or standing within the organization.

Scoot Henderson being removed from the starting lineup was not necessarily an easy decision, especially considering his importance to Portland's long-term plans. However, Nori recognized that the lineup needed a change and did not waste time making it. Just as importantly, he communicated the reasoning behind the decision rather than allowing it to become an unnecessary distraction.

That combination of player relationships and accountability is something every successful head coach needs.

It would be premature to put Nori above some of Portland's more accomplished former coaches based on a relatively short sample. Terry Stotts, for example, led the franchise through one of its most successful stretches in recent memory.

Still, the early impressions are encouraging. Nori has shown the tactical understanding, confidence and communication skills that Portland needs from its head coach.

The Blazers have been searching for stability on the sidelines. If Quick's assessment is any indication, they might finally have someone capable of providing it.