Tiago Splitter is returning to the NBA.
According to a report from Chema de Lucas, the Paris Basketball head coach will join Chauncey Billups’ staff in Portland as an assistant coach.
Splitter, who made his head coaching debut this past season, guided Paris to a breakout EuroLeague campaign. The French club surged to the top of the standings during the first half before ultimately finishing 8th.
Paris was eliminated in the EuroLeague playoffs by eventual champions Fenerbahce.
The 40-year-old Brazilian took over in Paris after Tuomas Iisalo departed to eventually become the Memphis Grizzlies head coach. Under Splitter, Paris maintained an aggressive defensive identity and fast-paced offense.
His return to the NBA reunites him with the league where he spent seven seasons as a player, including a key role in the San Antonio Spurs’ 2014 championship run.
Before coaching Paris, Splitter held developmental and assistant coaching roles with the Brooklyn Nets.
Now, he joins a Trail Blazers organization in transition. Portland finished 21-61 last season and is focused on rebuilding around young core players like Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe.
