Chicago has chosen Tiago Splitter to lead its bench, concluding a coaching search that included Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori, Atlanta Hawks assistant Ryan Schmidt and Bulls assistant Wes Unseld Jr., according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Splitter, 39, spent last season as Portland’s interim coach while Chauncey Billups was away, steering the Trail Blazers to a 42-40 record and a playoff berth. He was considered a finalist for Portland’s permanent vacancy but will instead head to the United Center.
New executive vice president of basketball operations Bryson Graham and his staff were reportedly impressed by Splitter’s leadership style, player-development track record and alignment with the organization’s long-term strategy. Chicago hopes the former NBA center can accelerate the growth of a young nucleus featuring Matas Buzelis, Josh Giddey and Noa Essengue, along with the club’s No. 4 overall pick in next week’s draft.
Before returning to the NBA, Splitter guided Paris Basketball to the French Cup and LNB Elite titles, adding European head-coaching success to his résumé.
With Splitter off the board, Portland’s coaching search continues. Nori and Schmidt remain in the mix, and the Trail Blazers are expected to keep their options open before making a final decision.
Source: Hoops Wire
