It’s been a chaotic start to the 2025–26 NBA season, and no team has felt the turbulence quite like the Portland Trail Blazers. Just days after head coach Chauncey Billups was arrested in connection with an alleged illegal gambling operation investigated by the FBI, the organization suddenly found itself in crisis.
In the wake of the stunning scandal, assistant coach Tiago Splitter was thrust into the spotlight as interim head coach, and his debut couldn’t have gone better. With emotions running high, Splitter guided the Blazers to a resounding 139–119 victory over the Golden State Warriors and addressed the situation for the first time, offering a measured, emotional response.
Tiago Splitter Speaks Out After Chauncey Billups’ Arrest
A 17-year veteran of the game, Billups was one of the best point guards of his era, winning a championship and the Finals MVP in 2004. Nicknamed “Mr. Big Shot,” he was one of the best clutch shot-makers in the history of the sport and seamlessly transitioned from floor general to head coach, carving a new identity on the sidelines in Portland.
However, four years into his tenure with the Trail Blazers, a shocking investigation into poker games rigged by the mafia has gotten him arrested. The role Billups played was of a “Face Card,” a recognizable professional athlete who could attract other big-money players to lose at the game. The exact details, obtained from the indictment, are a shocking read.
In the aftermath, Splitter, who joined the organization in June as an assistant coach, addressed the situation with a calm, empathetic tone. “These guys are human beings and we understand that,” he said. “But (we’re) trying to focus on the basketball part for sure.”
Tiago Splitter steps into his interim role as Blazers head coach in place of Chauncey Billups: “We have a job to do.”
On the mood at facility yesterday: “Not great.” Can he have contact with Billups? “No.” Splitter: “I have to be ready. I was ready. I am ready.” pic.twitter.com/C1fIrXAhQf — Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 25, 2025
The NBA moved quickly following the news of Billups’ arrest, placing the veteran coach on immediate administrative leave Thursday after federal agents charged him with money laundering and wire fraud conspiracy.
When asked to describe the chaotic day of Billups’ arrest, Splitter didn’t sugarcoat it. “Not great. Not great. But, like I said, we’ve got to move forward, we’ve got a job to do. I’m not going to get tired of repeating this. We have great opportunity in front of us to (have) a great season with this team, and I’m excited about that,” he said.
Splitter also revealed that he has been instructed not to contact Billups directly and declined to comment on the effect of the gambling investigation on the NBA, saying he didn’t want to put himself in a “tough position.”
Still, his respect and empathy for the embattled coach were clear. “We all had great experiences with Chauncey and how he coached,” Splitter said. “And we are thinking of him and his family. But we’ve got a job to do. We’ve got a job to do and move forward.”
It’s certainly a difficult chapter for Billups and those close to him, but on the court, Portland showed remarkable resilience.
Even as Stephen Curry exploded for 35 points, the Blazers crushed Golden State’s early-season momentum with a dominant 20-point victory. Eight Portland players scored in double figures, with Deni Avdija leading the charge with 26 points while Jerami Grant put up 22 off the bench. It was a statement win that underscored Splitter’s message: the team is moving forward, one game at a time.
