The Portland Trail Blazers have taken another step in their head coaching search, requesting permission to meet with Los Angeles Clippers assistant Jeff Van Gundy, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes on Thursday, May 21.
Haynes reported that Van Gundy has emerged as one of the finalists for the Portland opening, signaling a widening evaluation process that already includes multiple experienced assistants and internal candidates.
Marc Stein of The Stein Line confirmed that interim head coach Tiago Splitter also remains in contention for the full-time role, alongside Van Gundy and Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori.
Stein added that the Blazers’ search continues to operate with an expanded finalist pool, noting that the organization has explored a broad range of coaching profiles across several NBA staffs. Portland’s process has reportedly included extensive interviews and a large initial candidate list.
The presence of Van Gundy in the conversation adds a veteran coaching voice to a group that already includes developmental-focused assistants such as Nori and internal option Splitter. Each candidate represents a different direction for a franchise building around a young core.
Portland’s roster features emerging pieces such as Shaedon Sharpe, Deni Avdija, and Donovan Clingan, with organizational priorities centered on defensive stability, offensive structure, and long-term player development. The coaching hire is expected to directly shape that developmental timeline.
Van Gundy’s coaching background includes previous NBA head coaching stints with the New York Knicks and Houston Rockets, along with decades of experience in defensive systems and half-court organization. His profile contrasts with some of the more modern player-development-focused assistants in the search.
Nori, meanwhile, brings extensive bench experience with the Timberwolves, where defensive consistency and rotation management have been key responsibilities. Tiago Splitter remains a familiar internal option after serving as interim head coach.
