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CHICAGO (AP) — Growing up in Brazil, Tiago Splitter used to watch Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in the middle of the night.
“Hidden from my parents and at 1 a.m., watching M.J. games and rooting for the Bulls,” Splitter said with a wry grin.
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That was the most successful period in franchise history. Now the Bulls are hoping to start another winning era with Splitter on the sideline.
The 41-year-old Splitter was formally introduced on Wednesday as the 25th coach in franchise history. He brings a wealth of experience that includes seven years in the NBA as a player and a challenging season as the interim coach of the Portland Trail Blazers.
The addition of Splitter is the team’s most significant move since Bryson Graham took over as executive vice president of basketball operations on May 4. The 6-foot-11 Splitter emerged from a crowded field of candidates that reportedly included Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori, Atlanta Hawks assistant Ryan Schmidt and Wes Unseld Jr., who was on Chicago’s coaching staff last season.
While describing why Splitter was the choice, Graham praised the coach’s competitiveness and his ability to connect with players.
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“We are at the ground floor,” Graham said. “And so when you have someone that has a vision that aligns with yours, that knows how you want to play, and how to build a program, we just, I mean, we couldn’t be more excited.”
Splitter joined Chauncey Billups’ staff in Portland last June. He was elevated from assistant to interim coach when Billups was arrested in October in a federal takedown of a sprawling gambling operation. Billups has pleaded not guilty to charges of wire fraud and money laundering.
Splitter coached Portland to a 42-40 record and a five-game loss to San Antonio in the first round of the playoffs. It was the first playoff appearance and first time the Trail Blazers finished with a winning record since the 2020-21 season.
“It wasn’t an easy situation,” Splitter said. “I think, you know, as the season went to the finish, to the end, we almost forgot about it and that was the great thing. … That was most important…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/tiago-splitter-takes-over-bulls-224800070.html
Author : JAY COHEN
Publish date : 2026-06-17 22:48:00
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