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The Trail Blazers’ current defensive rating of 116.3 ranks as the second-worst in the NBA this season. Due to those lagging numbers, coach Terry Stotts could be on the receiving end of unwanted attention. According to The Athletic’s Jason Quick, the Blazers’ defensive woes have become a topic of conversation inside the ownership group.
Following Sunday’s loss to the Timberwolves, Quick cited an unnamed source when highlighting the behind-the-scenes defensive concerns from ownership.
It has created a tense backdrop to Stotts’ future in Portland. He is under contract through the 2021-22 season, and while he has made seven consecutive playoff appearances and is well-liked by his players, a source says the Blazers’ lack of defense throughout his tenure has become a topic with ownership in Seattle.
The Blazers currently sit at No. 6 in the Western Conference standings with an overall record of 22-16. Stotts, who joined the Blazers in the 2012 offseason, has posted a regular season record of 382-304 during his tenure in Portland.
You can read the full report from Quick at The Athletic (subscription required).