Blazers' Tiago Splitter 'Just Trying to Be A Pro' Amid NBA Rumors on HC Search

Tiago Splitter is making a strong argument to become the full-time head coach for the Portland Trail Blazers after leading the team to the playoffs this season.

Asked about the rumors of Blazers governor Tom Dundon exploring other potential candidates for the job, Splitter took a diplomatic approach to the situation.

"Just trying to be a pro, Splitter told reporters prior to Tuesday's Game 2 between the Blazers and San Antonio Spurs. "[I] try to focus on my locker room and my staff to stay and think about basketball. Same way when I got the job and all the stuff that was going on."

The Blazers will look to hire a full-time head coach in the offseason. Jason Quick of The Athletic reported that Dundon has previously contacted people like Michael Malone and Tom Thibodeau about potentially taking over.

Malone came off the board after taking the North Carolina job. Thibodeau is "no longer a candidate," per Quick. Josh Schertz of St. Louis University and Ben McCollum of Iowa were also cited as previously having contact with Dundon.

Per ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, Splitter and the Blazers have tabled their discussions about his future until the offseason.

Splitter, who previously spent time as an assistant with the Brooklyn Nets (2019 to '23) and Houston Rockets (2023-24), led the Blazers to a 42-39 record in his 81 games as interim head coach this season. They made the playoffs for the first time since 2020-21.

Tuesday night saw the Trail Blazers beat the Spurs 106-103 in Game 2 of the Western Conference first-round series for their first victory in a postseason game since May 29, 2021.

Moda Center will host Game between the Spurs and Blazers on Friday at 10:30 p.m. ET.