J.B. Bickerstaff criticizes Blazers' contract structure for new coach Nori

The president of the National Basketball Coaches Association, J.B. Bickerstaff, criticized the Portland Trail Blazers' ownership for their treatment of new head coach Micah Nori. Following Nori's hiring, Bickerstaff condemned the contract's one guaranteed year and below-market salary. He expressed the view that this structure devalues the coaching profession and sets a concerning precedent within the league. Bickerstaff's statements reflect a broader discontent among coaches regarding ownership's approach to compensation. While some colleagues have also voiced similar concerns, few are publicly standing with Bickerstaff on this matter. Nori, an experienced assistant, has taken the job amid these criticisms of its terms.

• 5:06 AMYahoo Sports — “Slap in the Face”: Coaches Association President J.B. Bickerstaff Slams Blazers Owner’s Treatment of New HC