The Portland Trail Blazers are in a state of transition after a shocking scandal rocked the NBA. Chauncey Billups, the team’s head coach, was arrested and indicted for his alleged involvement in an illegal gambling operation tied to organized crime. This has led to a sudden shift in leadership, with Tiago Splitter stepping in as the interim head coach. Let’s take a closer look at who Splitter is, what happened, and how this affects the team.
The Scandal That Changed Everything
The incident that led to Billups’ arrest began with an FBI investigation into illegal poker games linked to East Coast organized crime families. According to federal prosecutors, Billups was allegedly involved as a “face card” — someone who attracted players to the games. These games were supposedly “square,” but they were actually rigged against participants. Billups reportedly received a cut of the proceeds from these operations.
Billups was indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. He appeared in court in Portland on Thursday afternoon and was released on bond with travel restrictions and passport surrender. His next court date is scheduled for November 24.
The NBA responded swiftly, placing Billups on immediate leave from the Trail Blazers. The league also placed guard Terry Rozier on leave due to his own involvement in the same investigation.
Portland released a statement confirming the situation:
“We are aware of the allegations involving head coach Chauncey Billups, and the Trail Blazers are fully cooperating with the investigation. Billups has been placed on immediate leave, and Tiago Splitter will assume head coaching duties in the interim.”
Who Is Tiago Splitter?
Tiago Splitter is a former NBA player and now a rising figure in coaching. Standing at 6’11”, he played seven seasons in the league, most notably with the San Antonio Spurs. He was a key member of the 2014 championship team, starting 50 games and averaging 8.2 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. Over his career, he averaged 7.9 points per game while shooting an impressive 55.5% from the field.
After retiring in 2017, Splitter transitioned to coaching. He served as a player development coach for the Brooklyn Nets from 2019 to 2023, surviving multiple coaching changes during the tenure of Steve Nash and Jacque Vaughn. In 2023, he joined the Houston Rockets as an assistant coach before taking a one-year break in Europe.
In 2025, Splitter returned to the NBA as an assistant under Chauncey Billups with the Trail Blazers. His experience, combined with his calm demeanor, made him a logical choice to step in as interim head coach.
Why Was Splitter Chosen?
There had been speculation that Nate Bjorkgren, another assistant coach, might be named the interim head coach. Bjorkgren previously served as the head coach of the Indiana Pacers and had taken over for Billups during a previous absence last season. However, the Trail Blazers’ front office decided to go with Splitter instead.
Splitter’s background in both playing and coaching, along with his familiarity with the team, likely played a role in the decision. He has already shown leadership on the court, leading the Blazers to their first win of the season with a 139-119 victory over the Golden State Warriors.
When asked about the situation, Splitter focused on moving forward:
“I’m focused on moving forward. The mood in the facility wasn’t good, but I’m ready for what comes next.”
What’s Next for the Trail Blazers?
With Splitter at the helm, the focus is on stabilizing the team and maintaining performance. The Blazers have struggled under Billups, finishing below .500 in every season he led the team. With Splitter’s experience and leadership, there is hope for a more positive direction.
The team’s roster includes stars like Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, and the coaching change could bring a fresh perspective. Splitter’s approach to the game — emphasizing teamwork, defense, and player development — may help the Blazers find their footing.
The Impact on the NBA
This scandal has raised concerns about the integrity of the game. The NBA has always taken allegations of gambling and corruption seriously, and this case is no exception. The league has stated that it is reviewing the federal indictments and will continue to cooperate with authorities.
The incident also highlights the risks associated with high-profile athletes and coaches being drawn into illegal activities. Billups and Rozier are not the first NBA figures to face such issues, but this case is particularly significant due to the involvement of organized crime.
The Road Ahead
As the Trail Blazers prepare for the rest of the season, the focus will be on Splitter’s leadership and the team’s ability to adapt. Fans are eager to see how the new coaching style will affect the team’s performance.
For now, the story remains one of the most talked-about developments in US trending news. The outcome of the legal proceedings against Billups and Rozier will also be closely watched, as it could have long-term implications for the NBA and its reputation.
Final Thoughts
The sudden departure of Chauncey Billups has created a major shift in the Portland Trail Blazers’ direction. Tiago Splitter, with his basketball IQ and coaching experience, is now the man in charge. While the circumstances are unfortunate, the opportunity for a fresh start is real.
As the season progresses, fans will be watching closely to see if Splitter can lead the team to success and restore confidence in the franchise.
Author: Jordan Lee
Title/Role: Sports Analyst and Journalist
Credentials: Jordan Lee is a seasoned sports journalist with over a decade of experience covering the NBA and other major leagues. He has contributed to several national publications and is known for his in-depth analysis and storytelling.
Profile Link: JordanLeeSports.com
Sources:
– NBA Official Website
– ESPN NBA Coverage
– Portland Tribune
CTA: Stay updated with the latest news on the Portland Trail Blazers and other US trending news by following our sports section regularly.
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Featured Snippet (40-60 words):
Chauncey Billups, the Portland Trail Blazers’ head coach, was arrested and indicted for alleged involvement in an illegal gambling operation. Tiago Splitter has been named the interim head coach. The NBA has placed Billups on immediate leave, and the team is now under Splitter’s leadership.
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