Tiago Splitter pointed to internal progress after the Portland Trail Blazers were eliminated 4-1 by the San Antonio Spurs in the first-round series.
He said, “The staff got better as an organization. We figured out things and we got better. That’s what you want. You want to see improvement. You want to see players making better decisions. You want the staff making better decisions, myself making better decisions. I think we did that throughout the season and I see that as a positive.”
He also emphasized the team’s ability to respond under pressure, highlighting consistency through setbacks across a demanding campaign. “I use this word a lot of times this year: resilient. This group was a resilient group,” Splitter said, pointing to injuries, rotation changes, and constant adjustments as defining elements of the season.
Splitter reflected on his growth in his first full year leading the group, focusing on day-to-day coaching adaptation and communication. “I just kept fighting every day, day by day,” he said, adding that he learned “how to push the right buttons with the players” and how to better manage in-game decisions, preparation, and practice structure.
On his future with the franchise, Splitter confirmed ongoing discussions with team leadership and ownership as the organization evaluates next steps. “We decided we’re going to talk. I don’t know when,” he said, while also noting, “There’s a lot of talking right now and I think some of them are exaggerations, clickbaits and stuff like that.”
The interim coach also reviewed Portland’s tactical identity over the season, referencing the “blender” offensive system that emphasized shared creation. He acknowledged potential adjustments moving forward, stating, “We even joke, you know, maybe we need a little bit more set plays and a little bit more old school, slow,” and added, “I will do certain things differently for sure. I’ll be a little bit more organized, a little bit less random.”
Splitter credited Deni Avdija’s rise as a central development during the year, pointing to increased responsibility and efficiency. “Deni stepped up his game and got better on readings throughout the game,” he said, linking improvement to both player work and coaching structure.
Defensively, he highlighted the impact of Donovan Clingan’s on that end of the floor. “He’s elite,” Splitter said, adding that the player is “so proud to be the best defender on the court every time.”
Splitter closed by emphasizing the value of playoff experience and roster versatility as building blocks, framing the season as a foundation for future progression rather than an endpoint.
