How does the Chauncey Billups FBI case affect brother Rodney?

Denver Nuggets head coach David Adelman dealt with status assistant coach Rodney Billups on Thursday night, after the arrest of Rodney’s brother, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billupsin connection with the growing investigation into gambling in the NBA.

Rodney Billups, who previously served on his brother’s staff in Portland from 2022-24, remains a member of Adelman’s coaching staff in Denver. Before it is The Nuggets lost 137-131 to the Golden State WarriorsAdelman spoke to The Athletic’s Nick Friedel about it.

“That’s between me and Rodney,” Adelman said. “And whatever Rodney needs for his family, that’s all I’m concerned about. The situation itself, I just know what I read. You know what I know. So you know what it’s like when a member of your family is affected; you have to support that person. Rodney has been nothing but great for us since he’s been here, so obviously it’s a situation that’s in motion. I don’t know.”

Chauncey Billups was one of several people arrested this week as part of a widening federal investigation into illegal sports betting activities. Although Rodney Billups has not been implicated, his family’s proximity to the investigation has drawn increased attention to his role in Denver.

Adelman was asked if the NBA or teams could do more to prevent similar scandals in the future.

“I think education trumps everything,” Adelman said. “You just have to keep doing the best job you can. It’s new. Like everything else when the world changes; there are going to be hiccups and people get put in difficult situations.”

David Adelman is backing Nuggets assistant Rodney Billups after Chauncey’s arrest rocked the NBA

He then emphasized the importance of communication and preparation.

“It’s part of our culture and community now; it’s not going anywhere,” he said. “It’s like anything — you have to bring it up maybe more, have more meetings about it, bring it up more throughout the year, because you care about your players, you care about your staff. You just don’t want to see them in a tough situation. Because when you’re in a situation like that, especially a situation like this, it’s hard to get out of. So I think it’s support and education.”

As the Nuggets (0-1) prepare to host the Phoenix Suns (1-0) on Saturday at 9:00 PM ET, Rodney Billups is expected to resume his coaching duties.

Meanwhile, the The Trail Blazers released an official statement placing Chauncey Billups on leave and naming Tiago Splitter as interim head coach.

“We are aware of the allegations regarding head coach Chauncey Billups, and the Portland Trail Blazers are fully cooperating with the investigation. Billups has been placed on leave immediately, and Thiago Splitter will take over as head coach in the interim.

Any further questions should be directed to the NBA.”

The Trail Blazers (0-1) will face the Golden State Warriors (2-0) on Friday night at 10:00 PM ET, their first game since Billups’ arrest.