Tiago Splitter guided Portland to a 42-39 record after replacing Chauncey Billups in the first week of the 2025/26 season, but league sources told Jake Fischer of The Stein Line that the former Spurs center is unlikely to get the Trail Blazers’ full-time job.
According to the report, new owner Tom Dundon intends to interview roughly 30 candidates. Dundon’s rapid cost-cutting measures and his decision to open the search before the season ended have reportedly discouraged several assistants, who also heard the club may offer a salary below typical market value.
Nets assistant Steve Hetzel and Nuggets assistant Jared Dudley are among the names under consideration. Hetzel, who previously worked in Portland and overlapped with Damian Lillard, is also a contender for the Pelicans’ vacancy. Lakers assistant Greg St. Jean is another coach believed to be on Portland’s radar, per Sean Highkin of the Rose Garden Report.
Pelicans Narrow List
Hetzel and Bucks assistant Darvin Ham have made favorable impressions in New Orleans, Fischer reported. Spurs associate head coach Sean Sweeney, also linked to the Bulls and Magic, is viewed as difficult for the Pelicans to land. The club’s reported interest in former Magic coach Jamahl Mosley remains uncertain, as Mosley may hesitate to jump back into a lead job immediately after his dismissal in Orlando.
Thibodeau’s Next Move
Tom Thibodeau would entertain a return to the Bulls, yet Chicago’s rebuilding timeline may not align with the veteran coach’s preference for a win-now situation. Sources told Fischer the Magic position is considered the most attractive for candidates seeking an immediate playoff push.
Staff Change in Atlanta
Conner Varney, a coaching associate under Quin Snyder with the Hawks, is leaving to join the Butler Bulldogs, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported. Varney will work again with Ronald Nored, hired as Butler’s head coach in March.
Source: HoopsRumors
