New York Knicks associate head coach Chris Jent has surfaced as a contender for the Portland Trail Blazers’ vacant head-coaching position, according to reports from Sean Highkin of the Rose Garden Report and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
Jent, who joined the Knicks last summer, played a key role in guiding New York to its first NBA championship since 1973. His résumé spans more than 20 years and includes stops with the Cavaliers, Lakers, Magic, Kings, Hawks and Hornets, along with collegiate coaching experience.
In Cleveland, the former Ohio State standout worked alongside LeBron James during two separate stints, earning a reputation as one of the league’s most respected assistants.
Portland’s search had previously centered on finalists Micah Nori and Tyler Lashbrook after Tiago Splitter accepted an assistant role with the Chicago Bulls. Recent reports indicate the Trail Blazers are widening their evaluation to additional candidates, with Jent now under serious consideration.
Knicks head coach Mike Brown recently voiced support for his top assistant, calling Jent the team’s offensive coordinator and expressing surprise that he had not yet secured a head-coaching interview. “There are a lot of jobs open out there,” Brown said. “Chris Jent, my associate head coach, I’m surprised has not gotten an interview.”
The Trail Blazers have not announced a timetable for their decision, leaving Jent among the prominent names still in play for one of the NBA’s remaining head-coaching vacancies.
Source: Hoops Wire
