Key Takeaways
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- Tiago Splitter has been appointed as the interim head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, making him the first Brazilian NBA head coach in history.
- This appointment comes following Chauncey Billupss departure due to his arrest related to sports betting.
- Splitter previously worked as an assistant coach for the Blazers and had a close relationship with Billups before his departure.
- Prior to his coaching career, Splitter retired from professional basketball in 2018 and held technology-focused roles within the NBA, working for teams like the Brooklyn Nets and San Antonio Spurs.
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Tiago Splitter Takes Interim NBA Coaching Role for Portland Trail Blazers Following Chauncey Billups’s Departure
Following Chauncey Billups’s arrest related to sports betting, the Portland Trail Blazers have appointed Tiago Splitter as interim head coach, according to Shams Charania. Splitter will begin his role this Friday, coaching against the Golden State Warriors. ESPN reports that Splitter is replacing Nate Bjorkgren, who was considered for the position but chose to remain in his current role. At 40 years old, Splitter becomes the first Brazilian NBA head coach in history. The Blazers board, satisfied with Billups’s performance, aims to maintain the team’s established identity. The Blazers hired Splitter as an assistant coach in June, and he worked closely with Billups before his departure.
Tiago Splitter Ascends as Interim Head Coach for Portland Trail Blazers, Marking a New Peak in His Career
After retiring from professional basketball in 2018, Splitter transitioned to technology-focused roles within the NBA. From 2019 to 2023, he served as a player development coach for the Brooklyn Nets. He then joined Ime Udoka’s staff with the San Antonio Spurs for a year. While with Paris Basketball, Splitter secured both the league and national cup titles and reached the EuroLeague finals. Now, Splitter returns to the NBA as the Blazers’ interim head coach. The position marks a new pinnacle for Brazil’s most successful basketball player, who previously helped secure a championship for San Antonio in 2014.
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