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Bulls Appoint Tiago Splitter Coach, Hire Bryson Graham Exec

6/17/2026

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Summary

Splitter Named Coach

Chicago Bulls named Tiago Splitter head coach.
The Bulls hired Bryson Graham of the New Orleans Pelicans and Atlanta Hawks as lead executive.
With the fourth and 15th picks in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Bulls say Splitter’s development background—shaped by interim coaching of the Portland Trail Blazers in 2025-26 and a player-development stint with the Brooklyn Nets—lets them target prospects such as Nate Ament, Karim López or Chris Cenac Jr.

Summary

Splitter Hired

The Chicago Bulls hired Jim Splitter after head coach Chauncey Billups was arrested on sports-gambling connections.
Splitter’s three-year deal with guard Chet Giddey lets the Bulls develop the point guard without trade pressure.
His Brazilian and Spanish citizenship could broaden the Bulls’ market in South America and Europe.
His résumé includes a French Cup, LNB Elite title and a EuroLeague playoff appearance, adding European success to the staff.

History

Historical Context

The 1992 Barcelona Olympics introduced the NBA’s Dream Team, which sparked a rise in international NBA players from 23 in 1991-92 to 74 by 2011-12. That surge transformed the Bulls’ brand, prompting the franchise in 2026 to hire a EuroLeague-experienced coach to tap South American and European markets. The move echoes the Dream Team’s lasting commercial impact.

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Splitter Named Coach

Chicago Bulls named Tiago Splitter head coach.
The Bulls hired Bryson Graham of the New Orleans Pelicans and Atlanta Hawks as lead executive.
With the fourth and 15th picks in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Bulls say Splitter’s development background—shaped by interim coaching of the Portland Trail Blazers in 2025-26 and a player-development stint with the Brooklyn Nets—lets them target prospects such as Nate Ament, Karim López or Chris Cenac Jr.

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