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The Portland Trail Blazers have appointed assistant coach Tiago Splitter as the interim head coach following the suspension of head coach 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 immediate leave after being arrested by the FBI in connection with ongoing federal investigations into illegal gambling and sports betting activities.
As the investigation proceeds, Splitter will assume the head coaching responsibilities for the Blazers. Sources from ESPN indicate that assistant coach Nate Bjorkgren was also a candidate for the position, but after discussions, both parties agreed it was more beneficial for the team to retain him in his current role.
Splitter arrives with a varied background that informs his coaching approach. After concluding his NBA playing career, during which he won a championship in 2014 with the San Antonio Spurs, the Brazilian transitioned to coaching, serving as an assistant for the Brooklyn Nets (2019–2023) and the Houston Rockets (2023–2024).
He then took the reins at Paris Basketball, successfully leading the French team to a championship and the EuroLeague Playoffs.
Now, at 40, the former center faces a pivotal moment in his nascent coaching career. He is charged with stabilizing a Blazers team navigating challenges off the court, all while striving to keep their season on track amid these extraordinary situations.
