The Portland Trail Blazers are making a stunning sideline change. Assistant coach Tiago Splitter has been elevated to interim head coach after Chauncey Billups was arrested in Oregon and placed on leave amid a federal poker-rigging investigation, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Billups’ arrest stems from an Eastern District of New York case involving a Mafia-linked poker operation. The Blazers confirmed he’s been suspended from team activities pending further review.
Splitter, 39, takes over immediately and will lead the team as it finalizes coaching assignments ahead of its next game against the Golden State Warriors on October 24.
Splitter Brings Winning Pedigree From Europe and the NBA
The former San Antonio Spurs big man comes to the role with a rare résumé that spans continents and championship systems. Before joining Portland’s staff in June 2025, Splitter guided Paris Basketball to a French Basketball Cup title and a EuroLeague Playoff berth — the first in club history.
He previously spent five seasons on NBA benches with the Brooklyn Nets (2018–23) and Houston Rockets (2023–24), working in player development and scouting before shifting to the front row. As a player, he won an NBA title in 2014 with the Spurs and was a decorated international star for Brazil and Spain’s Baskonia.
That global background could prove crucial as Portland looks to stabilize a young roster that’s already endured one of the most turbulent offseasons in franchise history.
What It Means for the Blazers
Splitter inherits a team still searching for identity in a new era. The Blazers have built around a promising core of Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, Jerami Grant, and Toumani Camara, with rookie Donovan Clingan anchoring the middle.
His coaching philosophy — built on motion offense, pace, and read-and-react basketball — mirrors the system he honed in Europe. In Paris, his teams ranked among the top in assists and pace across all EuroLeague competitions. That emphasis on quick decision-making and defensive accountability could fit Portland’s rebuilding timeline perfectly.
Splitter’s approach may also bring a shift in locker room tone. Splitter has been described in the past as “steady” and “focused,” traits that could help calm a young roster reeling from public headlines. He’s expected to prioritize communication and simplicity early, leaning on assistant coaches to keep the team’s rhythm intact as he establishes his voice.
What’s Next
The Blazers are expected to clarify their updated staff roles in the coming days, including who will oversee offensive and defensive duties on Splitter’s bench. The NBA and Trail Blazers have not yet issued official statements on Billups’ long-term status as the legal process unfolds.
The Blazers opened their season with a narrow, but somewhat inspiring 118-114 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, a Western Conference Finalist a season ago, led by young superstar Anthony Edwards’ 41 points.
For now, Splitter’s focus turns to basketball — and keeping a young, shaken roster focused on the floor. The Blazers open the regular season this week amid a swirl of headlines, and Splitter’s calm, no-nonsense demeanor could be exactly what the locker room needs. The next few weeks will test whether his international experience and championship pedigree can hold Portland together through early-season turbulence.
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