NBA Coaches React Angrily to Blazers' Micah Nori Deal

WHO:

Newsweek - Micah Nori is the new head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers.

NY Post - J.B. Bickerstaff is the president of the National Basketball Coaches Association.

WHAT:

Newsweek - NBA head coaches expressed anger regarding the contract offered to Micah Nori by the Portland Trail Blazers.

NY Post - J.B. Bickerstaff described the contract structure for Micah Nori as a "slap in the face."

WHERE:

Newsweek - The Portland Trail Blazers are based in Portland, Oregon.

WHY:

NY Post - Bickerstaff's criticism indicates a belief that the contract terms are disrespectful to the coaching profession.

(UPDATED June 25, 2026 10:04 UTC)

Micah Nori has been named the new head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, but his contract has sparked significant backlash among NBA head coaches. J.B. Bickerstaff, the president of the National Basketball Coaches Association, described the contract structure as a "slap in the face," reflecting a belief that the terms are disrespectful to the coaching profession. The Portland Trail Blazers, based in Portland, Oregon, are now at the center of this controversy.