Tag: Gregg Popovich

6 unforgettable Gregg Popovich moments you absolutely need to see

Get well soon, Pop.

Gregg Popovich is going through some things today.

The longtime Spurs head coach hasn’t been able to coach the team over the last few weeks because of a previously undisclosed medical condition.

On Wednesday, the Spurs put out a statement giving us more detail on what’s going on with Popovich. He apparently suffered a mild stroke earlier this month and is currently on the road to recovery, according to the team. He’s already begun the rehabilitation process. There’s no timetable on when he might return.

If you’re a fan of the NBA in any sense, Popovich probably means a lot to you. Not only has he been the league’s best head coach, but he’s also been a positive presence in our lives through the years.

KEEP POP IN YOUR THOUGHTS: Because, as Prince Grimes writes, he’s always kept you in his.

With that in mind, it’s as good a time as ever to reflect on some of the best moments we’ve seen from Popovich through the last few years.

That time he pranked Shaq

Pop hasn’t always seemed like the most playful coach out there, but that’s always been in him. Exhibit A is the time he pranked Shaquille O’Neal by fouling him as soon as the game started after he complained about the Hack-a-Shaq strategy.

This guy, man.

His pre-Game 7 interview

One of the best things about Popovich throughout his career so far has been his brutal honesty. He’s never held his tongue.

When asked about the prospect of playing against the Miami Heat in Game 7 of the 2012-13 NBA Finals, he told us that it sucked.

And, yeah, it probably did!

When asked about the message he wanted to send to his team before playing in Game 7. Here’s what he had to say:

“I want them to have no fun whatsoever. This is all business.  There’s no eighth game, is there?  This is the last game.  That’s the best news I’ve heard all day.”

He also called having to play the game “torture.” He added, “It’s hard to appreciate or enjoy torture.”

Never change, Pop.

That time he geeked out about planets

There are certainly times when we take basketball — and sports, overall — way too seriously. Pop was there to make sure that never happened.

Basketball doesn’t matter in the context of NASA discovering 1,200 habitable planets.

His interview with Craig Sager

This is just such an awesome moment. Craig Sager had been hospitalized and battling Leukemia for months.

When Sager was finally able to return to work and do sideline interviews again, Popovich made sure to let him know how much he missed him and how it was an honor to be able to work alongside him again — even if he hated that part of his job.

“I’ve got to honestly tell you, this is the first time I’ve enjoyed doing this ridiculous interview we’re required to do. And it’s because you’re here and you’re back with us,” he said.

A class act.

This awesome moment between Pop and Tim Duncan

Popovich has never hesitated to give Tim Duncan all the credit for his success as a coach. No matter how good he was at X’s and O’s or managing personalities or any of the other duties that come with coaching, Pop knew that having an all-time great by his side was what made the biggest difference.

So being able to get even a small glimpse into their relationship was always awesome. This moment after a tough loss says it all.

That’s awesome.

Becky Hammon’s Hall of Fame speech

This moment isn’t a Pop moment — it’s a Becky Hammon moment. But the fact that she was more than willing to take a chunk of the biggest moment of her basketball career — being enshrined into the Hall of Fame — to show Pop a little love shows you exactly the sort of person he is to the people he works with.

Get well soon, Pop. There are a lot of people out there rooting for you.

Keep Gregg Popovich in your thoughts, because he always had us in his

Wishing Gregg Popovich a speedy recovery.

Welcome to Layup Lines, For the Win’s basketball newsletter. Subscribe here to get it delivered to your inbox every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Have feedback for the Layup Lines Crew? Leave your questions, comments and concerns through this brief reader survey. Now, here’s Prince J. Grimes.

What’s up, hoops fans. I hope everyone’s been able to unplug a little on this unordinary Wednesday where that might not be the easiest thing to do.

We actually do have a fantastic slate of hoops coming up this evening to help with that, including a fascinating rematch of the 2022 NBA Finals between the one-loss Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics. Definitely looking forward to that one.

But before we get to the hoops, I have to admit, it’s hard to go through the day without thinking about Gregg Popovich. Coach Pop, 75, missed the San Antonio Spurs’ last two games after suffering a health issue Saturday, and he’ll remain out indefinitely, as the Spurs declined to provide a timeline for his return.

The latest on that front didn’t do much in the way of relief, as ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Tuesday on NBA Today there was a “great level of concern around the situation.” And San Antonio Express-News columnist Mike Finger pointed out how differently this absence is being treated than Popovich’s previous stints away from the team.

It’s obviously too soon to jump to any conclusions, and we can take comfort in interim coach Mitch Johnson saying Popovich will be OK. But today especially feels like a good time to send thoughts and well wishes to Popovich. For one, because it’s the human thing to do. But also because Popovich always seems to have us in his thoughts, with a big emphasis on “US.”

Pop has never been shy about using his platform to speak about the most pressing issues facing our country. Even when it hasn’t been the most beneficial for him to do so, he’s delivered strong messages on social issues in times we’ve seemed most divided — like we do today. Popovich frequently uses his voice to speak for people whose voices can’t reach the places his can. Even if that means sparring with the former and future president.

