Tiago Splitter has a championship ring, one he earned as the starting center for the San Antonio Spurs two seasons ago. He fit well next to Tim Duncan and in the Spurs ball-movement offense.
But to get LaMarcus Aldridge the Spurs had to clear some cap space, so Splitter was traded to Atlanta (where former Spurs’ assistant Mike Budenholzer runs a similar offense, so Splitter will fit right in). He wasn’t happy about it, but in speaking to Lange Green at Basketball Insiders he also doesn’t blame San Antonio.
It’s a business, and Splitter knows that. He is a quality NBA big man, but Aldridge is an elite player and a clear upgrade for the Spurs. Aldridge is their best isolation player now, a guy the Spurs can throw the ball to and say “get us a bucket.” They made the smart move and Splitter gets it.
That Spurs front line is will need to adjust a little — both Duncan and Aldridge prefer to be on the left block — but it’s up there with the best in the NBA. And they are serious title contenders, if Tony Parker can hold it together.