By Nikola Miloradovic / info@eurohoops.net
The Portland Trail Blazers have turned to assistant coach Tiago Splitter to lead the team on an interim basis, following the suspension of head coach Chauncey Billups, according to Shams Charania.
The NBA announced Thursday that Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier have been placed on immediate leave after being arrested by the FBI as part of ongoing federal investigations into illegal gambling and sports betting.
While the investigation unfolds, Splitter will take over the head coaching duties in Portland. According to ESPN, assistant coach Nate Bjorkgren was also considered for the role, but both sides agreed that keeping him in his current position was best for the franchise.
Splitter brings a diverse résumé to the position. After retiring as an NBA player — and winning the 2014 NBA Championship with the San Antonio Spurs — the Brazilian began his coaching career as an assistant with the Brooklyn Nets (2019–2023) and Houston Rockets (2023–24).
He then became head coach of Paris Basketball, guiding the French club to the French championship and EuroLeague Playoffs.
Now, the 40-year-old former center steps into the most challenging chapter of his young coaching career, tasked with steadying a Blazers team facing turmoil off the court — and trying to keep its season on track under extraordinary circumstances.