Popovich is about as accomplished as any coach can be on the hardwood. But he also just seems to be a man of great character away from the game. So, today, as the Spurs get set to play their third game without him, let’s keep Popovich in our thoughts. Because he always has us in his.

Related: LeBron James posted heartfelt message to daughter after election

Joel Embiid suspended 3 games

Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The NBA suspended Joel Embiid three games for Saturday’s locker room altercation with Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes that turned physical, the league announced Tuesday.

Embiid shoved Hayes after confronting him over a column he took offense to for mentioning Embiid’s late brother and son.

Although I believe the confrontation was predictable considering the personal nature of the column, the suspension was as well. Players can’t go around putting their hands on members of the media.

With that said, I am curious about what the suspension accomplishes, if anything. Because, just to say the loud part out loud, Embiid wasn’t playing anyway. How do you go about suspending someone who isn’t exactly trying to play?

I guess it’s three fewer game checks for Embiid, which, OK. But I’m sure his pockets will be fine. In the way of time missed, I don’t think this actually hurts him at all. If anything, the Sixers will just implement the suspension into his recovery plans.

The Athletic‘s Sam Amick reported before the suspension there was hope Embiid could play as soon as today against the Clippers. But that wasn’t set in stone. The suspension just allows them to take a more patient approach and wait until next Tuesday’s game against the Knicks.

At 1-5, I’m not sure how much patience the Sixers can actually afford to have. But something tells me they aren’t complaining much about getting to sit the guy they were already sitting to begin with.

Shootaround

— Who let off a gnarly fart on the Spurs’ bench? FTW investigates

— James Harden morphed into Kawhi Leonard for one play against the Spurs

— Nikola Jokic scaring opponents with his play predictions is totally normal

— A look at which teams are trending up and down across the association

That’s all for today, folks. Enjoy the basketball tonight.

Why Gregg Popovich isn’t coaching the Spurs against the Clippers and Rockets

Mitch Johnson will serve as the interim coach of the Spurs.

Gregg Popovich will unfortunately miss some time as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs before an upcoming road trip.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the head coach “suffered a health issue” before a recent game. He will miss an indefinite period, including upcoming games against the Clippers and and the Rockets.

Mitch Johnson, an assistant coach for the Spurs, will take over as the interim head coach as the 75-year-old Popovich recovers from what is currently an undisclosed illness. He is reportedly “OK” but “just needs rest” at this point, per Tom Osborn.

Johnson spoke about the responsibility before he filled in for Popovich on Saturday (via NBA.com):

“He’s not feeling well,” Johnson said. “This has happened before. I think everybody’s just always got to be ready for the next man up. We’ve had it with injuries and sometimes people get sick or don’t feel well or things come up in life. He’s just not feeling well.”

Popovich is a five-time NBA champion and three-time NBA Coach of the Year.

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Victor Wembanyama exceeded expectations last season

Victor Wembanyama had a successful rookie season for the San Antonio Spurs.

Victor Wembanyama entered the NBA to the most fanfare since LeBron James. The San Antonio Spurs big man is seen as a generational talent and a future global superstar. His size, skill and personality mean that he’s got all the tools to be the next face of the NBA.

Nevertheless, Wembanyama’s ability to adapt to the NBA was always a concern. After spending his entire career in the French league, some segments of the media and broader NBA fanbase expected a transitional period, with the rookie needing time to adapt to the pace and physicality of the league. Wembanyama quickly put those negative expectations to bed. 

In a recent video by the TSR YouTube channel, the hosts explore how the 7-foot-4 rookie quickly overcame any expectations put on his shoulders and enjoyed a standout debut season for Gregg Popovich’s team, thus proving his credentials as an elite prospect.

You can watch the full video by clicking on the embedded link above.

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San Antonio Spurs’ Stephon Castle on how coach Gregg Popovich has boosted his game

Popovich has evidently already taken a shine to the Georgia native’s game.

Former champion University of Connecticut combo guard Stephon Castle has not long been with the ball club that drafted him at No. 4 overall in the 2024 NBA draft. But legendary San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich has evidently already taken a shine to the Georgia native’s game.

And after seeing what he can do for the Spurs in the California Classic and Los Vegas Summer Leagues, it is not hard to see why that is the case. “With the talks that I’ve had with him already, he seems to speak very highly of me. I have a lot of respect for him,” said Castle via Uproxx’ Robby Kalland.

“He just wants me to come out here and play with confidence,” he added. “So, I’ve been doing that, and for a coach like that to tell me that, it instills a lot of confidence in me too.”

“Just to be able to play for him in my rookie year and learn from a coach like that super early on is super exciting for what my future will look like,” said Castle.

And for those of us waiting to see him in live NBA action, that future can’t come soon enough.

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How Manu Ginobili became a legendary role player

Manu Ginobili is both a San Antonio Spurs and NBA legend, and arguably one of the best role players in history.

