Tiago Splitter is out as acting head coach for the Trail Blazers and will be departing the team for the Chicago Bulls, ESPN reported Monday morning. That's a blow for Blazers fans who like what he did for the team this season, and it's a move that indicates the team is running out of time.
Splitter, who was the first coach to have a winning season since Maurice Cheeks in 2001-02, produced a 42-40 record. He also had the trust of the players, and left relatively large shoes that will be difficult to fill.
That reality could be exacerbated by reports that the Blazers are experiencing financial fluctuations; a May 20 decision to lay off scores of employees was billed as being part of Tom Dundon's reorganization plan, but could be indicative of something more dire. In other words, the Blazers need a new coach but may not want to put the kind of money that search requires. Per ESPN, the team is now down to two options: Micah Nori and Tyler Lashbrook.
Micah Nori has 17 years of NBA experience
NBA fans are more than familiar with Nori, who is currently an assistant coach for the Timberwolves. He got his start with the Raptors, where he climbed the ranks from scouting to assistant coaching and worked under two different head coaches before joining the staff of the Sacramento Kings.
He joined the Nuggets as an assistant coach in 2015 and coached the team's Summer League team the same year, ultimately leading them to a 3-0 tournament win. Nori briefly worked for the Pistons before joining the Timberwolves in 2021.
Timberwolves fans are familiar with Nori's propensity for metaphor; he's often called upon to offer analysis and game breakdowns on air, something that's offered fans a glimpse into his coaching mind. He's been up for quite a few head coaching jobs over the last few years, but nothing has stuck—though the Blazers could end up being his first home as head coach.
Tyler Lashbrook isn't quite as established, but has a long NBA tenure
Lashbrook joined the 76ers in 2018 as part of the player development team and also has two stints with the Boston Celtics under his belt (first as part of their player development team for the 2023-24 season and currently as an assistant coach). That's a history that's not quite as extensive as Nori's, but that could qualify him to lead a Blazers organization that's experiencing change.
Lashbrook has been credited with helping Hugo Gonzalez adjust to the NBA, and he also had plenty of success as head coach of the Maine Celtics during the 2023-24 G League season. The jump from player development to head coach in under 10 years would be especially impressive for Lashbrook, and it seems like one he's ready to make.
No matter who the Blazers choose, now that Splitter is officially out, it's clear the team needs to act with urgency and deliberation.
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