Tiago Splitter was thrown into the fire as a result of unprecedented circumstances, with Chauncey Billups placed on leave just one game into the season amid federal indictments. While Splitter has been serviceable, this recent 157-103 blowout loss to the Denver Nuggets was the latest reminder of how far away this Portland Trail Blazers team is from truly contending.
With the goal of eventually joining that tier of contenders in the coming seasons, the Blazers may be better off bringing in someone with a proven track record and more experience than Splitter. Former Nuggets coach Michael Malone could be their best bet this summer.
Blazers have no choice but to reevaluate their head coach after the season
If the Blazers do move on from Splitter, Malone and ex-Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins stand out as two intriguing options.
You could make a strong case for Jenkins centered around his experience developing a young roster in Memphis and establishing a defensive identity. There are similarities between Portland's and Memphis' roster construction and vision, which could arguably make Jenkins a better fit than Malone.
That may have been the case a few seasons ago, but this Blazers team is looking to accelerate its rebuilding timeline and enter its next phase as a legitimate playoff team. Malone is the one who knows what it takes to win at the highest level, and that proven championship DNA should take precedence over anything else.
Splitter has been fine in this coaching gap year. But this was always going to be a transitional season for Portland, as they patiently wait for Damian Lillard to return from his Achilles tear. Next year is when the Blazers should have realistic playoff expectations, and there's no better way to improve their immediate outlook than bringing Malone into the picture.
Splitter has shown flashes of being a capable head coach at the NBA level, but those have also come with inevitable growing pains. The most frustrating aspect has been the questionable rotations throughout the season, which haven't been entirely his fault, given the plethora of injuries Portland has suffered this year. The remaining stretch of this season should be very telling.
The biggest thing they need to clean up? Defense. The Blazers entered the season as a team expected to have a strong defensive identity. They've been a middle-of-the-pack defense, recently highlighted by surrendering a season-high 157 points (!!) to Denver.
It may be time for a change as Portland leans more into its newfound star power and less into its defense. If they ultimately decide to embrace that shift, Malone could be their best bet to achieve it, having won at the highest level with Nikola Jokic.