As the Trail Blazers' interim head coach, Tiago Splitter made the most of unprecedented circumstances, leading Portland to a 42-40 record and its first playoff appearance in five years.
With Chauncey Billups placed on leave just one game into the season amid shocking federal indictments, this young and inexperienced Blazers roster easily could've crumbled what would've been a throwaway season. Instead, Splitter had them playing the best basketball of the entire rebuild, exceeding expectations to secure the seventh seed in a stacked Western Conference.
Tiago Splitter brought out the best in Portland's players this season
Sure, some of that trajectory would've continued regardless, as Portland's youth continues its upward ascent. But there's no denying that Splitter has become a player's coach. Deni Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe, Scoot Henderson, and Donovan Clingan all had the best seasons of their respective careers.
Some of Splitter's inexperience and Portland's growing pains were exposed in their short playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs. We thought there were a few adjustments he could've made throughout the series, whether it was starting Robert Williams III over a struggling Clingan, giving Sharpe an increased role, or limiting Matisse Thybulle's opportunities when his three-point shot wasn't falling.
But if you were to tell fans at the beginning of the season that Portland would finish above .500, survive the Play-In Tournament, and give San Antonio what was overall a competitive series, they'd be thrilled with that outcome.
The reality is, Splitter has this team right where fans wanted them to be, and there's no reason to break that up this summer. Admittedly, he hasn't been perfect as he needs to refine some in-game adjustments, ATO plays, and overall late-game execution, but those should all come in time as he continues to gain more head coaching experience at the NBA level. Not to mention, some is simply a result of having an inexperienced product on court in Portland.
Most importantly, Splitter has brought out the best in his players.
"I love Tiago. He's a player's coach; he understands the game, and he's won at high levels," Donovan Clingan said after Portland's Game 5 loss to San Antonio. "He never took any shortcuts or took it easy on us. He showed up every day at his best, and I'll always appreciate him for that."
Tom Dundon's arrival threatens Tiago Splitter's case to stay
Splitter has won this locker room over. You can even tell that's the case in terms of the on-court product, particularly towards the end of the season. The growing trust in each other, combined with a healthier roster and lightened schedule, had Portland earn its first playoff appearance of this entire rebuild. Why break up what is clearly positive momentum heading into next year?
The support and backing of Portland's key players should make its coach search simple. Unfortunately, Tom Dundon's arrival has added another layer of complexity in just about every -- and we mean every -- decision-making process throughout the Blazers' organization.
Splitter has made it clear he wants to return as head coach of this team, responding with a simple "yes" when directly asked. But while Splitter had Portland back in the postseason, Dundon was already interviewing coaches.
It remains to be seen which direction Dundon ultimately takes. Not just in terms of who he decides to bring in, if anyone, but also what that offer will ultimately be. Dundon has made it clear he's prioritizing coaching talent over paying for the experience on a resume.
With just one postseason appearance under his belt, Splitter has the ideal blend of what Dundon is looking for. Now, it's a matter of Dundon coming to the realization that the grass isn't always greener, especially when it comes to a coaching carousel that teams are constantly trying to get off.
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