Tiago Splitter and his big role

As Tiago Splitter came off the court in a recent game, Tim Duncan grabbed his San Antonio Spurs teammate by the back of the head and slapped him on the backside.

Tiago Splitter is call to fill a big role on the Spurs. (David Sherman/Getty)

It's a gesture Duncan has repeated for years, a signal that you've done something right. A pat on the back from Duncan carries weight.

Splitter is trying to carry his own.

"I know that I can help the team win games," the 27-year-old Brazilian said. "Whatever they want me to do, I will do my best. That's all I can say. I will give max effort every day. That's what I can promise."

The promise of Splitter has Spurs fans salivating. Many have envisioned the 6-foot-11 center as the long-awaited tower to stand next to Duncan, filling the role David Robinson once did.

Spurs coaches are careful not to place that kind of pressure on Splitter. And while Hall of Famers seemingly show up once a decade in San Antonio, Splitter didn't arrive with the credentials of No. 1 overall picks Robinson or Duncan.

Splitter was drafted by the Spurs at the end of the first round in 2007, but didn't come to the NBA right away. He remained in the Spanish ACB League for three more years -- Splitter also holds Spanish citizenship -- before finally agreeing to cross the pond for the 2010-11 season.

That season was pretty much a wash. Splitter was hurt during training camp and never caught up, seeing sporadic action as San Antonio finished with the best regular-season record in the Western Conference. He played even less during the first-round upset playoff loss to Memphis.

"He wasn't healthy, so he was never on the court," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said.

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"So you didn't know anything. Now he's on the court, he's healthy, he's been playing in Spain, his rhythm is good and he understands what we're doing a lot more. Now he's able to go out on the floor and do it."

Splitter's offseason was busy. Not only did he help Brazil qualify for the London Olympics, Splitter spent time in Spain during the lockout. He arrived at San Antonio's training camp in shape and ready to play.

He's off to a solid start. Through the first five games, Splitter is Popovich's top big man off the bench. That's important for a thin frontline, especially with Antonio McDyess retired. Splitter is averaging 23.8 minutes, 7.8 points and 5.8 rebounds going into Tuesday.

Not exactly Robinson numbers, but that's OK for now.

"I don't know who you want me to compare with," Splitter said. "Those are big shoes with David. I want to be myself. I think everybody is different. You can't compare people to another person. I want to play good and help the team. Whether it's on defense grabbing rebounds or taking charge or setting screens that's what I'm here to do and what Pop wants from me."

Popovich likes what he sees so far.

"Tiago is a great competitor that has been on a bunch of international teams," San Antonio's coach said. "He's a blue collar guy that works his butt off."

Splitter has scored in double figures and grabbed at least eight boards twice this season. If the Spurs are going to contend again, they need Splitter to produce when called upon.

"When you know your teammates better and they know who you play and where you are on the court, of course you're more comfortable," he said. "I feel more like a basketball player."

Splitter takes great pride in Brazil qualifying for the Olympics for the first time since 1996. He was also pleased with the national team's record against Spurs teammate Manu Ginobili and Argentina. Brazil split two games in the FIBA Americas against the Argentine powerhouse, winning early in the tournament before falling in the final.

"Our country needed it," he said. "For a long time ago we didn't play in the Olympic Games, so that's very important for basketball in Brazil. The country is growing in sports. We have the soccer World Cup, the next Olympic Games and that's a big stuff for us."

Splitter hopes to be big stuff, too.