Before Tiago Splitter stepped onto the court for the first time as an NBA head coach, a reporter attempted to get him to share his perspective on the gambling scandal that had unexpectedly thrust him into this interim role with the Trail Blazers.

Splitter had, after all, played eight years in the NBA. He won a championship with San Antonio in 2012. Though only 40, in league circles he qualifies as something of an old head, especially among the young Blazers.

What did he believe this week’s revelations and federal indictments would mean for the league?

He squinted as he considered his answer.

“I would like,” the Brazilian said, “not to talk about that. You put me in a tough position.”

Splitter has found himself in a tough position, indeed. If not an impossible one.

How can anyone b

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