Interim Trail Blazers coach Tiago Splitter has patterned much of his leadership style after Gregg Popovich, Tom Orsborn of The San Antonio Express-News writes.
Splitter, who spent five seasons playing under Popovich in San Antonio and won a championship in 2014, said the biggest influence has been how Popovich builds relationships.
“The way he treats people makes you feel like you are part of a family,” Splitter said of Popovich, who stepped away last May as the NBA’s all-time winningest coach after leading the Spurs to five titles and six Finals appearances.
The former Spurs big man explained that he’s trying to bring that same environment to Portland, emphasizing inclusion and connection across the roster.
“That’s really what I am trying to do here,” he continued. “I have everybody involved. From one to 18 on the roster, everybody has to be part of this. I think that is what I learned most from him, the off-the-court stuff.
“The Xs and Ox, yeah, they are important. I think everybody does that in the league. But the relationship part with the players is what really, really separates Pop from all the coaches.”
Even with Portland exceeding expectations after he took over midseason, Orsborn notes that Splitter is not considered a lock to be named the team’s permanent head coach.
Northwest Notes: Splitter, Nuggets, Daigneault, Hardy https://t.co/03hXnSItMQ pic.twitter.com/iYRH48BRjY
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) April 17, 2026
