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Tiago Splitter discusses joining the Atlanta Hawks and his relationship wth Mike Budenholzer

New Atlanta Hawks center talks about his journey to the Atlanta Hawks and how his relationship with Mike Budenholzer and assistant coach Neven Spahija is making the process easier.

New Atlanta Hawks center Tiago Splitter discussed his transition from the San Antonio Spurs to the Atlanta Hawks at Monday's media day. Splitter said that the transition was made easier thanks to his relationship with not only head coach Mike Budenholzer, but also assistant coach Neven Spahija who coached him in Spain.

Splitter will be a big part of the game plan for the Atlanta Hawks this season. Budenholzer told reporters on Monday that Splitter's addition just adds the versatility of the team's front court.

"I think it is going to continue to add to our versatility of our bigs," Budenholzer said. "People that have been around us I think appreciate how versatile Paul and Al are. Lots of times we think of that offensively but I think the defensive versatility of Paul and Al and now Tiago. Tiago is somebody that can guard fours and fives. I think he has had experience in the playoffs guarding some of the best shooting or stretch or perimeter oriented fours that can play inside in a LaMarcus Aldridge or a Dirk Nowitzki or those guys. So Tiago's versatility defensively is going to allow us to use Paul and Al in different ways on the defensive end of the court."