Bulls’ Bryson Graham on Tiago Splitter hire: ‘We believe his vision is right fit’

The Bulls have officially announced the hiring of former Trail Blazers interim man Tiago Splitter as their next head coach.

“We are excited to welcome Tiago to the Chicago Bulls,” new head of basketball operations Bryson Graham said in a statement. “Throughout our process, Tiago stood apart for his basketball intellect, his ability to connect with and develop players, and the way his teams compete every single night.

“He has won at every level of the game as both a player and a coach, on multiple continents, and we believe his vision is the right fit for our young roster. We are excited to partner with him as we build the next era of Bulls basketball.”

Splitter, 41, replaced Chauncey Billups at the start of this past season and did an admirable job, leading the Blazers to a 42-40 record and a playoff appearance. But he was not offered the position on a full-time basis after the season, though he was believed to remain in the running.

He replaces Billy Donovan, who stepped down after the season and is now considered a candidate elsewhere.

The Bulls are hoping Splitter can help develop a young core that includes Matas Buzelis, Josh Giddey and Noa Essengue, while also preparing for the arrival of another young prospect with the No. 4 overall pick in next week’s draft.

Splitter also brings previous head coaching experience from Europe, where he guided Paris Basketball to both the French Cup and LNB Elite championship before returning to the NBA.

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