Tiago Splitter hire adds intrigue for Rockets offseason

Inside Houston, where Rockets talk runs from Toyota Center to Midtown bars all summer, the Chicago Bulls are closing in on a coaching move with a local angle. ESPN reported that Tiago Splitter is finalizing a deal to become Chicago's next head coach, putting a familiar name from Ime Udoka's coaching tree into one of the league's most visible jobs.

For Rockets followers, the news matters because Splitter spent the past two seasons on Udoka's staff in Houston. His rise adds another branch to a coaching network that has gained traction around the NBA while the Rockets push deeper into the Western Conference picture.

Tiago Splitter moves from Houston's bench to Chicago

Splitter joined the Rockets in 2023 after assistant coaching stops with the Brooklyn Nets and in the NBA's international pipeline. Before that, he built a long playing career that included an NBA title with the San Antonio Spurs and years as one of Brazil's top basketball exports.

His work in Houston put him next to Udoka during a key stretch for the Rockets. The team made a major jump in structure and competitiveness last season, and assistant coaches on that bench drew leaguewide interest as front offices searched for new voices. Splitter now appears set to get the top chair in Chicago.

ESPN's report said the Bulls are finalizing the hire. The report did not detail contract terms or announce an official introductory date. Chicago has been searching for a new lead coach, and Splitter's background as a former player and developing assistant made him a serious candidate for the opening.

Why the Bulls decision lands on the Rockets beat

Assistant movement matters in June because it can reshape offseason preparation, summer league staffing, and player development plans. Houston still has a young core to manage, and changes on an NBA bench can affect continuity even when the head coach stays in place.

Splitter's departure would remove one of Udoka's trusted assistants as the Rockets prepare for another season built around internal growth and playoff expectations. It also reinforces how much respect Houston's staff has earned across the league. Teams do not hire from struggling benches. They hire from staffs tied to progress, discipline, and player development.

The Rockets have not announced any corresponding staff changes tied to the report. That piece of the story may come later if Chicago completes the hire and Splitter formally exits Houston's bench.

Chicago gets a first-time NBA head coach

For the Bulls, this would mark a bet on a first-time NBA head coach with broad experience. Splitter has worked under established names, played at the highest level, and spent the last two years in Houston helping guide one of the league's more improved teams.

Houston's offseason now carries one more item beyond roster questions and draft planning. If the Bulls finalize the deal in the coming days, the Rockets could have an opening to fill on Udoka's staff before summer programs ramp up.

This article is a summary of reporting by ABC7 Chicago. Read the full story here.