Overview
- This week multiple outlets identified Tiago Splitter, Jeff Van Gundy and Micah Nori as the primary finalists and reported that Portland has requested permission to interview Van Gundy.
- Splitter strengthened his case by guiding the team to a 42‑39 record and a playoff berth after taking over when Chauncey Billups was placed on leave during a federal gambling probe.
- Portland has kept the field open by advancing and interviewing other candidates, including Jerry Stackhouse, Tyler Lashbrook and Utah assistant Mike Williams, with several coaches expected to meet the club in the coming days.
- Reporting says new owner Tom Dundon has pursued cost cuts and that the team reportedly offered a below‑market figure near $1.5 million for the job while Van Gundy is believed to command roughly $3 million, which has injected uncertainty into the end‑of‑May hiring target.
- The hire will determine who coaches Portland’s young core led by Scoot Henderson and Deni Avdija and will influence roster decisions, assistant‑coach hires and the club’s approach to the draft and free agency.