The Chicago Bulls have moved into the interview stage of their coaching search this week, bringing select finalists to Chicago as they look for Billy Donovan's successor. Tiago Splitter is among the names in that group, putting him at the center of a process that is now narrowing fast.

The Bulls are not casting a wide net anymore. They have reached the stage where in-person meetings can separate a possible hire from a short list, and Splitter is there alongside Micah Nori and Ryan Schmidt. Wes Unseld Jr. is also under consideration, underscoring how far the search has progressed from the early virtual meetings.

What makes Splitter stand out is that Chicago is not the only place watching him. He is also a finalist in the Portland Trail Blazers' search for a full-time successor to Chauncey Billups, which means both teams are evaluating the same candidate at the same time. Micah Nori is in the same position, while Tyler Lashbrook is also part of Portland's finalist group.

That overlap matters because it turns two separate searches into a direct competition for timing. The Bulls are pushing forward this week, but Portland's process has been slowed somewhat by Tom Dundon's involvement with the Carolina Hurricanes and their Stanley Cup Final run. The Hurricanes evened their series against the Vegas Golden Knights at 2-2 on Tuesday night, and if it goes seven games, it will not end until Wednesday, June 17.

So the immediate question is not whether Splitter is being considered — he is — but which team can finish first and make the stronger case before the other search reaches its final decision. Chicago is already in person. Portland is still working through the delay. That can change the shape of a coaching market quickly, and Splitter is right in the middle of it.