Manu Ginobili spent his entire NBA career with the San Antonio Spurs, winning four championships during his 16 seasons under Gregg Popovich. He was also a two-time All-Star and one-time Sixth Man of the Year. During his illustrious career, Ginobili became an NBA legend for his innovative play and unrelenting will to win.

Ginobili suited up for 1057 regular-season NBA games, starting 349 of them. He retired with a career averaged of 13.3 points, 3.8 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game while shooting 36.9% from 3-point range and 50.6% from two-point range. He also made 218 postseason appearances and was part of the Spurs incredible success.

During a recent video by the Clayton Crowley YouTube Channel, the host takes a closer look at Ginobili’s career and how he was able to carve out such an impactful role off San Antonio’s bench. Ginobili’s incredible relationship with the Spurs fanbase is also explored.

If you want to re-live the incredible career and impact of Ginobili’s career, you can do so by clicking on the embedded link above.

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Gregg Popovich on Spurs’ rocky season: ‘One of the most satisfying’

Gregg Popovich had some strong words for this San Antonio Spurs season.

When the San Antonio Spurs embarked on their current rebuild, they knew it was going to be a long process. What they didn’t know is that they would luck into the ability to select Victor Wembanyama with the first pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. That one Ping Pong ball changed the course of the organization forever.

However, while Wembanyama’s first season in the league was a fruitful one in terms of development, the Spurs were still one of the worst teams in the league. They didn’t come anywhere close to the playoffs, despite their strong close to the season, winning seven of their last 11 games.

Gregg Popovich admitted that the season was challenging, but he also called it “one of the most satisfying years” he’s spent in San Antonio. (H/t Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News)

“It would be less than genuine if I said it was not a challenging year,” Popovich said. “Losing is challenging. But it was one of the most satisfying years I’ve spent here, just because the caliber of the character of the guys I was allowed to coach.”

To hear that from Popovich, who has coached the Spurs since 1996, is a true testament to the character and persistence of this San Antonio squad.

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Gregg Popovich says Victor Wembanyama is mad about sitting out

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich said that Victor Wembanyama was mad about sitting out.

The San Antonio Spurs have nothing to play for down the stretch of the season. They have been eliminated from playoff contention for weeks now, so the most important thing for the remainder of the year should be the health of their players. They need to ensure that their guys are good moving forward.

On Wednesday night, the Spurs took on the Oklahoma City Thunder and got crushed. Oklahoma City is fighting for the top seed in the Eastern Conference, so they are a full go right now. And to make matters more difficult, the Spurs were without Victor Wembanyama, much to his dismay.

After the game, head coach Gregg Popovich said that Wembanyama isn’t pleased about sitting out. (H/t ESPN)

“I feel badly because he’s not a happy camper right now,” Popovich said. \ “He wants to be out there, but I’m looking at the long view. And, you know, we’ve had some trouble with this particular injury during the season.”

The Spurs lost by a score of 127-89 in an absolute blowout.

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Gregg Popovich praises 2 Spurs bench players after win over Pelicans

Head coach Gregg Popovich showed love to two San Antonio Spurs bench guys after their win over the New Orleans Pelicans.

The San Antonio Spurs are gaining valuable experience down the stretch of this season. Despite sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference for most of the year, they look like a legitimately competitive team. On Friday night, they picked up a win over a New Orleans Pelicans squad that is fighting for playoff positioning.

Perhaps most impressive about the Spurs’ recent competitiveness is who is on the court for them. Against the Pelicans, Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan, and Keldon Johnson were all out. That’s going to be the case for most games for the rest of the year. However, the Spurs had some bench guys step up in a big way.

After the game, head coach Gregg Popovich showed love to Devonte’ Graham and Sandro Mamukelashvili. (H/t Tom Osborn of the San Antonio Express-News)

“Devonte’ was superb, Sandro was superb,” Popovich said.

Graham finished the game with 20 points, two rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Meanwhile, Mamukelashvili had 15 points, five rebounds, and two assists.

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Gregg Popovich credits Spurs’ resilience after win over Pelicans

Head coach Gregg Popovich had some kind words for the San Antonio Spurs after their win over the New Orleans Pelicans.

For the past couple of months, the San Antonio Spurs have looked like a much different team. Despite the fact that they’ve been at the bottom of the Western Conference standings all season, they’ve looked like a legitimately competitive team as of late, highlighted by their Friday night win over the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Spurs were down by as many as 15 points, but they never gave up. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, they had bounced all the way back, earning a six-point lead of their own at one point in the final frame. New Orleans didn’t roll over, as they fought until the bitter end, but the Spurs held on and picked up a 111-109 win.

After the game, head coach Gregg Popovich praised the Spurs’ resilience, noting that they never let up, and they haven’t all season. (H/t ESPN)

“They’ve never done that,” Popovich said. “They try to play for the whole 48. We are not as consistent as we need to be, but it will come as the future approaches.”

It says a lot that Popovich is saying that about such a young, inexperienced San Antonio squad.

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