Blazers reportedly narrow coaching search to three finalists

The Trail Blazers may finally be nearing a decision.

According to Jake Fischer and Marc Stein of The Stein Line, Portland’s coaching search has been narrowed to three finalists: Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori, Celtics assistant Tyler Lashbrook and interim Blazers coach Tiago Splitter.

Those names were already believed to be among the leading candidates for the position, but the latest report suggests they are now the last three coaches under consideration.

If no additional candidates emerge late in the process, Portland’s next head coach will likely come from that group.

That doesn’t necessarily mean an announcement is imminent, however.

Fischer and Stein report that the search has been slowed in part by the busy schedule of Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon, who also owns the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes. The Hurricanes are currently competing in the Stanley Cup Final, creating additional demands on Dundon’s schedule during a critical period for both franchises.

Still, momentum appears to be building toward a conclusion.

Splitter may have the strongest case based on familiarity. After taking over for Chauncey Billups just one game into the season, the former Spurs big man guided Portland to a 42-39 record the rest of the way. The Blazers earned a playoff berth through the Play-In Tournament before falling to San Antonio in the first round.

Nori has drawn interest from multiple teams during this coaching cycle and is widely regarded as one of the NBA’s top assistant coaches. Lashbrook, meanwhile, has helped establish a strong reputation within Boston’s organization and is considered one of the league’s rising coaching minds.

What’s notable is that none of the three finalists entered the search with extensive NBA head coaching experience.

That appears consistent with the direction Portland has taken throughout the process, focusing largely on up-and-coming candidates rather than established veteran coaches.

Now the question becomes whether the Blazers reward Splitter for the job he did this season or decide to bring in a fresh voice from outside the organization.

Either way, the finish line for Portland’s coaching search finally appears to be in sight.