Splitter named Interim Head Coach of Blazers after Billups’Arrest
Alta Sports4 days ago
The Portland Trail Blazers have named assistant coach Tiago Splitter as their interim head coach following the arrest of Chauncey Billups, team officials confirmed Thursday.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Splitter will take over head-coaching duties on a temporary basis while the organization navigates the fallout from Billups’ federal charges. Assistant coach Nate Bjorkgren was also considered for the interim role but ultimately decided to remain in his current position to maintain stability within the coaching staff.
Billups, who was entering his fourth season as Portland’s head coach, was arrested and indicted by the FBI for his alleged involvement in an illegal high-stakes gambling and poker operation that has implicated multiple former NBA players and coaches. The NBA and the Trail Blazers organization have placed Billups on immediate administrative leave pending further investigation.
Splitter, 40, joined the Trail Blazers staff in June after a successful stint coaching Paris Basketball in France’s LNB Pro A league, where he guided the newly promoted club to a playoff berth in his first season. Before that, Splitter served as an assistant coach with the Brooklyn Nets (2019–2023) and the Houston Rockets (2023–24), building a reputation as a skilled player-development coach with a focus on frontcourt fundamentals.
A former NBA center, Splitter enjoyed a seven-year playing career and was a key member of the San Antonio Spurs’ 2014 NBA Championship team. Over his career, he averaged 7.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game, known for his intelligent positioning and defensive instincts.
Splitter will make his head-coaching debut when the Trail Blazers face the Golden State Warriors on Friday night (Saturday Morning, Manila Time) at the Moda Center.
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