Trail Blazers to name Tiago Splitter acting head coach

The Trail Blazers are turning to Tiago Splitter to lead the team while Chauncey Billups remains on leave.

Splitter, a former NBA big man and 2014 champion with the Spurs, will serve as Portland’s acting head coach, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.

Assistant Nate Bjorkgren was also considered but chose to stay in his current role, believing it was best for the franchise’s continuity, Charania reported.

Splitter brings a strong coaching résumé to the job. He spent four years as an assistant with the Nets from 2019 to 2023, followed by a season with the Rockets. Most recently, he guided Paris Basketball to back-to-back league titles overseas before joining Billups’ staff this summer.

Billups has been Portland’s head coach since 2021 and signed an extension earlier this year that runs through 2028. He’s currently on leave as the NBA reviews the federal indictments involving him and Heat guard Terry Rozier.

The Blazers dropped their season opener to the Timberwolves on Wednesday and will host the Warriors on Friday in Splitter’s first game leading the team.