Tiago Splitter is steering clear of discussions about his exit from the Portland Trail Blazers.
During a media session in Chicago on Wednesday, just after being announced as the new head coach for the Bulls, Splitter addressed inquiries regarding his Portland departure with a straightforward and somewhat enigmatic reply.
“I really want to leave that behind,” Splitter stated. “I’m focusing on the Bulls; that’s my priority right now. The Blazers’ chapter is closed for me. I respect everyone’s opinions, but there has already been too much said. It’s time to move forward, and my focus is on the Chicago Bulls.”
Speculation within the league suggests that Splitter’s departure might have been influenced by the Blazers’ owner, Tom Dundon, allegedly not offering a satisfactory financial package, which Splitter supposedly wasn’t willing to accept.
Splitter takes the reins from Chauncey Billups, who is currently embroiled in federal charges related to a gambling scandal. Under Splitter’s leadership, the Blazers achieved a 42-40 season, marking their first playoff appearance since 2021.
The Blazers lost to the eventual Western Conference champion Spurs in the First Round.
Splitter was the first Blazers coach to have a winning record in his first season with the team since 2001-02, and led the team to a top-10 defense across their final 51 games.
Despite his cryptic answer Wednesday, Splitter still thanked the Blazers for his tenure.
“Thank you to everyone in the organization for your daily dedication and support from day (one),” Splitter wrote on Instagram. “Thank you to the fans for all the love and encouragement. Thank you for the opportunity to be part of this journey.”
Splitter succeeds Billy Donovan, who spent six years in Chicago before resigning in April. Donovan went 226-256 with the Bulls, and made the playoffs just once, in 2022.
The new Bulls coach inherits a team that went 31-51 this season, led by guard Josh Giddey, who averaged 17 points per game.
The Bulls also have the fourth pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, giving them the opportunity to hand Splitter a franchise player to work with immediately.
Splitter also brings championship pedigree to Chicago as a former player, as he won the 2014 Finals with the Spurs.
The 2007 first-round pick averaged 7.9 points per game across his seven-year career, and now looks to catapult a middling Bulls team back to contention.