Tiago Splitter Leads Portland Trail Blazers to NBA Play-In Tournament

Former EuroLeague coach navigates challenges to steer young team to postseason contention

Mar. 29, 2026 at 12:28pm by Ben Kaplan

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Tiago Splitter's journey from assistant coach to interim head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers has been anything but conventional. Thrust into the role following Chauncey Billups' arrest, Splitter has steered the young team through adversity and into postseason contention, drawing on his prior experience as head coach in the EuroLeague.

Why it matters

Splitter's success highlights the growing exchange of coaching talent between Europe and the NBA, as well as the importance of building a strong team culture, especially during times of crisis. His ability to develop young players like Deni Avdija has been crucial to the Trail Blazers' turnaround.

The details

Splitter was promoted to interim head coach in October 2025 after Billups' arrest, with lead assistant Nate Bjorkgren recommending him for the role. Splitter has emphasized a team-first approach and a focus on maximizing the strengths of each player, moving away from rigid adherence to traditional NBA play styles. He has also praised the team's work ethic and humility, which has been crucial in overcoming injuries and maintaining a competitive edge.

  • Splitter was promoted to interim head coach in October 2025 following Chauncey Billups' arrest.
  • Splitter previously served as head coach for Paris Basketball in the EuroLeague.

The players

Tiago Splitter

The interim head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, who previously served as an assistant coach and has experience as a head coach in the EuroLeague.

Nate Bjorkgren

The lead assistant coach for the Portland Trail Blazers, who recommended Splitter for the interim head coaching position.

Deni Avdija

A young player for the Portland Trail Blazers who has developed significantly under Splitter's coaching, becoming a key offensive initiator for the team.

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What they’re saying

“He inherited a team reeling from the arrest of their head coach and facing a difficult season. He described his team as 'easy to train,' noting the lack of 'stars or players that give me problems,' and praising their work ethic and humility.”

— Tiago Splitter, Interim Head Coach, Portland Trail Blazers

“Splitter praised Avdija's incisiveness and effectiveness in transition, highlighting his impressive performance this season.”

— Tiago Splitter, Interim Head Coach, Portland Trail Blazers

What’s next

Splitter's future with the Trail Blazers remains uncertain, as the team's new ownership group will ultimately decide whether he retains the head coaching position long-term.

The takeaway

Tiago Splitter's success as the interim head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers demonstrates the value of international coaching experience and a willingness to adapt coaching philosophies to the specific needs of a team. His ability to foster a positive team culture and develop young players has been crucial to the team's turnaround.