Tiago Splitter will lead the Blazers after Chauncey Billups' arrest

The Portland Trail Blazers' assistant, Tiago Splitter, will assume the role of head coach on an interim basis following the arrest of Chauncey Billups by the FBI in connection to an illegal gambling case, as reported by ESPN. The Oregon franchise also considered Nate Bjorkgren for the position, but he believed it was best for the team to maintain his current role.

Splitter, a Baskonia legend, former NBA player, and 2014 champion with the San Antonio Spurs, served as an assistant in Brooklyn between 2019 and 2023, and in Houston during the 2023-24 season. More recently, he coached Paris Basketball, winning two league championships last season. Now, the Brazilian takes the reins of Portland temporarily amidst a challenging situation for the franchise.

Hours after the initial reports, the FBI held a press conference confirming that Billups' arrest is linked to his involvement in a fraudulent scheme related to illegal and rigged poker games, organized in collaboration with the Sicilian Mafia. The case also involves Damon Jones, a former NBA player. Billups, who earned over $106 million during his playing career, currently receives a salary close to $4.75 million as the Trail Blazers' coach.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Tiago Splitter dirigirá a los Blazers tras el arresto de Chauncey Billups