Tiago Splitter, 40, played for seven seasons in the NBA, with the San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers.
In 2014, with the Spurs, he became the first Brazilian champion of the North American league.
His transition to the technical side of the court was natural. In 2019, he took over as assistant coach of the Brooklyn Nets, where he will remain until 2023.
He then held the same position with the Houston Rockets before taking over as head coach of Paris Basketball, becoming the first Brazilian coach to lead a team in the Euroleague.
Now, with the chance at the Blazers, he will also become the first Brazilian to lead a team in the NBA.
The Blazers' next game is against the Golden State Warriors on Friday.
Reasons for the NBA arrests
In addition to Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat player Terry Rozier was also arrested in the FBI operation. The reason for the arrests is apparently related to illegal poker games linked to the mafia.