Greg Popovic is one step away from becoming the most-won coach in NBA history, a title that could be given as early as Wednesday when the Raptors visit San Antonio.
Winner of five NBA titles, pilot of the Senior Olympics and secured a place in the Hall of Fame, Popovic signed the victory with a number of 1,335 on Monday, equaling Don Nelson. The Spurs overcame the Lakers, having suffered four consecutive defeats. Another victory and we will not talk so often about this mission – that will suit the interested client.
“It will be good,” Popovic admitted.
He is one of eight coaches and one of four big clubs to have stayed with a club for at least 25 years. Adding his 170 wins to the playoffs, his total is 1,505, 93 more than anyone else.
His road had many detours. He played for the US Air Force Academy, was not selected for the 1972 Olympic team and then ended up as a coach.
He would probably be happy to run a Division III program throughout his career. Eventually, he got the call from the NBA. In time, Popovic would have relied on great players such as David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili.
“Everyone knows about the incredible work he has done and all his accomplishments,” longtime coach Larry Brown said last year. What I want is for more people to get to know the type of person they are. »
Brown played an important role in Popovic’s journey. Popovich initially coached the NCAA Division III Pomona-Pitzer. Within the division, the California institution had lost 88 games in a row before hiring Popovic. He won a championship in 1985-86, the first for Pomona-Pitcher in 70 years.
Popovic then asked for permission, saying he needed to learn more about basketball. He spent a month in North Carolina, absorbing the teachings of Dean Smith. He then supported Brown in Kansas by reuniting an instructor he met through ties as a student at the Air Force Academy.
Popovic admitted that he wondered what would have happened if Smith and Brown had not spread him.
“It applies to everyone, does it not? “Every life is the sum of our experiences, ‘what would happen in this case,’ ‘what would happen in another case,'” Popovic said. I am no different from the others. »
After the weekend, Popovic, true to his word, returned to Pomona-Pitzer. When Brown called the team to Kansas for a game next season, the Jahocks won 94-38. A year later, Brown called again. He had left Kansas to coach the Spurs and wanted Popovic next to him.
Popovic remained in San Antonio until 1992, when Brown and all his aides were fired. Popovic took a deputy position at Golden State, working for Nelson. That had a price.
“He emptied my wallet every round of golf,” Popovic recalls. He knew he was better than me. »
After two seasons with Nelson, the Spurs reinstated Popovic as vice president of basketball operations. That was in 1994. In 1996, he fired Bob Hill and was appointed Spurs coach. He has not moved since.
“Those two years have been wonderful,” Popovic said of his time with Nelson. At the basketball level, the most important thing I took away was that he was a master at understanding the rules and knowing how to take advantage of the opponent’s weaknesses, depending on your staff. He was very creative in the attack. He really liked it. »
A bit like Popovic is described today. At 73 he teaches a youth team and builds new things, always in a spirit of innovation.
“Think of a way to win and they used it,” said Heat coach Erik Spoelstra.
Together with Popovic, they crossed swords in the NBA Finals in 2013 and 2014. The Spurs triumphed for the second time, giving Popovic his fifth title. Since then, it is a great praise when one talks about the other.
“At the basketball level, he is arguably the best coach of all time,” said Spoelstra. But it was the human side that really affected everyone. »
The coaches of the Olympic program could witness famous dinners where everything is discussed except basketball, often around wonderful wines. Popovic considered becoming a spy (he studied Soviet at the Air Force Academy) before deciding to dedicate his life to basketball.
“He has an incredible sense of humor,” said Celtics Jayson Tatum. Fans watch the post-match interviews, but it does not reflect who they are. I like spending time with him. »
Red Auerbach was the most successful coach for almost half a century. Lenny Wilkens passed him in January 1995 and reigned until April 2010, when Popovic was 15th. Soon, the first place will belong to him.
