Who is Tiago Splitter? Exploring the life of Portland Trail Blazers’ newly-appointed interim head coach after Chauncey Billups’ FBI arrest

Tiago Splitter, a Brazilian former professional basketball player and current coach, has officially taken over as the interim head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers following the shocking arrest of Chauncey Billups.

Splitter has been popular for his tactical intelligence and now he finds himself leading the team through one of the most tumultuous moments in franchise history.

Tiago Splitter's Journey From EuroLeague Star to NBA Champion

Born on January 1, 1985, in Blumenau, Santa Catarina, Brazil, Tiago Splitter rose to prominence as one of the most successful Brazilian basketball players in history. Standing 6’11”, he excelled as both a power forward and center throughout his professional career.

Before entering the NBA, Splitter achieved significant success in Europe, becoming a three-time All-EuroLeague Team selection.

In 2007, the San Antonio Spurs drafted Splitter, marking the beginning of his NBA journey. His hard work and consistency eventually paid off when he became the first Brazilian-born player to win an NBA championship in 2014 with the Spurs. Splitter’s tenure with San Antonio showcased his disciplined approach, defensive intelligence, and unselfish play - traits that would later influence his coaching philosophy.

Tiago's Transition from Player to Coach

After retiring from professional play, Splitter seamlessly transitioned into coaching. He began working in player development and assistant coaching roles, honing his skills on the sidelines. By 2025, he joined the Portland Trail Blazers’ coaching staff as an assistant coach, bringing a wealth of international and NBA experience to the team.This 2025 season marked Tiago Splitter’s first as an assistant coach with the franchise - a role that unexpectedly evolved into a much larger responsibility following recent events.

Chauncey Billups’ Arrest and the Fallout

The Trail Blazers organization was thrown into chaos in October 2025 when head coach Chauncey Billups was arrested by the FBI in connection with alleged mafia-linked illegal poker games. The federal investigation, part of a broader crackdown on gambling activities involving sports figures, sent shockwaves throughout the NBA.Billups’ arrest came just days after Portland opened its 2025-26 season with a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

In response, the Trail Blazers immediately placed Billups on administrative leave, prioritizing the team’s stability and reputation. The franchise then turned to Tiago Splitter, promoting him to interim head coach to guide the team through this difficult period.

A New Era of Leadership in Portland Trail Blazers

The decision to appoint Tiago Splitter was met with cautious optimism among fans and analysts. His background as a disciplined, team-oriented player aligns closely with the culture Portland hopes to maintain amid ongoing distractions.

Splitter’s experience as both a European league standout and an NBA champion provides him with a unique understanding of team dynamics and leadership under pressure.This sudden promotion represents a major career milestone for Splitter. As interim head coach, he faces the immediate challenge of steadying a team shaken by controversy while ensuring performance on the court remains competitive. His approach is expected to emphasize structure, teamwork, and composure - qualities that defined his playing days and now shape his coaching identity.

The NBA’s Swift Response and Integrity Efforts

The NBA acted quickly in addressing the legal issues surrounding Billups, reflecting the league’s ongoing commitment to integrity and transparency. By supporting the Trail Blazers’ transition under Splitter’s leadership, the NBA aimed to ensure both continuity for the team and accountability for any violations tied to the gambling investigation.Tiago Splitter’s elevation to interim head coach comes at a pivotal moment not only for his career but for the Trail Blazers’ organization as a whole.

His leadership will be tested as he navigates the challenges of rebuilding team morale and focus in the wake of Billups’ arrest.With the basketball world watching closely, Tiago Splitter now has an opportunity to prove his capability as a head coach at the highest level. His blend of international success, NBA championship experience, and calm professionalism offers a promising foundation for Portland’s recovery.Also read: Former NBA Champion takes over as interim Portland Trail Blazers head coach after Chauncey Billups’ scandalous FBI arrestAs the 2025–26 NBA season continues, all eyes will be on how Tiago Splitter steers the Trail Blazers through this defining chapter - balancing the pressures of sudden leadership with the resilience that has defined his basketball journey.