Tiago Splitter Steps In as Interim Head Coach for Portland Trail Blazers Amidst Turmoil

The Portland Trail Blazers have appointed assistant coach Tiago Splitter as the interim head coach following the suspension of Chauncey Billups, as reported by Shams Charania.

On Thursday, the NBA disclosed that both Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier have been placed on leave after their arrests by the FBI, which are part of a broader federal probe into illegal gambling and sports wagering.

While this investigation progresses, Splitter will assume the head coaching responsibilities for the Blazers. ESPN also reported that assistant coach Nate Bjorkgren was considered for the interim position, but it was mutually agreed that he should remain in his current role for the benefit of the team.

Splitter, who has an impressive coaching background, transitioned to coaching after his NBA playing career, during which he captured the 2014 NBA Championship with the San Antonio Spurs. He served as an assistant coach with the Brooklyn Nets from 2019 to 2023, and with the Houston Rockets in the 2023-24 season.

Afterward, he took the helm at Paris Basketball, leading the French team to a national championship and a berth in the EuroLeague Playoffs.

Now, at 40, the former center is stepping into a significant challenge in his burgeoning coaching journey, as he aims to stabilize a Blazers team dealing with off-court issues while keeping the season on a positive trajectory under these extraordinary circumstances.