Tiago Splitter Was the Spurs’ Silent Weapon in 2014 🏆🔒 #SpursDynasty

Tiago Splitter, born in Blumenau, Brazil, joined the San Antonio Spurs in 2010 after dominating European basketball and winning the Spanish League MVP. The Spurs drafted him back in 2007, but his NBA debut came three years later — right when the franchise was evolving from the Duncan-Parker-Ginóbili core into a system built on pace, movement, and efficiency. Standing 6-foot-11, Splitter wasn’t flashy, but his game was pure fundamentals. He set perfect screens, rotated seamlessly on defense, and always made the extra pass. During his time with the Spurs from 2010 to 2015, Splitter averaged around 8 points and 5 rebounds per game, shooting over 55% from the field — numbers that don’t scream superstar, but tell the story of a player who made everything around him work smoother. His best stretch came during the 2013–2014 season, where he became a full-time starter and helped lead San Antonio to a dominant 2014 NBA Championship run — defeating the Miami Heat in five games. That Finals performance wasn’t about highlights; it was about execution, screens, and stops. Splitter’s defense against elite big men gave Tim Duncan crucial rest and balance in the frontcourt. He was affectionately called “T-Split” by teammates and fans — a nickname that matched his unselfish, team-first mentality. Splitter never made an All-Star Game, but his contributions were deeply respected within the locker room and across the league. He was also the first Brazilian player to start in an NBA Finals, a milestone that inspired a new generation of international players. After leaving San Antonio in 2015, Splitter played for the Hawks and 76ers before retiring in 2018, later returning to basketball as a coach and international scout — proving his basketball IQ still runs deep in the game today. #sanantoniospurs #tiagosplitter #basketball #NBA