Trail Blazers name Tiago Splitter interim head coach after Chauncey Billups arrest
trail-blazers-name-tiago-splitter-interim-head-coach
The Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday promoted assistant coach Tiago Splitter to interim head coach after the arrest of Chauncey Billups, the organization announced.
“We are aware of the allegations involving head coach Chauncey Billups, and the Trail Blazers are fully cooperating with the investigation,” the team said in a statement. “Billups has been placed on immediate leave, and Tiago Splitter will assume head coaching duties in the interim. Any further questions should be directed to the NBA.”
Billups faces federal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering tied to an alleged mafia-run poker ring. Prosecutors said he served as one of the celebrity “face cards” used to entice participants into rigged games. The NBA placed him on leave Thursday.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, assistant coach Nate Bjorkgren was also considered for the interim role but chose to remain in his current position, clearing the way for Splitter’s promotion.
Splitter, 39, joined Portland’s staff this offseason after guiding Paris Basketball to a French league championship last year. His résumé includes four seasons as an assistant with the Brooklyn Nets, one with the Houston Rockets, and a seven-year NBA playing career highlighted by a 2014 championship with the San Antonio Spurs.
The Brazilian’s first game on the sideline comes Friday night when the Blazers host the Golden State Warriors.
Source: Hoops Wire
