Story by
Tiago Splitter buzz grows with in-person interview
- Story by
- Tiago Splitter buzz grows with in-person interview
Tiago Splitter buzz grows with in-person interview appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Chicago Bulls have appeared to narrow down their list of finalists for the head coach position. Among those is Portland Trail Blazers interim head coach Tiago Splitter .
Advertisement
On Thursday, Splitter arrived in Chicago for an in-person interview with the Bulls, per Dwight Jaynes. A sign that the Bulls are leaning heavily towards him.
According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, Chicago is looking to provide Splitter a long-term deal in contrast to what the Blazers are prioritizing. Meanwhile, Siegel reports that the Blazers' owner, Tom Dundon, said that Portland discussed bringing Splitter back.
However, he would likely be offered a lower-paying contract due to the Blazers' making drastic cuts to their staff .
Spiltter is coming off a season taking over for Chauncey Billups as head coach in Portland. He then led the Blazers to the postseason with a 42-40 record. Ultimately, they lost to the San Antonio Spurs in five games in the first round. He is also a candidate for NBA Coach of the Year .
Advertisement
Among the other candidates Chicago is eyeing include Minnesota Timberwolves associate head coach Micah Nori, Atlanta Hawks assistant Ryan Schmidt, and Chicago assistant Wes Unseld Jr.
In April, Billy Donovan stepped down as the head coach of the Bulls after six seasons, all against the backdrop of a top-down change, which included the hiring of Bryson Graham as VP of Basketball Operations .
Graham has made it a point to look for a specific type of coach—one who prioritizes player development and is willing to adapt in an NBA that demands it.
Related: What I'm hearing about Bulls' Tiago Splitter pursuit, potential NBA draft trade-up targets
Related: Bulls rumors: 4 expected finalists to replace Billy Donovan
