The Portland Trail Blazers are bolstering their coaching staff under head coach Chauncey Billups with several new additions, including Tiago Splitter and Patrick St. Andrews as assistant coaches, according to multiple sources. Splitter's move back to the NBA was initially reported by international basketball writer Chema de Lucas. These appointments are part of a broader effort to bring diverse experience and strategic depth to the team's leadership.

Tiago Splitter, a former NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014 and a three-time All-EuroLeague center with Baskonia, is making a notable return to the NBA coaching ranks. His coaching journey began in 2019, where he served as an assistant for the Brooklyn Nets for four seasons (2019-2023). Following his tenure with the Nets, reports on his subsequent NBA assistant role in the 2023-24 season vary, with some sources indicating a stint with the Houston Rockets and others with the Atlanta Hawks. Most recently, Splitter transitioned to a head coaching role in Europe, taking the helm of Paris Basketball for the 2024-25 season. In his debut season as head coach, he led the EuroLeague newcomers to a remarkable playoff appearance, a run widely described as a "Cinderella season." Paris Basketball, under Splitter's guidance, was lauded for a dynamic, fast-paced style of play, which Splitter himself described as "faster than a lot of NBA teams." His impressive performance earned him a tie for third place in the EuroLeague Coach of the Year voting. As of early June 2025, Splitter and Paris Basketball were competing in the French League playoffs. Beyond his club commitments, Splitter also serves as an assistant coach for the Brazilian national team.

Splitter's coaching philosophy has been influenced by figures like Gregg Popovich. He once shared insights into Popovich's style, stating, "On the court, he’d be tough, demanding — practice, game, on point... But then off the court, he was a guy who would sit with me, talk to me, have a glass of wine with me... talk about my family, what I’m expecting about the future, talk about my childhood — anything. And that connection changes everything." This balance of demanding professionalism and personal connection is a hallmark Splitter may bring to the Trail Blazers.

Joining Splitter is Patrick St. Andrews, an experienced assistant coach who most recently served with the Memphis Grizzlies. St. Andrews' tenure in Memphis concluded following the dismissal of head coach Taylor Jenkins in late March. His coaching resume includes an initial assistant role with the Atlanta Hawks starting in 2017, followed by a five-year period in Milwaukee before he joined the Grizzlies. Notably, St. Andrews was one of only two assistants retained during a previous revamp of Jenkins' coaching staff, underscoring his value and adaptability.

The addition of Splitter and St. Andrews is part of a broader enhancement of the Trail Blazers' coaching team. Reports also suggest that Quinton Crawford, currently a G League coach for the Sacramento Kings, is an upcoming addition to Billups' staff. These appointments are expected to provide strong support for Chauncey Billups as the Trail Blazers look to build and develop their roster.