Stars formed, Trump attacked: “Coach Pop” – the most iconic oddball in the NBA

Stars formed, Trump attacked
“Coach Pop” – the most iconic oddball in the NBA

By Heiko Oldorp
3/13/2022 8:24 am

Gregg Popovich is considered odd and cult at the same time. But he is one thing above all: a successful basketball coach. He led the San Antonio Spurs to five championship titles. Now he has risen to become the coach with the most wins. The 73-year-old has just replaced his friend and mentor.

When a LeBron James suddenly becomes a supporting actor, something special must have happened in North America’s NBA basketball league. As on Friday evening (local time). Not only did something very special happen, but league history was made. An old, snow-white man was more important than perhaps the best basketball player in the world. And that’s why “NBA TV” interrupted the transmission of the game between LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers and the Washington Wizards just before the start of the second quarter.

Commentator Matt Winer reported from San Antonio with “Breaking News”. The home Spurs had just won 104-102 against the Utah Jazz. It was only the 26th victory in the 67th game of the season – but still an extraordinary triumph. One that helped Gregg Popovich climb the last rung on the NBA coaching ladder of success. To the very top. Since March 11, 2022, the 73-year-old has been the coach with the most wins. “Pop” has left an NBA stage as the winner 1,336 times in the round of points. Once more than his friend and mentor Don Nelson.

Popovich smiled – if only briefly

But Popovich, who tended to celebrate with the handbrake on even when he won championships, wouldn’t be Popovich if he hadn’t been in control of his emotions at that historic moment. His players rushed towards him and immediately surrounded him on the sidelines. And if you looked closely, yes, you could even see a smile on the face of this Gregg Charles Popovich. But after a hand-timed 16 seconds, the hopping and homage were too much for him and Popovich made his way towards the catacombs.

“A record like this doesn’t belong to just one person. Basketball is a team sport. You preach that to your players and it’s been the same in my life,” Popovich emphasized at the press conference. Although he was the center of attention, of course he didn’t talk about himself. He rarely did that in his 26-year career as Spurs coach. No, Popovich spoke of being “blessed to have so many wonderful players, coaches, staff and fans in this wonderful city” during that period. And that’s why these 1336 victories are “not my record”, but “our record. Here in this city.” And that, according to Popovich, is the beauty of it.

With around 1.5 million people, San Antonio is the second largest city in Texas. But she’s still not as famous as Houston or Dallas. And up until the late 1990s, San Antonio had only one landmark: The Alamo. In the spring of 1836, courageous locals had barricaded themselves in the former Spanish mission station and fought back for almost two weeks against numerically far superior Mexican troops. Although ultimately in vain, word of her courage quickly got around and motivated many Texans to rise up against the Mexican occupiers. The Texas War of Independence was won just six weeks after the lost “Battle of the Alamo”.

“Coach Pop” forged the big stars

For around a quarter of a century, San Antonio has not only been an interesting address for lovers of American history, but also for successful basketball. The Spurs brought five titles to south Texas between 1999 and 2013. David Robinson, who was an exceptional player even before the Popovich era and won Olympic gold with the USA’s “Dream Team” in Barcelona in 1992, finally crowned his legendary career here with the championships in 1999 and 2003. And talents like Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili or Kawhi Leonard have become top stars here. Shaped, guided and encouraged by Popovich.

He was already 47 years old when, in December 1996, he fired then-coach Bob Hill in his capacity as Spurs manager after just three wins from the first 18 games – and took over the coaching position himself. He had only worked as an assistant in San Antonio for four years and, starting in 1992, assisted Don Nelson with the Golden State Warriors for two more seasons. “I’m proud of you and I can’t wait for the day when you knock me out for second place,” said Nelson, who has been the NBA’s winningest coach since April 2010 and has described Popovich as “one of my best friends in life”.

Popovich was asked about his record win why Nelson gave him a chance back then. He didn’t know until today, was the answer. But in the end it worked. However: Being in this position now, snatching the record from Nelson of all people, is “undeserved and quite uncomfortable,” said Popovich.

Difficult start in San Antonio

His start as Spurs boss was rocky. “Who the hell is Gregg Popovich?” asked the NBA community outside of Texas at the time, including himself, wrote the now recognized NBA insider David Aldridge on the Internet portal “The Athletic”. And even David Robinson, the face of the club, stressed that maybe they should have continued working with Hill. In any case, he liked his “love for winning” and his “meticulous work”. And overall, Hill did “a great job.” Following Popovich’s record, Robinson said, “Congratulations Pop. You deserve it. I’m delighted to be a part of your legacy.”

Popovich won his debut on December 14, 1996 against the Dallas Mavericks 106:105. However, the Spurs ended the season with just 20 wins but 62 losses. That was the third-worst record of any team. And that was mainly because Robinson was only able to play six games due to injuries. But slipping down into the league basement was ultimately the basis for all the years of celebration that followed. Because if a lot loses, as it works in North America’s professional lies, the distribution of the greatest young talents can be taken early. Hoping to get back up there as soon as possible. The Spurs grabbed the first place in the so-called draft – and decided on Tim Duncan.

Duncan draft the key to success

When Popovich was asked about the key to his success a few months ago, he didn’t have to think twice. “Duncan’s draft. And then just staying alive.” A typical Popovich answer. He may come across as odd and strict at times, but likes to joke about himself and always tries to keep his lightness and focus on the essentials, even in apparently critical moments. “One of his favorite phrases was, ‘If this is the worst thing in your life, then live a carefree, blessed and happy life,'” Ginobili recalled to ESPN.

But “Coach Pop” also had another side, a political one. He fought against racism and always found clear words on issues such as police violence or Donald Trump’s socially divisive presidency: “If Trump had a brain, even if it were 99 percent cynical, he would say something to unite the people again. But he’s not interested in bringing people together. He’s only concerned with himself, with what brings him a personal advantage. It’s never about the common good,” he said two years ago, calling the US President a “mentally deranged idiot “.

Popovich’s live television interviews with the late Craig Sager on the sidelines were legendary. Sager was known for his dazzling outfits. When the journalist wore a dark, shiny jacket with white dots and asked Popovich why Spurs had a very poor half, the coach said: “I think they looked at your suit.” Another time, before the first question, Popovich grabbed Sager’s brightly colored pocket square, wiped his nose with it, and stuffed it back into the garment.

In addition to the club, the many well-wishers included LeBron James. He scored 50 points in the Lakers’ 122-109 home win over the Washington Wizards on Friday night. An outstanding achievement. And yet this time only secondary.