Tiago Splitter has been thrust into the NBA spotlight, taking over the Trail Blazers’ head coaching duties on an interim basis with Chauncey Billups on indefinite leave. The circumstances in which Splitter suddenly became the head coach were far from ideal, he told Joe Freeman of The Oregonian and other media members.
“Honestly, a tough moment. But I’ve got to do my job,” he said. “I’ve been in this position in a different level. But also, in a way, looking forward to show my skills and lead a team. So that was a positive part of it.”
Here’s more on the Blazers:
- Lead assistant coach Nate Bjorkgren had previous head coaching experience but Bjorkgren told GM Joe Cronin that Splitter was the best choice to take over, Ramona Shelburne of ESPN reports. Bjorkgren felt he could best help the team in his current role, running the defense, Shelburne adds.
- In Splitter’s head coaching debut, Portland blew out Golden State, 139-119. “I would be embarrassed to sit here and blame fatigue when a team just came out and took it to us. It was about them and their great play,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said, per Shelburne. “This city is going to really enjoy watching the Blazers. They play hard. They have a real identity. They’re doing a really good job of rebuilding the franchise after the long run with Terry [Stotts] and Dame [Lillard] and CJ [McCollum]. It’s been a rough couple of years, but they’ve used that time wisely and built a really good roster.”
- Who are the candidates to replace Billups if he’s not exonerated? Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian (subscription required) looks at a dozen potential replacements.
- Tyronn Lue has been close friends with Billups for many years. The Clippers head coach said Billups is in good spirits. “Chauncey is my best friend that had to go through something like this, the allegations, his family, my goddaughters,” Lue said, per Janis Carr of the Orange County Register. “So, it was a tough day and you never want to see any of your friends go through anything like that.” Lue spoke with Billups on Thursday night. “Just to hear his voice saying that he’s OK, (I could tell) he’s good,” Lue said. “I could tell in his voice if it’s not really good, so he feels good. And that’s all I wanted to make sure of.”
- That flies in the face of Billups’ demeanor in court — emotionless with a hollow look in his eyes, Jason Quick of The Athletic notes. Billups is normally positive and forthright — one of the most popular former players and current coaches in the league — which makes the allegations against him even more shocking, Quick notes.
kerr needs to take some of the blame. The defense was horrible. I saw too much standing around on rebounds. Only Kuminga was going after lose balls. Portland was hitting all their 3s which happens sometimes but they were more agressive attacking the basket. 25 TO and you will lose the game. GSW needed to slow down the offense but tried to play fast with a faster team and lost.
@arc89, Thank you. Kerr is back to showing the world that small ball is the way. Portland is long and fast. So Kerr comes with 3 guard lineups and no bigs. With Horford resting and Draymond in foul trouble, we’re dead meat.
ELEPHANT IN THE LIVING ROOM: ROSTER CONSTRUCTION:.
When Horford is healthy and available, we’ll usually get by. But we remain one rim-protecting, rebounding, big man short of contending. Not a starter, but a rotation-quality big that can give us 16-20 minutes when we are outsized. Which will be most games.
I had held out hope that Post and TJD might be adequate, but I’m now out on both of them. Post can be used situationally when we need a stretch 5, but he’s not a rotation player on a contending team.
TJD was playing well last night but for some reason he took him out. Why isn’t Post being used as a rim protector? Kerr had him away from teh basket guarding the 3 pt line. Go with a zone defense using post as a rim protector. hard watching Podz letting players get by him playing too close to players.
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Man shout out to Nate Bjorkgren for being a solid team guy
Are we supposed to feel empathy or care for Billups? Rozier? Jones?