Blazers’ Splitter comments on Dundon: ‘Aiming to act professionally’
SAN ANTONIO — Tiago Splitter, the interim head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, stated that he is “just trying to be a pro” and is concentrating on the team’s first playoff appearance in five years, amid reports that new owner Tom Dundon is in discussions with external candidates for his replacement.
“Just trying to be a pro,” Splitter remarked prior to the Blazers’ 106-103 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night. “[I] aim to focus on my locker room and my staff to remain centered on basketball. It’s the same approach I took when I assumed the role and during all the circumstances that unfolded.”
Splitter was appointed as Portland’s interim head coach following the arrest of Chauncey Billups by the FBI as part of a federal probe into a manipulated high-stakes power scheme connected to organized crime. Billups has pleaded not guilty to charges of money laundering and wire fraud.
Taking charge the day after the arrest, Splitter has guided the team to a 42-40 record, securing the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference playoffs, and has overseen the growth of All-Star forward Deni Avdija, who has been named a finalist for Most Improved Player this season.
According to sources familiar with the situation, Splitter received a salary increase from his assistant coaching position and discussions regarding a longer-term contract took place during the season. However, the salary offered to him to continue as the Trail Blazers’ head coach was significantly lower than the typical NBA head coaching salary, and further negotiations were postponed until after the season, sources indicated.
The Oregonian reported last week that Dundon aims to offer around $1 million annually for a head coach. His objective, as per the report, is to enhance the efficiency of the organization, similar to his approach when he acquired the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes. On Sunday, the Rose Garden Report noted that as part of the franchise’s new cost-reduction strategies, the Blazers did not send any of their two-way players to the playoffs, a move not seen with any other playoff team.
NBA reporter Jake Fischer disclosed this week that Dundon has begun conversations with 15-20 potential candidates, which include college coaches and NBA assistant coaches.
Sources informed ESPN that another recent cost-cutting measure involved reducing the number of complimentary tickets for home playoff games allocated to support staff.
When asked before Tuesday night’s Game 2 if the unusual situation was impacting the team as they prepared for the playoffs, Splitter mentioned that he addressed the team at the start of the play-in tournament, advising them “that it’s not the time to be on social media or consuming everything that is out there or even on TV. A few coaches I had shared that advice with me. I understand it’s challenging. Social media is integral to our lives, but we need to focus on basketball.”
The team appeared to heed his advice, as they achieved an upset in Game 2, leveling the series at 1-1.
