After a quarter of a century coaching the Spurs, Gregg Popovich shows no signs of slowing down.
Gregg Popovich reached legendary status years ago. The San Antonio Spurs Championship season of 2013-14 likely sealed that beyond a shadow of a doubt. They destroyed the defending Champion Miami Heat after the shocking disappointment of the year before and it was an impressive feat. The Spurs displayed a level of focus and maturity that few coaches in professional sports would be able to muster.
Plenty of credit can be handed over to the magnificent trio of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili. Their dedication to the franchise and utter professionalism were unmatched. Certainly that had to sprout from somewhere. They remained in San Antonio for their entire careers and that required a certain amount of trust on some level.
That trust was in Coach Popovich.
Results
San Antonio is not a glamor destination for pro ballers. It’s never apparently been high on any top tier free agent’s wish list. Through the two decades of sustained success the Spurs’ draft picks were consistently mid to late first rounders. From those picks, the organization built a solid functioning squad around the Duncan-Parker-Ginobili foundation. Playing styles in the league have changed, but Popovich has adjusted over the two decades he’s been in place. Adaptability is key to survival and Pop has done a bit more than simply survive.
Spurs fans lament the departure of Kawhi Leonard to this day and some remain as salty about that as ever. The fact is the fandom should be proud of the past and excited for the future. As of today, March 9, 2021, the Spurs are in the seventh spot in the Western Conference. They stand four games over .500 and have a talented core of young talent to build around including Dejounte Murray, Keldon Johnson, and Lonnie Walker. The outstanding play of DeMar DeRozan and the leadership of Patty Mills complements that young core.
To sum up, the remaining constant is Gregg Popovich and that should be no surprise.
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