Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Tiago Splitter

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 1, 2026

How Tiago Splitter built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Tiago Splitter is a Brazilian professional basketball coach and former player. He currently serves as the interim head coach for the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA. Before his NBA career, Splitter was a three-time All-EuroLeague Team selection. In 2014, he made history as the first Brazilian-born player to win an NBA championship, achieving this feat with the San Antonio Spurs.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1999: Began Professional Career

In 1999, Tiago Splitter began his professional basketball career.

2000: Debut in Liga ACB

In 2000, Tiago Splitter started playing in Spain's top-level league, the Liga ACB.

2002: Played in FIBA World Cup

In 2002, Tiago Splitter played for Brazil in the FIBA World Cup.

2006: Played in FIBA World Cup

In 2006, Tiago Splitter played for Brazil in the FIBA World Cup.

2006: Expected to Declare for NBA Draft

In 2006, Tiago Splitter was expected to declare for the NBA draft, but remained in the Spanish ACB League due to the expensive buyout of his contract.

2007: Drafted by San Antonio Spurs

In 2007, Tiago Splitter was selected by the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the NBA draft, with the 28th overall pick.

May 28, 2008: Re-signed with Saski Baskonia

On May 28, 2008, Tiago Splitter re-signed with Saski Baskonia on a two-year contract, remaining in the Spanish ACB League.

June 7, 2008: Informed Spurs he would not come to San Antonio

On June 7, 2008, Tiago Splitter informed the San Antonio Spurs that he would not be joining them for the 2008-09 NBA season.

2009: Continued with Saski Baskonia

In 2009, Tiago Splitter continued playing with Saski Baskonia, remaining in the Spanish ACB League.

July 9, 2010: Opted out of Contract to Sign with Spurs

On July 9, 2010, Tiago Splitter opted out of his contract with Saski Baskonia to sign with the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA.

July 12, 2010: Signed with San Antonio Spurs

On July 12, 2010, Tiago Splitter officially signed a contract with the San Antonio Spurs, believed to be worth $11 million over three years.

2010: Played in FIBA World Cup

In 2010, Tiago Splitter played for Brazil in the FIBA World Cup.

2012: Played in Summer Olympics

In 2012, Tiago Splitter played for Brazil in the Summer Olympics.

2012: Productive Season with Spurs

In 2012, Tiago Splitter played his most productive season with the Spurs, averaging 10.3 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.

July 13, 2013: Re-signed with the Spurs

On July 13, 2013, Tiago Splitter re-signed with the San Antonio Spurs.

2013: NBA Finals Appearance

In 2013, Tiago Splitter and the San Antonio Spurs advanced to the NBA Finals, losing to the Miami Heat in seven games.

June 15, 2014: Won First NBA Championship

On June 15, 2014, Tiago Splitter won his first NBA championship after the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Miami Heat in the 2014 NBA Finals.

2014: NBA Championship

In 2014, Tiago Splitter became the first Brazilian-born player to win an NBA championship as a member of the San Antonio Spurs.

2014: Played in FIBA World Cup

In 2014, Tiago Splitter played for Brazil in the FIBA World Cup.

July 9, 2015: Traded to Atlanta Hawks

On July 9, 2015, Tiago Splitter was traded to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for the draft rights to Georgios Printezis and a future second-round pick.

January 31, 2016: Last game before hip surgery

On January 31, 2016, Splitter played his last game as a member of the Atlanta Hawks before undergoing hip surgery.

February 22, 2017: Traded to Philadelphia 76ers

On February 22, 2017, Tiago Splitter was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers along with a second-round draft pick in exchange for Ersan İlyasova.

March 21, 2017: Assigned to Delaware 87ers

On March 21, 2017, Tiago Splitter was assigned to the Delaware 87ers, the 76ers' D-League affiliate.

March 28, 2017: Debut for the 76ers

On March 28, 2017, Tiago Splitter made his debut for the Philadelphia 76ers, recording two points and three rebounds in a win against the Brooklyn Nets.

April 24, 2018: Hired as Pro Scout by Brooklyn Nets

On April 24, 2018, Tiago Splitter was hired by the Brooklyn Nets as a pro scout, with added duties related to on-court player development.

September 23, 2019: Promoted to Player Development Coach

On September 23, 2019, Tiago Splitter was promoted by the Brooklyn Nets to player development coach.

2021: Assistant Coach of Brazilian National Team

In 2021, Tiago Splitter was named an assistant coach of the Brazilian national team.

2022: Head Coach of Brazilian U23 National Team

In 2022, Tiago Splitter was named head coach of the Brazilian U23 national team at the GLOBL Jam Tournament in Toronto, Canada, where the team won the gold medal.

May 1, 2023: Parted Ways with Nets

On May 1, 2023, Tiago Splitter parted ways with the Brooklyn Nets.

July 3, 2023: Hired as Assistant Coach by Houston Rockets

On July 3, 2023, Tiago Splitter was hired by the Houston Rockets as an assistant coach under new head coach Ime Udoka.

July 16, 2024: Named Head Coach for Paris Basketball

On July 16, 2024, Tiago Splitter was named the head coach for Paris Basketball in the LNB Élite and the EuroLeague.

June 12, 2025: Named Assistant Coach for Portland Trail Blazers

On June 12, 2025, Tiago Splitter was named an assistant coach for the Portland Trail Blazers under head coach Chauncey Billups.

2025: Won French Championship and French Cup

In 2025, Tiago Splitter's team, Paris Basketball, won the French championship and the French Cup, and qualified for the play-offs through play-in in EuroLeague.