McMillan to Coach Trail Blazers

Nate McMillan is leaving the Seattle SuperSonics to coach the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Trail Blazers late Wednesday night hired McMillan, who led the SuperSonics to the Northwest Division title last season. He will be introduced today at a news conference, the Trail Blazers said in a statement.

McMillan’s contract with the SuperSonics expired July 1, and the Trail Blazers aggressively pursued him. The terms of his contract were not immediately available.

McMillan replaces interim coach Kevin Pritchard, who took over for the fired Maurice Cheeks when the Trail Blazers embarked on a youth movement in midseason.

McMillan had coached the SuperSonics since Nov. 27, 2000, and compiled a 212-183 record. McMillan spent his entire 12-year playing career with Seattle.

He comes to a team that has lost its way recently after being one of the NBA’s most consistent franchises. The Trail Blazers have missed the playoffs for two seasons in a row.

The team finished last season with a 27-55 record, its worst mark in 31 years, and even saw its attendance decline.

Off the court, Trail Blazer players have faced accusations ranging from drug use to dogfighting.

Portland officials could not be reached for comment Wednesday night.

*

Francisco Garcia agreed to a contract with the Sacramento Kings, who chose him with the 23rd pick in last month’s NBA draft.... New Orleans signed Chris Paul, the fourth player picked in the draft.... Scott Layden, the former president of the New York Knicks and an assistant coach and administrator with Utah, is returning to the Jazz as an assistant on Coach Jerry Sloan’s staff, the team announced.