The Portland Trail Blazers have hired Minnesota Timberwolves lead assistant Micah Nori to run their bench, the club announced Wednesday morning.
General manager Joe Cronin said an “extensive search process” led the organization to the 52-year-old coach. “Micah embodies the qualities we are looking for in the leader of this franchise,” Cronin noted in a statement, citing Nori’s player-development track record and “authenticity that aligns with the culture we are building.”
According to multiple reports, Nori accepted a one-year contract with team options for the following two seasons. He replaces acting coach Tiago Splitter, whose interim stint ended when Portland’s season concluded.
Nearly three decades on NBA benches
Nori has logged 28 years in the league, spending the past three as Chris Finch’s top assistant in Minnesota. He gained wider attention in 2024 when he directed the Timberwolves during the playoffs after Finch suffered a knee injury. His résumé also includes stops in Toronto, Sacramento, Denver and Detroit.
Highly regarded throughout the league, Nori interviewed for several recent vacancies and was a finalist this spring for positions in Chicago and Dallas. In Portland, he emerged from a finalist pool that also featured Splitter and Boston Celtics assistant Tyler Lashbrook.
Offensive strategist for an up-tempo roster
Colleagues describe Nori as an innovative offensive planner and strong in-game manager who favors a faster pace. “He’s elite with lineup combinations, rotations and special situations,” Finch told The Athletic earlier this month.
Team context
Portland is coming off a 42-40 campaign that ended with a first-round playoff appearance as the Western Conference’s No. 7 seed. Nori inherits a roster led by All-Star forward Deni Avdija and expects the return of Damian Lillard, who missed last season with an injury.
The organization has not clarified whether Nori will carry the full head-coach title. Former head coach Chauncey Billups remains on unpaid administrative leave while awaiting November trial dates on wire fraud conspiracy and money-laundering charges.
League sources have suggested that new owner Tom Dundon’s reputation for frugality, along with reports of a below-market salary offer, discouraged some candidates. Dundon reportedly began informal discussions with roughly 20 college and international coaches before the Trail Blazers’ 2025-26 season ended.
Source: Hoops Rumors
