Who will replace Chauncey Billups as interim head coach?
Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups was arrested Thursday morning for allegedly participating in a gambling scheme with the Italian mafia. As a result, the franchise is without a head coach and must appoint a transfer window for now.
Reports indicate that Thiago Splitter, who was one of Billups’ assistant coaches entering as a temporary Blazers head coach, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Splitter’s first game as interim coach will be Friday night when Portland plays the Golden State Warriors.
“Portland Trail Blazers assistant Tiago Splitter will take (the) interim head coaching position in place of Chauncey Billups, sources tell ESPN. Portland strongly considered Nate Bjorkgren, but decided it was best for the franchise that he keep his current role.”
Splitter, 40, is a former NBA player who played for the San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks and Phoenix Suns in a seven-year career. The former center was part of the 2014 Spurs team that won the NBA title that year. He finished his career averaging 7.9 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game while shooting 55.5% from the field and 69.7% from the free throw line.
Thiago Splitter first started coaching in 2019 when he was hired as an assistant in the Brooklyn Nets. He also helped coach the Houston Rockets and the Paris Saint-Germain basketball team before landing a role with the Trail Blazers on Chauncey Billups’ staff in the 2025 offseason.
As for Chauncey Billupsthe Hall of Fame point guard turned head coach has been placed on leave by the NBA. Miami Heat point guard Terry Rozier has also been placed on leave for his allegations.
2025-10-23 17:32:00
