A league insider is pushing the Portland Trail Blazers to remove the interim tag from head coach Tiago Splitter and part ways with Chauncey Billups following his arrest. The team has started strong under Splitter, posting a 5-2 record with notable wins against top opponents. Splitter's impact has boosted the Blazers' defense to 10th in the NBA.
The Portland Trail Blazers are facing a pivotal decision on their coaching staff amid legal troubles for former head coach Chauncey Billups. Billups, who signed a lucrative contract extension at the start of the 2025 offseason, was indicted by the FBI for his alleged role as a lure in mob-controlled poker games. The NBA placed him on unpaid leave, and he could face jail time unless he pleads out, potentially ending his league career.
Tiago Splitter, a former assistant on Billups' staff and 2014 NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs, stepped in as interim head coach. Aaditya Krishnamurthy of NBA Analysis argues it's time for Portland to move on from Billups and make Splitter's role permanent. "In just seven games in charge, Splitter has this Portland Trail Blazers squad looking more competitive than they ever did under Chauncey Billups," Krishnamurthy writes.
Under Splitter, the Blazers are 5-2, with their only loss coming in the season opener under Billups. Key victories include handing the 8-1 Oklahoma City Thunder their first defeat, along with wins over the 7-2 Los Angeles Lakers, 5-2 Denver Nuggets, and 5-4 Golden State Warriors. The team's defense has improved significantly, ranking 10th in the NBA.
General manager Joe Cronin has contributed to the turnaround with a trade for six-time All-Defensive guard Jrue Holiday and a buyout of center Deandre Ayton. Small forward Deni Avdija has emerged as an offensive force, averaging 24.4 points on .465/.360/.851 shooting, 6.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists against 3.9 turnovers, 0.9 blocks, and 0.8 steals per game. The 24-year-old, 6-foot-8 wing has broken his silence on Billups' arrest, while Cronin has banned players from contacting the former coach.
The Blazers showed promise at the end of last season, and moves like acquiring Holiday and Donovan Clingan could have helped regardless of the coaching change. Portland's early success suggests Splitter's leadership is a key factor.