What Should You Know About Tiago Splitter? – Tiago Splitter has one of the most compelling journeys in modern basketball—a Brazilian big man who became an NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs and has now emerged as a rising coaching star. For NBA fans in the USA, Splitter represents international talent, championship pedigree, and adaptability in a league that values player development and leadership. Here’s everything you should know.
Who Is Tiago Splitter?
Tiago Splitter Beims, born January 1, 1985, in Joinville, Santa Catarina, Brazil, stands at 6’11” (211 cm) and weighs around 245 lbs. He played as a power forward/center and is now the head coach of the Chicago Bulls.
A dual Brazilian-Spanish citizen, Splitter built a strong European career before entering the NBA and has transitioned successfully into coaching. He is known for his high basketball IQ, efficiency around the basket, and steady leadership.
Early Life and Path to Professional Basketball
Splitter was born in Brazil and showed early promise in basketball. At a young age, he moved to Spain to pursue professional opportunities, joining clubs like Baskonia (Tau Cerámica). He left home as a teenager, facing significant personal and cultural challenges.
His sister Michelle, a talented basketball player, tragically passed away from leukemia in 2009 at age 19, a loss that deeply impacted him. Splitter has spoken openly about the sacrifices and resilience required for his career.
European Career Highlights
Before the NBA, Splitter was a dominant force in the Spanish ACB League and EuroLeague with Baskonia. Achievements include:
- Multiple Liga ACB championships and cups.
- 3x All-EuroLeague Team selections (First Team in 2008).
- Liga ACB MVP and Finals MVP honors.
He was drafted 28th overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2007 NBA Draft but stayed in Europe to develop until 2010.
NBA Playing Career: Spurs Championship and Beyond
Splitter debuted with the Spurs in the 2010-11 season. He played primarily for San Antonio (2010-2015), contributing as a reliable backup/rotation big with strong efficiency (career 55.5% FG).
Key NBA stats (regular season):
- 355 games, 7.9 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.2 APG in 19.2 MPG.
- Peak season 2012-13: 10.3 PPG and 6.4 RPG.
He was a key part of the 2014 NBA Championship team with the Spurs, becoming the first Brazilian-born player to win an NBA title. Splitter later played for the Atlanta Hawks (2015-16) and Philadelphia 76ers (2016-17) before retiring in 2018 due to injuries.
Post-Retirement: Coaching Journey
Splitter began coaching as an NBA assistant (Brooklyn Nets, Houston Rockets). He then took the head coaching job with Paris Basketball in the EuroLeague, leading them to the playoffs in his rookie season.
In 2025-26, he became interim head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers amid turmoil. He guided the young team to a 42-40 record and a playoff appearance—their first in years—earning praise for player development and stability.
Current Role: Head Coach of the Chicago Bulls
In June 2026, the Chicago Bulls hired Tiago Splitter as their new head coach, succeeding Billy Donovan. Bulls executives highlighted his leadership, championship experience, and focus on developing young talent amid the team’s rebuild.
This marks a major step for the Brazilian coach in the NBA.
Personal Life and Legacy
Splitter has been married twice and has children. He remains connected to his Brazilian roots and has inspired many in Latin America through his success.
As both player and coach, Splitter embodies hard work, adaptability, and team-first basketball—values instilled during his Spurs days under Gregg Popovich.
Why Tiago Splitter Matters for NBA Fans?
Whether you’re a Spurs fan reminiscing about the 2014 title run, a Bulls supporter excited for the future, or simply interested in international basketball stories, Splitter’s path from Brazil to NBA champion and now head coach is worth following. His emphasis on player development could be key for Chicago’s young core.
Stay updated on his coaching tenure with the Bulls through official NBA sources and team sites.
Sources include Basketball-Reference, NBA.com, ESPN, Wikipedia, and recent reports from 2026.
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