Trail Blazers confirm Tiago Splitter as interim head coach

The Trail Blazers made it official Thursday, naming assistant Tiago Splitter as interim head coach following Chauncey Billups’ arrest.

“We are aware of the allegations involving head coach Chauncey Billups, and the Trail Blazers are fully cooperating with the investigation,” the team said in a statement. “Billups has been placed on immediate leave, and Tiago Splitter will assume head coaching duties in the interim. Any further questions should be directed to the NBA.”

Billups faces federal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering in connection with an alleged mafia-run poker ring.

Prosecutors described him as one of the celebrity “face cards” used to lure victims into rigged games. He was placed on leave by the NBA on Thursday.

As for the Blazers, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that assistant Nate Bjorkgren was considered for the interim position but opted to remain in his current role.

That cleared the way for Splitter, who joined Portland’s staff this offseason after coaching Paris Basketball to a French league title last year.

Splitter, 39, brings plenty of experience. He spent four seasons as an assistant with the Nets, one with the Rockets, and played seven years in the NBA — including a championship run with the Spurs in 2014.

His first game as Portland’s head coach comes Friday night when the Blazers host the Warriors.