The Chicago Bulls enter a critical offseason with several franchise-changing decisions ahead, including how to maximize two top-15 picks in a loaded 2026 NBA Draft. Finding a new head coach is also on the list — and Portland's Tiago Splitter is emerging as an ideal candidate.
The Bulls fired executive VP of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley. Billy Donovan stepped down as head coach shortly thereafter. There's a massive changing of the guard in Chicago, and the organization can't afford any missteps this time around.
Splitter was placed into a unique coaching challenge this season, taking over after Chauncey Billups' arrest. He's thrived, leading the Blazers to the playoffs for the first time in five years.
Portland's ownership change and subsequent series of odd decisions, though, means he'll almost certainly be a free agent this summer.
Chicago should take a long, hard look at the 41-year-old as Donovan's replacement.
Tiago Splitter's coaching skills on display as Blazers push Spurs
This undermanned Portland team is making its first-round series against the San Antonio Spurs more competitive than it deserves to be. And Splitter is at the heart of it.
The Trail Blazers had to win a play-in contest against the Phoenix Suns just to qualify for the playoffs and get a shot at Victor Wembanyama's second-seeded Spurs. (Ironically, that victory handed the Bulls the 15th pick in this summer's draft.) But Portland has exceeded expectations.
Splitter's team earned an upset road victory in Game 2, holding the Spurs to 103 points (though Wembanyama did exit in the second quarter with a concussion).
The Blazers held a 15-point lead with five minutes left in the third quarter of Game 3 before ultimately falling victim to Steph Castle and Dylan Harper.
Portland was never expected to win the series, and it probably won't. But Splitter's Blazers are clearly punching above their weight.
Why Tiago Splitter would be an ideal fit for the Bulls
Splitter's resume should be interesting to Chicago for several reasons.
One, he's maximizing a roster that isn't among the most talented in the NBA. The Bulls can relate.
Two, he played for and won a championship under Gregg Popovich in San Antonio. He's also coached the Brazilian National Team and led Paris Basketball to its first LNB Élite championship as its head coach.
Three, his coaching style would fit in Chicago. Splitter prides himself on creating a people-focused culture like Popovich did. That approach would come in handy with what is sure to be a young and inexperienced group of players.
And four, he uses a creative scheme built on both NBA and international styles. He'll adjust based on his roster, but likes his teams to play with tempo, create pressure and make rapid decisions on offense. That would work for cornerstones Matas Buzelish and Josh Giddey.
Portland's fresh and cheap approach under new owner Tom Dundon should make Splitter available this offseason. The Bulls have every reason to seriously consider him as Donovan's replacement.
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