Gamblers were stunned that Tiago Splitter took over as the new head coach of the Chicago Bulls in mid-June. Now the question of whether he can jump-start a franchise that finished last season at 31-51. Chicago had one of the league’s worst defenses.
At the onset, the answer is more about process than instant results. Splitter arrives with a résumé that mixes high-level playing experience. To show, he has a championship ring from the Spurs era under Gregg Popovich. Also, there was successful head-coaching work overseas in Paris. There, he won a French title and reached the EuroLeague playoffs. And he had a successful interim run in Portland last season.
Previously, he stepped into a chaotic situation after Chauncey Billups’ departure. And then he guided the Blazers to a 42-40 NBA betting odds record, a play-in win, and the No. 7 seed in the West. That group ranked near the top of the league in offensive rebounding. And they were solid defensively over the second half of the year while developing young pieces.
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Specifically, the Bulls hired Splitter because new basketball boss Bryson Graham sees a coach who connects with players. In addition to emphasizing development, it brings a competitive edge without shortcuts. Chicago is not a finished product.
The roster centers on Josh Giddey. Additionally, Matas Buzelis is entering year three with the newly acquired Nic Claxton for rim protection and screening. And then Norman Powell is a scoring veteran. Finally, Chicago boasts two first-round picks from the recent draft—Caleb Wilson at No. 4 and Dailyn Swain at No. 15.
At the onset, Splitter has already discussed unlocking Buzelis’ ceiling on both ends. In addition to building habits that allow the group to compete night after night. He has stressed high standards and a clear identity rather than promising a specific online wagering win total. The expectations align with the reality that this is still an early stage of a rebuild.
Wise Guys wonder if Splitter can jump-start them. In creating a tougher, more organized, and more accountable culture. At the same time, he must accelerate the growth of the young core. The early indicators are promising. Portland’s improvement under difficult circumstances and his player-development background from the Nets and Rockets suggest he knows how to get buy-in.
The Bulls have salary-cap flexibility and more assets on the way. So the supporting pieces around the young talent should improve. Still, a full NBA Betting turnaround into playoff contention next season would be a stretch. Caused by the defensive holes and overall youth. But a noticeable step forward in competitiveness, defensive structure, and individual development feels realistic.
Splitter has said he knows what it takes and that the work starts now. For a franchise that has spun its wheels for several years, that mindset and track record give it a better chance. Finally, they may build something more sustainable than they have had in a while.
As for former HC Billy Donovan, he did not get fired in the traditional sense. Last April, ownership wanted him to stay after they cleaned out the front office. They even offered him the chance to return under a new basketball boss.
Instead, he chose to walk away, exercising an option on his contract and stepping aside. Thus, the incoming executive could hire his own coach without any inherited baggage. That decision came after six seasons that produced a 226-256 record, just one winning year, and only a single playoff appearance.