The Portland Trail Blazers named longtime NBA assistant coach Micah Nori as their new head coach on Tuesday.
Nori, 52, spent the past five seasons as the lead assistant with the Minnesota Timberwolves and reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with the Blazers. Portland holds team options for the following two seasons, according to reports.
He succeeds interim coach Tiago Splitter, who was named head coach of the Chicago Bulls last week.
Splitter guided Portland to a 42-40 record and a playoff berth last season after replacing Chauncey Billups, who was arrested last October in an FBI gambling investigation.
General manager Joe Cronin announced the hire just hours before the start of the 2026 NBA Draft. The Trail Blazers currently have no picks in the draft due to a prior series of trades.
“After an extensive search process, it became clear that Micah embodies the qualities we are looking for in the leader of this franchise,” Cronin said. “He has been a key contributor to successful organizations and brings a wealth of expertise, a proven ability to develop players and an authenticity that aligns with the culture we are building. We are excited about the future under his direction and look forward to what we can accomplish together.”
Nori brings nearly three decades of NBA knowledge to Portland, including extensive playoff experience. As Chris Finch’s assistant, he helped Minnesota make the playoffs all five seasons with trips to the Western Conference finals in 2023-24 and 2024-25.
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to lead the Trail Blazers and want to thank (owner) Tom (Dundon), Joe and the Rip City Rising ownership group for their trust,” Nori said. “From my conversations with Tom and Joe, it was evident that there is a strong commitment to building a culture that values accountability, development and team success. This is a team with tremendous talent, and I’m excited to begin working with our players and staff.”
Nori also was an assistant coach with the Detroit Pistons (2018-21), Denver Nuggets (2015-18), Sacramento Kings (2013-15) and Toronto Raptors (2009-13).
Nori fills the sixth and final head coaching vacancy in the NBA this offseason. He joins Splitter, Taylor Jenkins (Bucks), Jamahl Mosley (Pelicans), Sean Sweeney (Magic) and Dusty May (Mavericks).
–Field Level Media
