It has been several years now that Gregg Popovich no longer strings together seasons with at least 50 victories, with systematic qualifications for the playoffs. However, with only 4 successes on his record when he reached the first third of the regular season, he started off on a historically weak basis for him. His worst season being his first, in 1996/97, with 17 victories.
The Spurs legend hardly does the same job as he did a decade ago. “They must learn to become professionals”he explains for the San Antonio Express Newsspeaking of his young troops.
In the absence of executives, Coach Pop' plays all the roles!
During the best years in Texas, he could rely on his executives and the experience of his team to find solutions. There, he is in the role of teacher where he must help young people find their place.
“It’s a process in that sense. Because they have character, it's really nice to go out on the field and coach in a totally different way than I did with Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, all three Hall of Famers.” , he remembers. “It was about making adjustments and things during matches, adding an element here and there to an already very good team. It's different. It’s about more teaching, more fundamentals, more habits and consistency. The focus and priorities are not the same. »
Not pleasant, but exciting as a challenge
Isn't it difficult, at almost 75 years old, to no longer be around the summits? Is there any notion of pleasure when you only win one match in five? ” It's a challenge “, replies the five-time NBA champion. “The word pleasant isn't the right one, but it's exciting and it's a challenge, because I feel a responsibility to these guys. If I was there when we won, then I can stay when we lose. »
By signing a five-season contract extension for more than $80 million this summer, Gregg Popovich also offered himself a unique experience: growing Victor Wembanyamawho himself must carry the Spurs.
“It’s a different dynamic and as we all know, there are cycles. I felt it was important to have this experience with these guys and help them grow and understand what the basketball gods require,” he concludes.
