Tiago Splitter

Tiago Splitter is a Brazilian professional basketball coach and former player whose career spans youth leagues in South America, European basketball, and the NBA. At age 14, Splitter was scouted by Spanish club Baskonia during the South American U16 Championships in Chile. By 15, he moved to Spain's top league with Tau Cerámica (now Baskonia), where he played alongside established athletes. During his decade in Europe, Splitter earned All-EuroLeague First Team honors, won two Liga ACB championships, three Spanish Cups, and four Spanish Super Cups, and received both the Liga ACB MVP and Finals MVP awards. Baskonia retired his No. 21 jersey in recognition of his contributions to the club.

Splitter was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs with the 28th overall pick in the first round of the NBA Draft, remaining in Europe for several seasons before making his NBA debut. He played seven seasons in the NBA, averaging 7.9 points and 5.0 rebounds in 355 games, and set career highs of 10.3 points and 6.4 rebounds in a single campaign. Splitter became the first Brazilian-born player to win an NBA championship when the Spurs captured the title. In Game 1 of the NBA Finals, he started for the Spurs, playing 23 minutes, shooting 5-for-6 from the field, and contributing 14 points, four rebounds, and two blocks, including a block on LeBron James. Internationally, Splitter represented the Brazilian national team, winning the FIBA Americas Championship and finishing fifth at the London Olympics.

After retiring from playing due to hip injuries, Splitter transitioned into coaching, working with several NBA organizations. He served as an assistant coach with the Brooklyn Nets and Houston Rockets, where he contributed to the development of Rockets center Alperen Sengun. Splitter then led Paris Basketball in the EuroLeague to a French Championship before departing after one season.

Splitter became the first Brazilian-born head coach in NBA history when he was named interim head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers. In his debut season, he became the first Trail Blazers head coach to achieve a winning record in his first season with the team since Maurice Cheeks, guiding Portland to a 42–40 record and a postseason berth while leading the NBA in second-chance points per game. Under Splitter's leadership, forward Deni Avdija became an NBA All-Star.

Splitter was later hired as head coach of the Chicago Bulls. Bulls executive vice president Bryson Graham cited Splitter's basketball intellect and ability to connect with and develop players, noting his success as both a player and a coach on multiple continents. Splitter's career reflects perseverance, adaptability, and a lasting commitment to basketball coaching and player development.