Open Thread: An inside look at Tiago Splitter with the Chicago Bulls

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 11: Head Coach Tiago Splitter of the Chicago Bulls looks on during the game against the Denver Nuggets during a 2026 NBA Preseason game on October 11, 2026 at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Chicago Bulls posted this video on their X account (which was shared by my guy Jose Arredondo @sportsguyjose):

Tiago Splitter is going to be a hall of fame coach someday. This is great stuff right here. Pop’s coaching tree continues to dominate the NBA! https://t.co/NIwSK6LReX

— Jose Arredondo (@sportsguyjose) October 18, 2026

Splitter is seen in practice quizzing the Bulls players on the tactics and strategies of the Phoenix Suns. He’s established an expectation of readiness. He’s calling on his players randomly for answers. In education this is referred to this is as cold calling. I love this because nowadays they warn teachers not to put students on the spot. Splitters is demonstrating this tactic with athletes playing at the highest level. They are subject to accountability. There is so many great things going on in what amounts to a one-minute video. Splitter’s a great coach and he looks right at home with his new squad.

On a completely separate note, yesterday was my birthday. It always falls on or quite near opening day, and as a result I always receive Spurs gear. Yesterday was no exception. Got a new Spurs hoodie which allows me to make reference the most quoted movie line my family has:

Considering that less than a week ago it was still in the over 90 degrees here, the scene is apropos. Kick in that Jefe lies and says “El Guapo is 33-years-old” when he’s really turning…well, the idea of turning 40 is so thirteen years ago.

The Spurs tip off tonight against the Oklahoma City Thunder. OKC enter the Frost Bank Center with a huge chip on their shoulder. The last time these teams met the Spurs knocked them out of the playoffs on their own floor. Last seasons two top Western Conference teams met twelve times which seems unfathomable, but between the four regular season matchups, the NBA Cup, and the Western Conference Finals, the Spurs earned a 8-4 record against the 2025 champs.

It’s all happening.

Go Spurs Go!

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