Gregg Popovich Went From A First Season Of Struggles In 1996 To Hall Of Fame Coach
Today's NBA fan knows San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich as only a winner.
It wasn't always that way.
Before Popovich is inducted into the Hall of Fame Saturday, it should be noted he had a difficult first season in San Antonio in 1996. He took over 18 games into the season for Bob Hill, who was fired.
Popovich won just 17 that season, missing the playoffs. The following year the Spurs were 56-26 before winning their first title in the strike-shortened season in 1999.
The Spurs then became arguably the league's most dominant franchise for the next 15 years, capturing four more titles. Popovich led his teams to winning records in his first 22 seasons, topping the 60-win mark six times.
The Spurs have hit hard times after missing the postseason the past four years. The good news is they landed the No. 1 pick in last June's draft. They used it to take French phenom Victor Wembanyama, who is considered the best prospect since LeBron James in 2003.
The Spurs drafted Tim Duncan the last time they had the No. 1 pick in 1997. We all know how that worked out. With Popovich signing a five-year, $80-million deal this summer, he has no plans of leaving the game any time soon.
In fact, he joked Friday by saying "money, money, money" is the reason he sticks around.
“I buy cars, clothes, look at me, houses, you know," Popovich said. "I'm out there.”
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