Tiago Splitter remains a candidate to return as the head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers. However, NBA insider Jake Fischer recently reported that it's unlikely Splitter will return, at least in that capacity.
The Blazers, under new leadership with the arrival of owner Tom Dundon, are casting a wide net of options. Fischer adds that over 30 coaches are expected to be considered for the position, including those currently at the collegiate level.
At the Blazers' end-of-season exit interviews, general manager Joe Cronin addressed the rumored low-ball offers, saying he isn't concerned about Dundon being willing or able to hit the required figure to land the best head coaching candidate. But what does that candidate look like?
Sean Sweeney should be the Blazers' next head coach
Two names that have already declined to interview with Portland include veterans Tom Thibodeau and Michael Malone, the former taking the job at North Carolina. Fischer mentioned that these coaches didn't want to be a part of the process that saw the Blazers already exploring Splitter's potential replacement while he has this team back in the postseason for the first time in five years.
For what it's worth, we think Splitter has done enough to earn this job in a permanent capacity. But it sounds like Portland is set on a new voice, and this will be an important decision to get right as they look to make a deep playoff run next season.
If that is the direction they ultimately decide to take, let's hope it's San Antonio Spurs associate head coach Sean Sweeney.
Sweeney is the perfect fit for Portland's roster
If you want to find structure, it's rarely a bad idea to go searching within the Spurs organization. But Sweeney's success extends beyond his stint in San Antonio, most notably his Finals run with the Mavericks in 2024 and his role in Giannis Antetokounmpo's development with the Bucks from 2014-2018.
Sweeney certainly has the experience, especially compared to some of the other names being mentioned as potential candidates for Portland. However, Dundon has stated he's going to prioritize talent over experience in the Blazers coaching search. Sweeney can separate himself from the wide net of candidates as he has an ideal mix of both.
Perhaps most significant is how well his coaching strengths would fit with this roster. Sweeney has developed a reputation as being a defensive-minded coach, and could be the missing piece in Portland to help them become the elite defensive team they envision.
The Blazers doubled down on their defensive identity last summer, swapping Anfernee Simons for Jrue Holiday and buying out Deandre Ayton to give Donovan Clingan an increased role. But despite their elite individual defensive weapons, the team was average in terms of defensive rating. They didn't quite meet lofty expectations on that side of the ball under Splitter, and Sweeney could be the one to get them to that next level.
If the Blazers do move on from Splitter, Sweeney is the ideal replacement to kick off this new Dundon era.
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