Here’s a bold statement: The Portland Trail Blazers are at a crossroads, and the decision they make about interim head coach Tiago Splitter could define their future. But here’s where it gets controversial—should they part ways with embattled coach Chauncey Billups, despite his recent contract extension, and fully commit to Splitter? NBA insider Aaditya Krishnamurthy of NBA Analysis thinks so, arguing that Splitter’s unexpected rise has already transformed the team’s trajectory. Let’s break it down.
Splitter, a former backup big man on the 2014 championship-winning San Antonio Spurs, stepped into the head coaching role after Billups was placed on unpaid leave following an FBI indictment. The charges? Alleged involvement in mob-controlled poker games. And this is the part most people miss—Billups’ legal troubles could end his NBA career entirely, leaving the Blazers with a leadership vacuum. But Splitter’s interim tenure has been nothing short of impressive.
Under his guidance, the Blazers have gone 5-2, including stunning victories over powerhouse teams like the 8-1 Oklahoma City Thunder, the 7-2 Los Angeles Lakers, and the 5-2 Denver Nuggets. Krishnamurthy highlights Splitter’s defensive overhaul, which has propelled the Blazers to the 10th-best defense in the league. Compare that to their lone loss under Billups at the start of the season, and it’s clear Splitter has injected a new level of competitiveness into the squad.
Of course, it’s fair to wonder: Would the Blazers have thrived similarly under Billups? The team was on an upward trend last season, and GM Joe Cronin’s strategic moves—like trading for Jrue Holiday and buying out Deandre Ayton—likely played a significant role. But here’s the question that sparks debate—is Splitter’s success a fluke, or has he unlocked something Billups couldn’t? Krishnamurthy leans toward the latter, advocating for Splitter to shed the 'interim' label and take the reins permanently.
Meanwhile, small forward Deni Avdija is emerging as an offensive powerhouse, averaging 24.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. At just 24 years old, his growth under Splitter’s leadership is hard to ignore. Here’s where you come in—do you think the Blazers should fully commit to Splitter, or is it too early to write off Billups? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments.
For more updates on this developing story and other Blazers news, visit Portland Trail Blazers on SI (https://www.si.com/nba/trailblazers).
