The Portland Trail Blazers were previously viewed as "unlikely" to keep Tiago Splitter as head coach next season, according to Jake Fischer. However, the NBA insider's latest intel on The Stein Line suggests that Portland is warming up to the idea of keeping Splitter.
"It's unclear at this juncture. After initial pessimism regarding Splitter's chances of becoming Billups' full-time replacement, there were whispers circulating Monday that it can no longer be ruled out."
Blazers are reconsidering their Tiago Splitter stance
As evidenced by their first postseason appearance in five years, the Blazers made significant progress this season. They entered the season with low expectations of a 33.5 projected win total. Despite losing their head coach one game into the season and being one of the most injury-riddled teams in the league, Splitter kept the ship steady. Or maybe he defused the grenade?
"On the court, if they throw you the ball with no time in the shot clock and you have to shoot that's called a 'grenade.' And I think that's what Tiago got thrown this season," Matisse Thybulle said at his exit interview. "As far as I'm concerned, Tiago did an amazing job. He knocked it out of the park."
This is just one of several player endorsements, showing Splitter's strength as a players' coach.
We saw that in the on-court product too, with multiple players having the best season of their respective careers, most notably Deni Avdija's All-Star ascension.
Blazers should allow Tiago Splitter to grow with his players
Splitter will be the first one to admit he has areas to improve as a head coach. But we saw his growth align with the players' as the season progressed, with Portland hitting its stride to survive the Play-In Tournament.
Why risk breaking up that momentum by unnecessarily bringing in someone else when this current formula is clearly working?
Splitter responded with a simple "yes" when asked directly if he'd like to return as head coach of this team. But while he was busy keeping his young, inexperienced team afloat during a season in which things easily could've turned south, new owner Tom Dundon was already exploring potential replacements. Even veteran head coaches such as Tom Thibodeau and Michael Malone declined to talk to Portland because they were trying to initiate the process while Splitter was still in the postseason.
It's understandable that Dundon wants to consider all his options, and he has the right to do so. But there's a reason teams like the Chicago Bulls are already considering Splitter as their head coach -- he crushed his surprise audition this season. How that isn't enough to give Splitter the leg up against this wide net of options Portland is casting is surprising. But at least, it seems like they are finally reconsidering that decision.
The Blazers season was an overall success, and there's no reason to move on from their head coach. Oftentimes, the grass isn't greener when it comes to the coaching carousel. Portland needs to realize that before it's too late.
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