Split dismissed from get out of class? Team reporter: Hasty takeover + lack of personnel. Is the problem really to be blamed on him?

However, I think it is entirely safe to say that the jury is still out on Split's future. There is currently no indication that he should become the team's official manager. In fact, some of the factors mentioned above also work against this possibility. But we don't know exactly where the problem lies, or how much of it is attributable to the head coach and how much to other factors.

The most likely scenario is that the Trail Blazers will wait until a formal ownership change - which is likely to happen next summer - before looking for a long-term coach. Depending on how this season goes, Split could be included in the discussion. But he likely won't be the only candidate, or even the leading candidate. Making changes now, however, would mean making permanent decisions on a temporary basis.

That's why, barring something catastrophic, the Blazers will likely be led by this interim coach for the rest of the season no matter what. In the interim, some of the background noise may be further filtered out, giving us a clearer look at Split's coaching style and abilities. As we gain a better understanding of these, we'll be able to better assess whether his style and goals fit with the team. Until then, we can only believe that everyone is doing their best under difficult circumstances and hope for a good result.